Research Group Herrmann
The work of the Herrmann group deals with bioorganic hybrid structures and genetically engineered biomacromolecules for various medical and technological applications. In particular, we pioneered two classes of materials, i.e. DNA-polymer conjugates and supercharged polypeptides. These materials are fabricated by integrating tools from organic- and polymer chemistry as well as from molecular biology. For evolving complex functions and interactive material properties, the accurate assembly of different building blocks into well-defined nanoscopic aggregates is an important requirement. For their characterization various nanotechnology tools like scanning force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence-based techniques are utilized. Finally, the interactions of the assemblies with living matter are explored, e.g. in the context of advanced drug delivery vehicles reacting to external stimuli like ultrasound. Other applications are diagnostic and nano-bio-electronic devices, genetic circuits or the bottom-up construction of proto-cells.