We are researching innovative cancer therapeutics based on Cancer Biophysics. Our substances are derived from natural human defense peptides and demonstrate efficacy against various types of cancer, including hard-to-treat tumors such as glioblastomas and malignant melanomas.
Our specially designed peptides target lipids that are exclusively present on the surface of cancer cells, enabling them to act selectively and precisely against these cells. In model systems and cell cultures, we optimize these therapeutics and study their mechanisms of action, such as the induction of apoptosis or necrosis.
To investigate the differences between healthy and neoplastic cells, as well as the interaction of peptides with (cancer) membranes, we employ various biophysical methods, including:
- Fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy
- Dynamic light scattering
- Calorimetry
- Lipid analytics
For future systemic applications, we enhance selected peptides by integrating them into nanoparticles or fusing them with carrier proteins.
Using realistic 3D tumor models, we evaluate the effectiveness of our peptides with precision and resource efficiency. Additionally, through collaborations with research groups utilizing organoid tumor models, we minimize the use of animal testing.
Our research has already led to an international patent application for a novel class of antitumor peptides ("Peptides for treatment of cancer").