At the Biomolecular Systems and Design Lab, we focus on understanding and engineering the dynamic behavior of biomolecules in complex environments. Our research sits at the interface of biophysical and computational chemistry, where we integrate experimental techniques and theoretical models to reveal the fundamental principles of biomolecular interactions and self-assembly. This molecular-level insight is crucial for advancing the design of bionanomaterials.

In our group, we aim to delve deeper into genetic regulation in eukaryotes and understand the molecular function of transcription factors. For this, we work on the eukaryotic model organism S. cerevisiae and combine cutting-edge experimental techniques, like CRIPSR-Cas9 gene editing and Next-Generation-Sequencing, with computational data analysis.

Our group performs theoretical calculations and computational simulations including method development on a variety of molecular systems. Some of the processes like the transport of ions can be described using classical dynamics while others like the transport of electrons and excitation energies heavily rely on quantum mechanics. We use multi-scale approaches to better understand quantum effects in larger molecular complexes.

The Kuhnert group investigates the chemical compounds in our daily diet and their links to potential health effects. We have laid a particular focus on dietary plants rich in polyphenols (coffee, black tea, cocoa, red wine). To carry out this complex task, we mainly rely on modern mass spectrometrical techniques combined with the powerful potential of big data chemometrics and bioinformatics. 

We are developing chemical methods for transport of biomolecules through the lipid bilayer which have already found applications in pharmaceutical drug discovery and drug delivery, exemplified by his most recent discovery of a new class of membrane carriers (Nature 2022, 603, 637). Talented students can engage in a broad scope of projects ranging from organic synthesis and spectroscopic measurements to biochemical assays and cell biological studies. 

In our group, we engineer the metabolism of yeast (mainly S. cerevisiae) for the sustainable production of industrial compounds. This includes broadening the feedstock spectrum to compounds that can be derived from CO2 and optimising pathways for the production of platform chemicals. We mainly work with cloning and genome-editing tools as well as cultivation in flasks and small-scale bioreactors.

In our biocatalysis research, we try to replace chemical processes but we also try to answer the question whether it is economically viable and, importantly, whether our reaction is better for the environment. Two current projects are the optimization of a cell-free protein synthesis system and the enhancement of multienzyme cascades by integrating laboratory data into a machine-learning algorithm. 

We investigate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I proteins to understand pathological and immunological processes. This research offers insight into how to manipulate MHC molecules to prevent and treat viral and tumour diseases. Our main methods are laser confocal fluorescence microscopy, cell biological protein transport experiments, biochemical in vitro assays of intracellular transport processes, and biophysical assays with purified proteins.

In our group, we focus on the discovery and development of new potent and safe antimicrobials. More specifically, we employ chemical synthesis in order to improve pharmacological properties of natural compounds as well as to obtain antibiotics active towards resistant bacterial or fungal strains. 

Microbiologist Matthias Ullrich investigates the cellular and molecular interactions of photosynthetic eukaryotes and heterotrophic prokaryotes. We use metabolomics and proteomics as well as genetic tools to find out how those organisms interact.