Proteins are key building blocks of biogenic materials. In addition to purely protein-based materials, a wide range of different composite materials are formed in Nature, where proteins mediate specific interactions with other organic molecules or mineral surfaces. In all cases, the thermodynamic, kinetic and mechanical stability of protein-protein or protein-surface interactions crucially determines material assembly, structure and function. From a mechanical point of view, function includes structural stability as well as mechanosensing, actuation and self-healing.

In our research, we identify natural protein-based material building blocks, characterize their structure-function-mechanics relationships, engineer their molecular properties and ultimately utilize them for the synthesis of 2D and 3D mechanoresponsive materials and interfaces. With this approach, we aim at a better understanding of mechanical processes in biology while developing new strategies for measuring and utilizing molecular forces in biomedical and material science contexts.

For a complete overview of our JKU research output, visit the research documentation page FoDok.

For research outputs before joining JKU, visit
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