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Adhesion control of biological cells on surfaces
Formation of complex surface architectures
Core Competences
Preparation of surfaces with tailor-made properties
Our general research interests focus on the development of new methods for the precise control of the surface properties of materials by deposition of thin and ultrathin polymer films (i.e. film thickness of the order of molecular dimensions). In order to provide a good long-term stability of these interfacial architectures it is frequently desirable to chemically link the polymer molecules that form the layer to the underlying substrate. Several novel strategies in that direction were developed to accommodate specific issues connected to the tailoring of surface properties. In many cases the immobilized molecules carry further groups which can be subsequently modified to provide desired surface functionalities. Using this approach it is for example possible to attach biomolecules such as DNA or proteins to surfaces e.g. for biosensor applications.
Topological and chemical microstructuring of surfaces
Two- and threedimensional patterns of surface-attached polymer monolayers and networks are achieved by using photolithographic processes, micro-contact printing and ink-jet printing.
Characterization of materials with surface analytical methodes
Our surface analytical facilities include Surface Plasmon and Optical Waveguide Spectrometers and Microscopes, Video Imaging Systems, Ellipsometers, X-ray Reflectometry, FTIR, a Quartz Microbalance and an Atomic Force Microscope. A detailed description of our scientific instrumentation can be found here.