Chair of Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Biointerface Engineering

The research group is dedicated to the targeted functionalisation and characterisation of natural biopolymers such as chitosan, lignin, hyaluronan and collagen. The aim is to systematically understand structure-property relationships on a molecular and mesoscopic level and make them controllable, for example by analysing degrees of polymerisation, functional group patterns and ageing, sterilisation and degradation mechanisms.

The focus is on hybrid scaffold and matrix systems for tissue regeneration. Based on artificial extracellular matrices (aEZM), combined with mineral components such as hydroxyapatite or silicates, biological microenvironments are created that enable targeted cell differentiation, antibacterial functionality and the organisation of multicellular tissue. In addition, self-healing and bioresponsive material concepts are being researched that have reversible bonds or metastable states and adaptively adjust to external stimuli.

The work forms the scientific basis for the development of intelligent hybrid materials and is closely interlinked with the application-oriented research activities of the Department of BiomaterialsExternal link at iba HeiligenstadtExternal link, where the second part of the professorship's research activities take place. Joint infrastructure, regular cross-location formats and collaborative projects create a sustainable research axis that combines excellent basic research with translational material development.