Lectures and Teaching

We always have open topics for Bachelor and Master Theses, Internships and Research Projects. Below you can find current topics. If you are interested to work on another topic with us, please reach out to us and give us a brief overview on your field of interest.

Master Thesis: Synthesis of Magnetic Nanotubes

The Biointerfaces Labs (Prof. Dr. Danijela Gregurec) is offering a Master Thesis in the field of synthesis of magnetic nanomaterials. Anisotropic geometries in magnetic nanostructures have been described by our group (Gregurec et al., 2021) with properties highly desirable for application in mechanical neuromodulation. Spindle or tube shape like nanoparticles represent promising candidates, as their rotation can be induced through external magnetic field stress, while still presenting a favorable shape for biological applications. The thesis will focus on the optimization of a hydrothermal reaction for the synthesis of nanotubes and nanospindles. The candidate will characterize the material and is expected to obtain a sound knowledge of crystal phase identification (QualX software, cell parameters calculations, Gaussian/Lorentzian fitting, etc.), magnetization curve analysis, and hands-on experience in sample preparation as well as basic TEM operation. The ideal candidate should have background in chemical synthesis and/or material science and a genuine interest in protocol development in material production, as well as an open-minded mentality, to work in a highly international and interdisciplinary team. This master thesis is integrated into a multidisciplinary project developing novel approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, funded by the European Union’s European Innovation Council HORIZON-EIC-PATHFINDER program.

Master thesis: Calcium imaging for assessing magnetoelectric nanoparticle actuation on neurons

The Biointerfaces Lab (Prof. Dr. Danijela Gregurec) is offering a Master Thesis project in the field of nanotechnology and neuro-stimulation. The project aims to demonstrate the functionality of magnetoelectric nanoparticles in vitro. Experiments will be performed using fluorescence microscopy techniques to track calcium flux during induced cellular stimulation. The candidate will acquire comprehensive understanding on magnetoelectric materials and ion channel activation, hands on experience in primary cell cultures of hippocampal neurons as well as a direct handling of a fluorescence microscope and image processing. Ideally the MSc candidate should have a background in cultivation of cells and previous experience on microscopy (optical or fluorescent), as well as an open-minded mentality, to work in a highly international and interdisciplinary team. This master thesis is integrated into a multidisciplinary project developing novel approaches for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, funded by the European Union’s European Innovation Council HORIZON-EIC-PATHFINDER program.

If you are interested in working with us, don’t hesitate to reach out to join Biointerfaces lab as student assistant (HiWi) as well as for thesis work and practicals.

Contact us: contact-biointerfaces@fau.de

Current and concluded theses at Biointerfaces Lab

Neurotech: Physics and Chemistry of Neuromodulation Technologies (offered in SS at DCP)

The course is offered to Chemistry and Mol Science MSc students at DCP and will also be offered to the TechFak BSc student of Artificial Intelligence from Winter semester 23/24.

This course seeks to build a foundation of material properties as principles underlying electrical, optical, and magnetic approaches to neural stimulation. Main objective is to introduce students to the interdisciplinary fields involved in development of nanomaterials used for control of cellular signaling in neurobiological systems. Course will start with general introduction to the fundamentals of action potentials and neuronal signaling mediated by ion channels within the nervous system. We will discuss invasive and noninvasive approaches and material requirements to match the biophysical properties of the nervous tissue. Course will then introduce organic and inorganic micro- and nanomaterials for optical, electrical, and magnetic neuromodulation schemes. We will discuss their physical properties, synthetic and engineering approaches considering characteristics that influence signal quality and longevity in the tissues. We will highlight remote technologies conducted by magnetic nanomaterials. Students will be exposed to recent publications that emphasize key advances in the field and learn how various chemical, biological, and engineering concepts and advances are used in synergy to develop state‐of‐the‐art neurotech methods.

Cell Culture Practical (offered in WS)

This practical is offered to Pharmacy and Food Chemistry BSc students under the Praktikum angewandte Biochemie, molekulare Physiologie und Chemosensorik course.

Students learn basics of cell culturing including seeding, maintaining, and splitting cells in sterile environment. Students have opportunity to use different concentration of potential pharmaceutic/food component on the cells and evaluate toxic impact by standard bioavailability assays.

Sensory Sciences Lab (offered in WS)

 Project seminar is offered to Master students Psychology, Medicine and Molecular Sciences.

The field of Sensory Sciences investigates how animals and humans sense, neurally process and perceive their environment. This research-oriented interdisciplinary course provides important concepts, theories, and methods of the Sensory Sciences to advanced students from three disciplines (Psychology, Medicine and Chemistry – Molecular Science). These topics comprise human auditory, visual and olfactory perception, chemocommunication, psychophysics, neuroimaging, molecular sensory receptors and technologies for neuromodulation (among others). The students apply these concepts in interdisciplinary teams (4-5 students each) to develop, conduct and analyse their own small research project. While engaging in an interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange, students can share and deepen their discipline-specific perspectives and competencies as well as learn about concepts and methods from other disciplines.

Prof Gregurec gives lectures and hands-on teaching in ion channels as molecular basis of sensing. Students have opportunity to learn about the main modulatory proteins in the nervous system that respond to extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli. They work with in vitro multisensory neuronal systems and apply ion channel specific chemostimulation detected by fluorescence microscopy imaging techniques.

Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces by Prof. Dr. Julien Bachmann (offered in WS)

In the course Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces, Prof. Gregurec teaches students on application of nanomaterials to function as modulators or sensors of neuronal activity, including leverage of their physico chemical properties for their applicability as well as surface chemistry required for stability, biocompatibility, and specific targeting. The short 4-hour course if offered at the end of semester when students have had extensive lectures on basics of nanomaterials properties.

Metallic nanoparticles in medicine by Prof. Dr. Carola Kyrschi (offered in SS)

Within the course “Metallic nanoparticels in medicine”, Prof Gregurec teaches on origin of magnetism, magnetic ordering and domains in magnetic nanoparticles, mechanism of conversion of magnetic fields to hyperthermia and to magnetic moment. Applications of hyperthermia and moments in theranostics and therapeutics such as in cancer and neurobiological systems.

1. M.G. Panthani from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA. Electronics and Photonics based on 2D Group IV Nanomaterials; 04. September 2014
2. N. Kent from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, USA. The Physics of Alternating Magnetic Field Nanotransducers; 22. July 2024
3. E. Yildiz from Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart, Germany. A novel micro robotic-based neurostimulation method; 22. November 2023
4. F. Hamdan from University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapies by Stimulating Multiple Immune populations; 04. October 2023
5. S.B. Nizami from University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. Focused ultrasound mediated delivery of magnetic nanoparticles to the brain; 17. July 2023
6. S. Moya from CIC biomaGUNE, San Sebastian, Spain. Biological fate studies of hybrid nanocarries for drug delivery: biodistribution, degradation and surface interactions in biological environments; 29. March 2022
   
7. A. Pralle from University at Buffalo SUNY Buffalo, NY, USA. Magento-neuromodulation to decipher choice place-preference in mice – engineering details behind the technique; 05. August 2021