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Research Topics |
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Detailed Description of the Institute |
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Research Topics
Polymer dispersions, polyelectrolytes, amphiphilic block- and graft copolymers, colloid structures and -analytics (Antonietti)
Hierarchical structure and mechanical adaptation of biological materials, biomimetic materials and biotemplating, structure and quality of bone material at osteoporosis and other bone diseases, application of synchrotron radiation and neutron scattering in material science
(Fratzl)
Interfaces and membranes, charged polymers and colloids, biological physics (Lipowsky)
Fluid interfaces, macromolecules at solid interfaces, thin films, microcapsules, wetting, methods development (Möhwald)
Glycochemistry and glycobiology, vaccine development, fundamental mechanisms of infection diseases (e.g. Malaria), microreactors in organic synthesis, glycoimmunology, description of new types of colloids (Seeberger)
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Detailed Description of the Institute
Colloid and interface research is concerned with structures at the nano and micrometer level, i.e., structures that are much larger than atoms, yet are considerably smaller than the macroscopic objects that can be directly perceived. This mesoscopic in-between region was long considered to be a world of neglected dimensions. Today we know that these structures occupy a multi-level sphere that is made of very complex structures.
The mesoscopic region can be approached in two ways: from the familiar macroscopic world, submerged into increasingly smaller dimensions. In this manner, a macroscopic crystal can be broken down into ever-smaller crystals possessing an ever-greater surface area. It is the method used in producing dispersion colloids such as those employed in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
The second approach leads from small molecules to increasingly larger formations. This is the manner in which polymers, for instance, can be built up from various monomers. It is also possible to combine easily soluble monomers with those that avoid contact with the solvent. These amphiphile molecules spontaneously form larger supramolecular structures such as micelles or vesicles.
The most complicated colloids and interfaces are found in naturally living organisms, where water functions as the universal solvent. Every cell possesses a large number of macromolecules made of hydrophilic (water soluble) and hydrophobic (water insoluble) monomers. These molecules are organized into flexible membranes and rigid filaments, which determine cell organization.
Colloids and interfaces play a decisive role in both the living and inert natural world. Colloid and interface research forms an interdisciplinary field of research that includes physics, chemistry, and biology. An important aspect of basic research in this field is the explanation of general conformity to natural law, which lies at the basis of structure formation and the self-organization of these systems.
Current research focuses on nanostructures in amphiphilic systems, biomimetic mineralization, biocompatible materials, polyelectrolyte multilayers, the use of structured surfaces, and the self-organization of membranes. The institute also has established research in the areas of biocolloids and biomimetic systems (such as polymer protein hybrids, the recognition of surfaces, and molecular motors).
There also has been established a new department "Biomolecular Systems", which studies molecules on the surface of human cells. Carbohydrates are essential for information processing in cells and therefore play an important part there. New, automated methods for the synthesis of carbohydrates were developed and the role of cell surfaces and with this for infections, immune responses and formation of metastases were examined. This basic research is resulting in the development of vaccine candidates against infectious diseases.
The Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces is actively engaged in academic teaching and education. The education of scientists has been successful at all levels of their career. Annually about 25 thesis are completed, and we have on average 2-3 calls per year on tenured professor positions in Germany or abroad.
In order to support and enhance its activities on biomimetic systems, and to improve the training of young researchers in this emerging field, the MPIKG has created the International Max-Planck Research School on Biomimetic Systems, complemented by a Marie-Curie Early Stage Training Network. The school is supported by the Max Planck Society and the State of Brandenburg. The program lasts three years, can take on up to 20 students every year and leads to a doctor's degree in physics, chemistry or biology.
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© 2012, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam |
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