Thomas Gutsmann

Thomas Gutsmann is a group leader in the Biophysics group at the Research Center Borstel, part of the Leibniz-Unit Biophysics at the University of Lübeck. His primary research focuses on lipid membranes, their interactions with peptides/proteins, and the biophysical mechanisms underlying pathogen-host interactions, particularly in intracellular bacteria. He earned his doctoral degree at Research Center Borstel and completed postdoctoral work at the University of California, Santa Barbara before habilitating in Biophysics at the University of Kiel in 2006.

His research combines membrane reconstitution techniques with advanced biophysical methods, including synchrotron radiation (e.g., at DESY), to study molecular mechanisms in infectious diseases. Recent projects include elucidating survival strategies of intracellular pathogens and developing antimicrobial therapies. His team’s work bridges biophysics and biomedical applications, aiming to translate fundamental discoveries into new therapeutic approaches.

Key projects under his leadership include Project 3 of the SPP 2332 PoP initiative, focusing on cytoadherence of Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes and membrane-active peptide design. His lab collaborates widely, employing cutting-edge analytical tools to address critical questions in infection biology and drug delivery.