Project Details
Projekt
GRK 1035: Biointerface - Detection and Control of Interface-induced Biomolecular and Cellular Functions
Subject Area
Biological Chemistry and Food Chemistry
Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
Medicine
Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
Medicine
Term
from 2004 to 2013
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 374794
Knowledge about surface structure effects on differentiated cell growth at the implant interface is still limited in the development of biomedical implants. Therefore the intention of this Research Training Group is to develop nano- and micro-structured, biofunctional material surfaces, in order to control the molecular mechanisms of cell adhesion and three-dimensional tissue growth. Furthermore, the study of intelligent material surfaces will provide new insights into the development of biosensors, biochips and non-fouling surfaces.
The main hypothesis of the Research Training Group is that a micro- and nano-structured surface can serve as a functional interface between cell and materia, i.e. the interaction between molecular and nano functional units (for instance in the cell membrane), that are of central importance for the regulation of biological cells, can be used for both, the detection and controlling of biological mechanisms. Development of such functional and smart interfaces can, however, only be accomplished based on detailed studies of the biological structures and functions in "in vitro" as well as "in vivo" experiments. Another requirement are highly sensitive "in vitro" and "in vivo" physical detection methods which do not interfere with the cellular function or, on the opposite, can be used to manipulate cellular mechanisms.
An important integrating element of the programme is the application of new methods for the detection of biomolecular and cellular functions and changes of the interface characteristics. Within the first six months of the running Research Training Group 13 graduate positions have been given to excellent applicants. Furthermore four positions for collegiates could be filled.
The main goal of the study programme is to encourage the transdisciplinary specialisation of graduate students during their thesis work through individual learning programmes and to expand it by means of the interdisciplinary knowledge transfer. An interdisciplinary lecture course including guest scientists will develop the physical/biological methods and material knowledge of the participants. In order to encourage new initiatives and direct collaborations of the PhD students themselves, the students will independantly organise a seminar series where they present and mutually discuss their current results.
The main hypothesis of the Research Training Group is that a micro- and nano-structured surface can serve as a functional interface between cell and materia, i.e. the interaction between molecular and nano functional units (for instance in the cell membrane), that are of central importance for the regulation of biological cells, can be used for both, the detection and controlling of biological mechanisms. Development of such functional and smart interfaces can, however, only be accomplished based on detailed studies of the biological structures and functions in "in vitro" as well as "in vivo" experiments. Another requirement are highly sensitive "in vitro" and "in vivo" physical detection methods which do not interfere with the cellular function or, on the opposite, can be used to manipulate cellular mechanisms.
An important integrating element of the programme is the application of new methods for the detection of biomolecular and cellular functions and changes of the interface characteristics. Within the first six months of the running Research Training Group 13 graduate positions have been given to excellent applicants. Furthermore four positions for collegiates could be filled.
The main goal of the study programme is to encourage the transdisciplinary specialisation of graduate students during their thesis work through individual learning programmes and to expand it by means of the interdisciplinary knowledge transfer. An interdisciplinary lecture course including guest scientists will develop the physical/biological methods and material knowledge of the participants. In order to encourage new initiatives and direct collaborations of the PhD students themselves, the students will independantly organise a seminar series where they present and mutually discuss their current results.
DFG Programme
Research Training Groups
International Connection
Belgium, Netherlands
Applicant Institution
Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
Spokesperson
Professor Dr. Martin Möller
Participating Researchers
Professor Dr. Stefan Barth; Professor Dr. Lothar Elling; Professor Dr. Wilhelm Jahnen-Dechent; Professorin Dr. Doris Klee; Professor Dr. Wilfried Mokwa; Professor Dr. Gerhard Müller-Newen; Professor Dr. Andreas Offenhäusser; Professor Dr. Gero von Plessen; Professor Dr. Ulrich Simon; Professorin Dr. Alma Zernecke-Madsen
Cooperation Partners
Professorin Dr. Christine Jerome; Professor Dr. Leo Koole
