Forschung Gottfried Schatz Forschungszentrum

Research focus: Precision medicine

PI: Ruth Prassl

Focus: The Nanomedicine Lab is focusing on the design and structural characterization of nanoparticles as natural or biomimetic nanocarriers for biological molecules and new drugs. The main focus of our research is on molecular assemblies of lipids and proteins to target specific cell types, tissues or biological barriers. The aims are addressed through a combination of innovative technologies in nanoparticle synthesis, structural biology and nanometrology. 

Network: The Nanomedicine Research Team is nationally and internationally very well connected through short- and long term cooperation projects. Representative examples are scientific collaborations with partners at large scale infrastructure facilities like ILL, France and Synchrotrone Trieste, Italy, but also close industrial relationships as translational settings. We are members in EU projects and in international networks. Close cooperation across Graz Universities and between Graz research groups are very well established. Internal collaboration involves the Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology (Gerd Leitinger) and research groups from Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.

Projects

LOGOS-TBI: Light-controlled organic semiconductor 3D-structure implants for improved regeneration after traumatic brain injury

  • We explore a fundamentally new concept to improve functional recovery after brain injuries. Nanostructured organic implants contain a photoactive layer that converts light pulses into surface charging. Thus, light-stimulation can trigger action potentials in attached neurons. This approach aims to promote neuronal networking, improve connectivity and enhance regeneration of injured brain tissue. The study interconnects the expertise of various disciplines and facilities: structural biology and nanomedicine, biophysics, electrical engineering, neuroscience and experimental neurotraumatology.
  • Duration: 2019-2023
  • Funded by: FWF Zukunftskolleg
  • Project partners: Karin Kornmueller (Biophysics, GSRC, Med Uni Graz), Muammer Ücal (Research Unit for Experimental Neurotraumatology, Med Uni Graz), Susanne Scherübel-Posch (Biophysics, GSRC, Med Uni Graz), Theresa Rienmüller (TUG)

 

NanoPAT

  • Research and production of nanosized objects demand sophisticated nanometrology for continuous characterization, sensing and process monitoring. The NanoPAT Horizon 2020 EU-project (www.nanopat.eu) further develops real-time nano characterization technologies based on the proprietary new OptoFluidic Force Induction (OF2i®) principle. This in-house developed nano-characterization technology provides continuous sizing, concentration and distribution data as online applicable sensor which is currently in translation and industrialization through the founded Med Uni Graz spin-off BRAVE Analytics GmbH www.braveanalytics.eu.
  • Duration: 2020-2024
  • Funded by: EU (Horizon 2020)
  • Project partners: Christian Hill (Biophysics, GSRC, Med Uni Graz), European Consortium

NANO2CLINICS: Cancer Nanomedicine – from Bench to Bedside

  • Nanomedicine is a rapidly emerging field that aims to provide new concepts for therapy and diagnostics. NANO2CLINICS (https://www.nano2clinic.eu/) is devoted to the development of nanosystems carrying anticancer drugs from their initial design, pre-clinical testing of efficacy, pharmacokinetics and toxicity to the preparation of detailed protocols needed for the first phase of their clinical studies. We are involved in the physicochemical characterization of nanoparticle delivery systems and quality control methods.
  • Duration: 2018-2022
  • Funded by: EU (COST)
  • Project partners: European Consortium

Division of Biophysics

Assoz.-Prof.in Univ.-Doz.in Dr.in
Ruth Prassl  
T: +43 316 385 71695