Physical Chemistry, Nanochemistry, and Business Chemistry

We have developed a new class of nanostructures, so called silicone nanofilaments (SNFs). Based on these findings we develop new nanostructures, e.g. silicone nanotubes.

Based on the silicone nanostructures structures we have developed we are applying SNFs to various surfaces to create superhydrphobicity and superoleophobicity.

After developing the Supercritical Angle Fluorescence (SAF-) Microscopy we extended this principle to 3D-SAF resulting in a superresolution microscopic technique. The method is able to resolve the distance of molecules and particles from a surface down to a few nanometers.

a-synuclein is the key protein involved in Parkinson Disease (PD). The aggregation of this protein in the brain leads to destruction of brain components. We investigate the process of aggregation in particular at lipid bilayers, i.e. a model for cellular membranes to shed light on the molecular process of aggregation and the interaction of the aggregates with cell membranes.

The value of curiosity driven research, i.e. research without a (economic) goal in mind is persistently under discussion. We investigate research projects to learn how they deliver –beside the cultural and general knowledge aspects- deliver economic return.

The knowledge about research is one side of the medal of innovation. In this project we try to connect current results from natural science with demand from different stakeholders in the market, e.g. industry and end consumers.

Virtual Companies are known to be a challenge for executives. However, applying this concept to research and development organizations has some attractive advantages. We try to develop these concepts further beyond the first steps which have been made in particular in pharmaceutical development.