Institute of Synthetic Bioarchitectures

The Institute of Synthetic Bioarchitectures develops, characterizes and applies biologically inspired functional systems at the interface of synthetic biology, membrane protein biochemistry, nanomaterials and environmental sciences.

Cell membranes and membrane-associated structures are among the most fascinating architectures of life. They define the boundaries between the inside and outside of cells, enable compartmentalization and provide the basis for essential biological processes such as signal transduction, transport and molecular recognition. Proteins, lipids and carbohydrates act as functional building blocks within these complex biological systems.

Our research focuses on structure–function relationships in biological and bioinspired systems. A particular emphasis is placed on membrane proteins of high biomedical and pharmaceutical relevance. We integrate these proteins into suitable model environments, such as artificial and biomimetic membranes, in order to stabilize them and investigate their function, dynamics and interactions using advanced biophysical and microscopic methods.

In addition, we design and study bioarchitectures based on nanomaterials that mimic, stabilize or translate biological functions into technological applications. These approaches combine concepts from biology, chemistry, materials science, biophysics and engineering. Our goal is to create robust, well-defined and application-oriented systems that are relevant for fundamental research as well as for biomedical, pharmaceutical and environmental applications.

Environmental toxicology represents a further key research area of the institute. We investigate how natural and synthetic materials, particles and pollutants interact with biological systems. This contributes to a better understanding of the potential risks of emerging materials and technologies and supports the development of sustainable, safe and circular solutions.

Within BOKU University, the institute is closely connected to the fields of waste management and circular economy as well as to the Institute of Safety and Risk Sciences. These collaborations strengthen our interdisciplinary approach to sustainability, technology assessment, material evaluation and biological safety.

Our mission is to understand biological principles, reconstruct them in defined systems and translate them into innovative applications. In doing so, we combine molecular precision with systems-oriented thinking: from membrane proteins and nanostructures to living cells, environmental effects and sustainable technologies.