(English version below)
Auch im Wintersemester wird wieder eine Ringvorlesung mit spannenden Beiträgen von Professor*innen der Abteilung angeboten. Teilnehmen können alle (professoralen und promovierenden) Angehörigen der Abteilung. Bitte kontaktieren Sie die Koordination für die Zugangsdaten zur jeweiligen Videokonferenz.
Wir freuen uns auf eine rege Teilnahme, sowohl von Promovierenden als auch gerne von Professor*innen!
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In the winter semester, we offer once again a lecture series featuring exciting contributions from professors of the department. All members (professors and doctoral candidates) as well as associates of the department are welcome to participate. Please contact the coordination for the access details of the videoconference.
For English speaking participants: each contribution will have either the slides or the presentation in English.
We look forward to active participation, both from doctoral candidates and also from professors!
Prof. Dr. David Hochmann (FH Münster): Towards Individualized Orthotics and Prosthetics: Biomechatronic Applications for Assistive Technology
30. Oktober 2024, 12:00-13:30 Uhr
Additive technology (3D-printing) has the potential to revolutionize the way prosthetics and orthotics are designed and manufactured. However, there are still many challenges and knowledge gaps that need to be closed. Biomechatronic research can help in many ways - from standardized test procedures to characterize the products and integrated sensor technology to identify individual patient needs to numerical simulation and the use of AI. The presentation shows current developments in assistive technologies using examples of ongoing projects in the Laboratory for Biomechatronics at Münster University of Applied Sciences.
Prof. Dr. Jost Seibler (FH Aachen): Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen for identification of cellular factors affecting recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) production
20 November 2024, 10:00-11:30 Uhr
Recent advances in gene therapy have opened up new possibilities for treating and even curing diseases that were previously thought to be untreatable. Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors have emerged as leading vehicles for delivering genes in vivo, supported by multiple recent therapeutic approvals. While rAAV offers advantages such as low immune response and long-term gene expression, the current production systems face scalability challenges. To address this issue, we have developed a novel screening strategy to identify host genes that either promote or hinder rAAV production using a stable, plasmid- and helper virus-free rAAV suspension packaging cell line. Our approach involves a genome-wide Lenti-AAV-CRISPR plasmid library containing 68,563 unique sgRNAs. We packaged this library into lentiviral particles and transduced a human rAAV packaging cell line engineered for Cas9 expression. By analyzing rAAV produced by these cells using next-generation sequencing, we identified numerous sgRNAs associated with increased or decreased rAAV yields, indicating gene targets that influence production. To validate the method, we individually knocked out genes positively impacting rAAV production and integrated an AAV transfer vector into these cells to create stable production lines. This allowed us to test the potential of these genes in a robust and scalable production system. Our findings pave the way for optimizing rAAV production, with the identified sgRNAs provide additional promising targets for future research. Furthermore, our screening platform could be adapted for other cell lines and viral systems, extending its applicability beyond the AAV field.
Prof. Dr. Dr. Jens Kirchner (FH Dortmund): Superparamagnetic Iron-oxide Nanoparticles in Medicine: Magnetic Drug Targeting and Molecular Communication
12 Dezember 2024, 10:00-11:30 Uhr
Superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles are biocompatible, nanometer-sized particles with an iron-oxide core and a coating layer. Their unique magnetic properties and the possibility of surface functionalization enable a broad spectrum of medical applications. The talk will give an introduction to this topic and describe the use of the particles in Magnetic Drug Targeting for cancer treatment as well as in Molecular Communication.
Prof. Dr. Florian Wichern (HS Rhein-Waal): Nutrient flows at scales: From microbe to landscape
29. Januar 2025, 10:00-11:30 Uhr
Nutrient flows across scales, from microbial communities to entire landscapes, are essential in sustaining agricultural productivity and environmental health. Microbial processes in soil drive the cycling of key nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are crucial for microbial function and are governed by the stoichiometric balance of the microbial ionome. In our research we investigate nutrient cycling at the microbe, plant, farm, and regional scales, focusing on mechanisms of nutrient retention, release, and transfer across these scales. Soil microbial nutrient composition is analysed through fumigation-extraction methods, while plant nutrient levels are measured using elemental analysis. Regional nutrient flows are assessed with substance flow analysis in combination with participatory approaches, allowing a comprehensive view of nutrient pathways from soils to agricultural production systems and human consumption. In our research we quantify the nutrient reservoir of soil microbes, nutrient release and availability to plants, which subsequently release nutrients upon decay. Especially cover crops are an interesting component to increase nutrient use efficiency in cropping systems. However, excess fertilizer application in farming leads to nutrient losses and pollution, particularly nitrate leaching and phosphorus runoff into water bodies. At a regional level, nutrient flows extend from soils to plants, animals, and humans, with potential recycling through waste management, which requires evaluation before being recommend to farmers. Our multi-scale analysis approach emphasizes the critical role of balanced nutrient management and recycling practices in minimizing environmental impacts and supporting sustainable nutrient cycles across landscapes.
