Prof. Dr. Thorsten Hugel

Single molecule methods are essential for a thorough understanding of complex biological processes. They allow real time observation of molecular machines at work and their specific manipulation. Results of such experiments yield new insights into problems from fundamental physics at the nano-scale to the development of new drugs.

The multidisciplinarity of our research requires close collaborations with colleagues in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, medicine, biotechnology and physics. The results of the following projects are particularly relevant for:

  • Mechanism of Molecular Machines and their control (e.g. with drugs)
  • Understanding of signalling in biological systems
  • Protein folding and misfolding (e.g. hydrophobic effect, amyloid formation)
  • Biocompatibility of materials and coatings
  • Stimuli responsive biomaterials
  • Fundamental physics at the nano-scale at low Reynolds numbers

Latest Publications


Frank Stetter, Thorsten Hugel (2013)
The nanomechanical properties of Lipid Membranes are significantly influenced by the presence of Ethanol
Biophysical Journal, in press


S. Dodoo, B. N. Balzer, T. Hugel, A. Laschewsky, R.v. Klitzing (2013)
Effect of ionic strength and layer number on swelling of polyelectrolyte multilayers in water vapour
Soft Materials, 11:2, 157-164


N. Schwierz, D. Horinek, S. Liese, T. Pirzer, B. Balzer, T. Hugel, R. Netz (2012)
On the relationship between peptide adsorption resistance and surface contact angle: A combined experimental and simulation single-molecule study
JACS, 134, 19628 (2012)




Research Areas

Hsp90 Structure and Kinetics
Protein Import
Biomedical Physics
Adhesion Mechanics