We develop tools, devices and interfaces functioning at the nanoscale and apply these both to understand events in biological systems at the molecular level as well as give insight into novel materials for sensors and materials performance in biological environments.

The research in the group develops and applies nanostructured materials and sensors at interfaces and dispersed in solution as a route to quantitatively study questions in life science (e.g. protein nanopatterns to study cellular adhesion and mechanotransduction at the nanoscale, dynamic protein coronas in nanoparticle toxicity). Or to study materials physics in the form of, e.g. plasmonic coupling in and between metallic nanostructures, thermal transfer active materials.

The engineering routes and insight gained into interfacial interactions allow us to develop new concepts in sensors (conformationally active biosensors and ultrasensitive bio/chemical sensors based on plasmonics) and surfaces (cell/ protein activating/deactivating materials and nanoparticles). Our main expertise lies in integrating and applying multiple characterization tools at nanoscale interfaces to answer well-posed scientific questions and provide technical solutions within fields where biointerfaces are critical.

Innovation-directed projects focus on the development of functional materials (biomaterials, optically active materials, heat transfer materials) and sensors (bio- and chemical sensors for medical and food application areas).