Werner E.G. Müller

Werner E.G. Müller serves as a Full Professor leading the Applied Molecular Biology research group within the Faculty of Medicine. His interdisciplinary work bridges molecular biology, biomineralization, and regenerative medicine, with significant contributions to understanding polyphosphate metabolism and its medical applications. Funded by multiple European Research Council grants and EU Horizon 2020 projects, his research spans from fundamental biochemical mechanisms to clinical translation.

His research focuses on biomineralization processes, demonstrating enzymatic synthesis of silica and calcium-based biomaterials through proteins like silicatein and alkaline phosphatase. Key discoveries include polyphosphate's dual role as both phosphate source and extracellular energy donor in tissue regeneration. His team pioneered polyphosphate-based biomaterials for bone/cartilage repair, wound healing, and 3D bioprinting, with several materials advancing to clinical trials. Recent work explores polyphosphate's antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2 through ACE2 receptor blockade and mucin induction.

• ERC Advanced Grant (BIOSILICA): Fundamental research on biosilica formation
• Three ERC Proof-of-Concept Grants: Translating discoveries into medical applications
• EU Horizon 2020 Project (InnovaConcrete): Developing self-healing cements
• German-Chinese Collaboration: Chronic wound healing materials

His laboratory collaborates extensively with University Medical Center clinics, particularly dermatology, and has developed polyphosphate-based wound dressings now used clinically for chronic wounds. Current work focuses on 3D-bioprinted constructs using polyphosphate-alginate bioinks that provide metabolic energy for cell proliferation and differentiation.