Back
Peter Koch
Contact
T
+49 241 80-23161
Room
B1.51
Show the email
PhD student

Peter Koch, M.Sc.

Peter Koch’s research focuses on the synthesis and functionalization of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL)-based microgels via precipitation polymerization. Neutral, ionic, and zwitterionic microgels are synthesized by incorporating functional comonomers in order to tailor their chemical functionality and physicochemical properties for specific applications as debondable adhesion promoters and coacervate-based adhesive systems. Another research focus is the loading of microgels with proteins, small biomolecules, or nanoparticles to develop functional microgel systems for biomedical applications. In anti-ice projects, protein-loaded microgels are investigated to protect encapsulated proteins from freeze-induced damage, while separate cell-based studies evaluate the potential of microgels to improve cell survival during cryopreservation. Future research will focus on the development of bio-based microgels as sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic systems, with the aim of expanding their applications in adhesive technologies and biomedical fields.

Research Areas

  • Synthesis and characterization of functional neutral, ionic, and zwitterionic microgels 
  • Surface coating of various metals with microgels as well as loading of microgels with proteins, biomolecules, and nanoparticles 
  • Investigation of microgels for adhesion promotion and cryoprotection, including their application in advanced material systems and biomedical applications 

Bachelor’s Theses and Research Projects (SYN, MES, Free)

I am continuously offering exciting topics for bachelor’s theses and research internships. If you are interested, please send me a short email directly.

Currently, projects are available in the following areas:

  • Microgel synthesis and characterization for variation of composition 
  • Investigation of applications as adhesion promoters and analysis of debonding behavior under different conditions 
  • Loading and, if applicable, release studies 
  • Synthesis of new monomers and crosslinkers

Peter Koch is part of the RG Pich.