Research Interests – AK Schiller
Our research aims to introduce novel ways in drug formulation and delivery based on designable intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). We develop novel bio-based excipients with unique properties focusing on the design of amphiphilic proteins, derived from partial sequences of human matrix proteins, especially elastin-like proteins (ELPs). They are based on small pentapeptide repeats enabling an ideal adjustability of their physicochemical and biological properties as well as their biotechnological production. Hence, our interdisciplinary team of Pharmacists, Biologists, Biochemists, Chemists and other natural sciences uses a large variety of tools and methods to access these novel biomacromolecules and to use them in drug formulation and tissue engineering. The methods used comprise molecular and synthetic biological approaches to design, clone, express, purify and analyze the designed proteins, as well as their biotechnological production. Physicochemical techniques and supramolecular chemistry approaches are used to create a variety of supramolecular architectures such as vesicles and nanoparticles (NPs) used to formulate API’s and to investigate the properties of the formed vesicles, nanoparticles and gels. The field of application focuses on pharmaceutical applications in drug delivery and medical applications.
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