Enhanced protein synthesis by synchronous yeast cells
Topic: Yeast cells (Pichia pastoris) are fractionated by magnetic particles according to their individual cell age. Moreover, the cells will bey synchronized in their cell cycle to study effects on protein synthesis.
PI: Sebastian Schwaminger
Project duration: 2024-2027
Funded by: FWF
Projectpartners: Anita Emmerstorfer Augustin (TU Graz), Tobias Madl (MedChem), Ellen Heitzer (Liquid Biopsy)
Magnetic Stone
Topic: Magnetic particles are used for the residue-free extraction of kidney stones. The goal of this project is to develop a method which allows for efficient kidney stone removal. Both, the magnetic devices as well as the particles for the extraction will be developed.
PI: Sebastian Schwaminger
Project duration: 2023-2025
Funded by: MeFo Graz
Projectpartners: Gerd Hörl (Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University Graz) and Dominik Rosenlechner (Urologie, LKH Graz)
Nanocarriers for the Selective Treatment of HER2+ Breast Cancer
Topic: In this study, HER2+ receptors, a marker for HER2+ breast cancer cells, are isolated using nanodiscs. Through special polymers, a molecular imprint of these receptors is created to develop synthetic antibodies. These antibodies are designed to specifically recognize the surface of breast cancer cells, allowing the drug to be delivered directly to the affected cells.
PI: Marco Eigenfeld
Project duration: 2025-2026
Funded by: MeFo Graz
Projectpartner: Sandro Keller (University of Graz)
Advances in Sepsis Detection: Magnetic Enrichment for Earlier Diagnosis
Topic: Currently, sepsis-relevant pathogens cannot be efficiently detected. Therefore, this project uses phage-binding proteins in combination with magnetic nanoparticles to increase the concentration of pathogens, thereby lowering the detection limit of PCR for earlier diagnosis.
PI: Marco Eigenfeld
Project duration: 2025-2026
Funded by: German Research Foundation
Projectpartners: Karl Dichtl (Microbiology, Medical University Graz), Sandro Keller (University of Graz), Peter Braun (Fraunhofer ITMP-IIP, Penzberg)
Rejuvenated yeasts for better biorefineries
Topic:
PI: Sebastian Schwaminger
Project duration: 2025-2026
Funded by: FFG – COMET
Projectpartners: Axel Schwarzmayr (Lesaffre Austria), Yves Gosselin (Fermentis), Eduardo Liza-Dias (Fermentis)
Integrative approach to tissue healing: A bioactive magnetic patch with hyperthermia and immobilized human serum albumin
Topic:
PI: Marco Eigenfeld
Project duration: 2025-2026
Funded by: WTZ Bosnia&Herzegovina
Projectpartner: Aida Smajlovic (University of Tuzla)
Targeted TRAIL delivery via HER2-specific M13 bacteriophage for breast cancer therapy
Topic: This project aims to develop an innovative platform for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Using genetically modified M13 bacteriophages that display HER2-specific ligands and carry the apoptosis-inducing TRAIL molecule, the goal is to enable precise, low-toxicity cancer treatment. Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles are also used to improve stability, enable controlled release, and support future imaging applications.
PI: Marco Eigenfeld
Project duration: 2026-2027
Funded by: ASEA-UniNet and BMFWF
Projectpartner: Peraphan Pothacharoen (Chiang Mai University)