TJ
Torsten John
Constructor University, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Leipzig University, Monash University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Research areas: Materials Science · Biomaterials · Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials · Alzheimer's disease research and treatments · Research, Science, and Academia
0000-0001-6059-5964
About
I lead the Biomolecular Systems and Design Lab at Constructor University in Bremen, where we investigate how peptide sequences encode self-assembly pathways at biological and synthetic interfaces. Combining biophysical experiments with molecular dynamics simulations, we establish mechanistic principles governing amyloid(-like) fibril formation, membrane activity, and nano-interface interactions, enabling the rational design of next-generation peptide-based materials.
Employment
-
Constructor University Assistant Professor of Physical Chemistry2024 - Present
-
Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Postdoctoral Researcher2023 - 2024
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Postdoctoral Researcher2020 - 2023
-
Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM) Postdoctoral Researcher2020 - 2020
-
Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM) Graduate Research Assistant2015 - 2020
-
The University of Queensland Summer Research Fellow2014 - 2015
-
Monash University Visiting Research Fellow (multiple research visits (20 months total))2013 - 2018
-
RMIT University Visiting Research Fellow2012 - 2012
Education
-
Universität Leipzig Dr. rer. nat.2015 - 2020
-
Monash University Exchange Student (Bachelor of Honours)2013 - 2013
-
Universität Leipzig Master of Science2012 - 2015
-
Universität Leipzig Bachelor of Science2009 - 2012
Projects & Funding
-
Self-Assembly of DNA- and Peptide-Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical and Computing Applications: Design, Modelling and Experimental Characterization / Feodor Lynen Return Fellowship Alexander von Humboldt Foundation2023 - 2024
-
Multiscale modelling of the self-assembly of DNA-based 2D and 3D nanomaterials / Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung2021 - 2022
-
Amyloid peptide aggregation at membranes / Endeavour Research Fellowship Australian Government Department of Education and Training2018 - 2018
-
Amyloid peptides near biologically relevant interfaces / Ph.D. Fellowship Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung2016 - 2019
-
Modelling the nucleation and growth of amyloid fibrils / Research Fellowship University of Queensland2014 - 2015
-
New aminoglycoside agents as antiviral drugs / ISAP Fellowship German Academic Exchange Service2013 - 2013
-
Study Scholarship Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung2012 - 2015
-
Understanding and developing nanoporous Pt catalysts for fuel cells / RISE worldwide Fellowship German Academic Exchange Service2012 - 2012
-
Investigation of the adsorption of peptides on inorganic surfaces / Research Fellowship DFG Graduate school BuildMoNa, Leipzig University2012 - 2013
Publications (45)
- Co‐Assemblies Regulate the Catalytic Activity of Peptide Fibrils Save
- Ko‐Assemblierungen regulieren die katalytische Aktivität von Peptidfibrillen Save
- Functionalizing Nucleic Acids: Synthesis and Purification Strategies for Bioconjugates as Biomaterials Save
- Design of the Hydrophobic Core of Self‐Assembling Peptide Fibrils for Enhanced Neural Regeneration Save
- Self‐Assembly of Amphiphilic Polyphenylene Dendrimers with Different Surface Functionalization in Solvent/Non‐Solvent Mixtures Save
- Design of the Hydrophobic Core of Self-Assembling EF-C Peptide Fibrils for Enhanced Neural Regeneration Save
- Towards a Sustainable Future: Challenges and Opportunities for Early‐Career Chemists Save
- Towards a Sustainable Future: Challenges and Opportunities for Early‐Career Chemists Save
- Hybrid Materials From Peptide Nanofibrils and Magnetic Beads to Concentrate and Isolate Virus Particles Save
- Sculpting photoproducts with DNA origami Save
- Molecular Insights into the Dynamics of Amyloid Fibril Growth: Elongation and Lateral Assembly of GNNQQNY Protofibrils Save
- Data for publication "Molecular Insights into the Dynamics of Amyloid Fibril Growth: Elongation and Lateral Assembly of GNNQQNY Protofibrils" Save
- Data from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of gold surfaces related to publication "Impact of nanoparticles on amyloid peptide and protein aggregation: a review with a focus on gold nanoparticles" Save
- Building on a Broad Global Professional Network Save
- Iridium(iii)-based minor groove binding complexes as DNA photocleavage agents Save
- Engaging Early‐Career Scientists in Global Policy‐Making Save
- Engaging Early‐Career Scientists in Global Policy‐Making Save
- Peptide Self‐Assembly into Amyloid Fibrils at Hard and Soft Interfaces—From Corona Formation to Membrane Activity Save
- Data for publication "Lipid oxidation controls peptide self-assembly near membranes through a surface attraction mechanism" Save
- Lipid oxidation controls peptide self-assembly near membranes through a surface attraction mechanism Save