Research

Our research group focusses on the design and synthesis of new polymer-based functional materials with application in 4D printing. Although a considerable amount of progress has been made in the field of 3D printing, most of techniques employed are limited to the fabrication of static objects. Incorporation of ‘life’ into the created 3D objects, also known as 4D printing, is essential for real-world applications. The additional dimension (time) refers to the ability of a 3D printed object to change its properties, such as shape or functionality, over time in a controlled fashion. To achieve this goal, our strategy relies on the development of novel adaptive printable materials, which are able to response to external stimuli on demand. In particular, we employ 3D printing techniques using light such as two-photon 3D laser printing and stereolithography.

We combine research on the physics and chemistry at small scales with micro- and nano-systems engineering to develop new active systems that move, sense and learn. Our group has broad interests in the interaction of optical, magnetic and ultrasound fields with matter at small length scales. We have observed a number of fundamental effects and are developing new experimental techniques and instruments.

Our research program focuses on innovative device concepts for, amongst others, energy harvesting, data storage and actuation. Together with collaboration partners we develop, investigate and model the novel molecular materials and device architectures that are needed to bring these concepts to live.

We are an interdisciplinary group working at the interface of materials science and life science. Our academic backgrounds range from biotechnology and chemistry to materials science and medical engineering. Furthermore, nearly every project combines disciplines to approach longstanding scientific problems with novel and innovative perspectives. In addition, together we represent over 10 countries spanning the globe!

The primary scientific goal of the Spatz group is to develop technologies, based on physics, chemistry and materials science, for unraveling fundamental problems in cellular science, as well as to construct life-like materials. In this context, we aim for a fundamental understanding of (i) specific topics related to the pathophysiology of cells and cell cohorts by analyzing and manipulating cells on the nanoscale; (ii) how to bottom-up assemble synthetic cell functions and materials, (iii) the role of growth factors in cellular mechanobiology, and (iv) the role of polysaccharides of the extracellular matrix in regulating cell fate.
Our focus at IMSEAM is on the development of synthetic cell compartments and specifically tuned synthetic cell environments. All these projects benefit from the highly interdisciplinary nature of the department and the MPI for Medical Research, where the group is located.