Welcome to the Lauster Group. We are an interdisciplinary team and perform research in the field of Biopharmaceuticals. Our interests are mainly peptides derived from viral receptors, antibodies and in particular from lung mucins for biomedical applications. Such biomimetic peptides are identified from screening procedures and rational design, acting as reducing agents for novel mucolytic therapies, and antiviral decoy structures against respiratory viruses. In addition, we explore protein self-assemblies and detection methods for biothiols. For functional analyzes, we apply a wide range of biophysical and physicochemical techniques, such as microscale thermophoresis (MST), interferometric scattering microscopy (iSCAM), cyclic voltammetry and cone-and-plate rheology. For enhanced binding affinity and site-specific targeting of certain lung regions, the design and formulation of peptide-nanoparticle conjugates as inhalable therapeutics are under investigation. 

Image Credit: Cosmin St. Butnarasu