The Group

We are engaged in developing a new generation of analytical instruments and methods based on microfluidic platforms.

Microfluidics is nowadays a powerful technology and provides a huge toolbox for (bio)analytical and diagnostic methods as well as for biochemical syntheses. Microfluidic platforms facilitate precise handling and positioning of cells, creating of chemically defined liquid environments, and tailoring mechanical or physical conditions. In the recent years, we have developed several microfluidic platforms for single cell analysis, applicable in the fields of single cell proteomics and metabolomics. Combinations of cell trapping and encapsulation in microchambers accommodating volumes of tens to hundreds of picoliters facilitate the analysis of living cells and the chemical analysis of cell lysates. Moreover, we integrate these techniques with immunological methods, which allowed the quantification of proteins and other biomolecules with unprecedented high sensitivity.

These microdevices are also highly useful for analysis of liposomes, which we create in order to elucidate processes at the membrane. We address questions of membrane permeability, membrane fusion, and membrane properties under mechanical stress.

Group photo 2022 Dittrich group
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