Our research interests
The group´s interests lie at the interface of supramolecular chemistry and biological systems. The focus is to understand structure and dynamics at the molecular level and to correlate them with its function using advanced techniques. This will provide insights to create lifelike materials with active, adaptive and autonomous features. Moreover, supramolecular materials have been promising candidates in various applications and these insights will facilitate enhancement of material performance.
Supramolecular polymers are composed of monomeric units linked by dynamic, directional, and reversible non-covalent interactions, resulting in modular chemical, physical, and functional properties. Over the decades, supramolecular chemistry has hence become a Lego for chemists. It facilitates the precise synthesis of multicomponent structures with controlled shape, dimension, and functionality through the careful design of building blocks. Because of their reversible and dynamic behavior, supramolecular materials can mimic the structural and functional features of nature. Thus, they are the leading candidates for advanced functional materials.
These are the current research themes in the lab:
1. Unravelling structure-dynamics-function relationship
2. Interaction of supramolecular materials with biological systems
3. Non-equilibrium spatiotemporal supramolecular polymerization
4. Small molecule coacervates to understand and advance life
