Welcome to the Chair of Complex Soft Matter at TUM.
We are a recently established research group in the Department of Life Science Engineering (LSE) of the TUM School of Life Sciences (SoLS). Our offices and laboratories are based on the TUM Weihenstephan Campus in Freising, Germany.
Key Research Themes
Our work is grounded in colloid and interface science, soft matter physics, and life science engineering. We investigate how nanoscale building blocks self-organize and interact, and how we can control these processes to engineer advanced materials with targeted functionality.
Bioinspired Colloid Science: We draw inspiration from biological systems to design colloidal building blocks that mimic protein-like behavior. These synthetic nanosystems are engineered for specific recognition, adaptive functionality, and controlled interactions.
Multiphase Emulsions and Gels: We study the emulsion and gelation behaviour of multiphase colloidal systems, including Pickering emulsions stabilised by particles. Our work explores how dispersed phases can be stabilised or destabilised to achieve desired texture, rheology, and long-term stability.
Phase Separation and Structure Formation: We investigate fundamental phase separation processes and structure formation across nano- to micrometre scales. This includes understanding how self-assembled patterns emerge and how to direct them to create hierarchical materials with tailored properties.
Structure Control for tailored Bio-Nano Interfaces and Materials: We control the assembly of nanoscale building blocks to create materials with defined physical, chemical, or biological functionality and ability to selectively interact with chemical and biological entities via molecular recognition.
Applications and Impact
Our research provides foundational knowledge and practical techniques for multiple application areas:
Food - protein assembly for material-driven meat replacements, flavor and nutrient encapsulation
Healthcare - drug delivery systems, diagnostics, and therapeutic drug monitoring
Environment – water purification, pollution remediation, and environmental sensing
Separation & filtration – membranes for bioprocessing and ion-selective transport
Surface technologies – optical coatings, adaptive and responsive surfaces
Sustainable materials – bioderived, bioinspired materials from renewable building blocks