Extracellular Biotechnology

In the Extracellular Biotechnology research group, expertise from tissue regeneration, ageing, vascular biology, and nanoparticle-based therapies comes together. The shared goal is to better understand the biological, cellular, and physical foundations of tissue healing across the lifespan – and to translate these insights into diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Tissue Regeneration and Ageing

As the body ages, its ability to regenerate organs and tissues declines significantly. The first signs of reduced resilience following traumatic injury can already be observed between the ages of 45 and 50. A key contributor to this decline is the accumulation of senescent cells, whose senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) promotes inflammation and inhibits the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

A central focus of the group is to investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) and differentially regulated proteins in senescent and stressed cells, and how these affect tissue regeneration and organ ageing. By analysing tissue models and studying extracellular vesicles (EVs), the team aims to identify novel senolytic targets and therapeutics that selectively combat cellular senescence and enhance regenerative capacity. Particular attention is given to the use of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived EVs as a platform technology to support the healing of bone, cartilage, skin, and neural tissue in both young and ageing organisms.

Vascular Biology

A functioning blood and lymphatic supply is fundamental to any form of tissue regeneration. Endothelial cells, which line the vascular system, are essential in this context: they not only regulate blood flow but also actively participate in processes such as angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels.

The group therefore also focuses on the role of endothelial cells in the formation and growth of blood and lymphatic vessels. This includes co-cultures of endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells, which are applied in tissue engineering to enhance the vascularisation of implanted tissues. In addition, the role of EVs and purinergic signalling pathways in angiogenesis is being explored.

The objective is to develop clinically applicable vascularisation strategies, with an emphasis on the characterisation and development of artificially engineered vascular structures, as well as the regeneration of existing blood and lymphatic vessels.

Nanoparticle-Based Therapies

In addition to biological research, the group pursues a strong technological focus: the development of methods for the quantitative analysis of biological systems at the nanoscale. This includes extensive experience in single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and 2D/3D nanolithography.

By precisely locating and measuring the dynamics of biomolecules, and by determining molecular interactions, the group seeks to gain deeper insight into molecular function in both model systems and living cells. Current research centres on the development of methods to characterise and understand the physical properties of individual cells, nanobioparticles, lipids, and proteins.

Another key aspect is the translation of these findings into new device technologies and imaging tools.