Our Members
More than 25 companies and institutions have joined forces in the Future Cluster nanodiag BW to rapidly bring epigenetic research using nanopore technology into practical application. These are our members.
Our Innovation
in Nanopore Research
The Future Cluster Nanodiag BW connects multidisciplinary actors from universities, research institutions, and companies. Our expertise spans from basic natural sciences and materials science to nanotechnology, microelectronics, microfluidic analytics, and clinical medicine.
The innovation network is open to collaborations and the involvement of new participants!
Actome GmbH develops assay kits and software based on its proprietary Protein Interaction Coupling (PICO) technology. In the “Interactome Profiler” project, Actome is developing innovative PICO reference assays for the quantitative analysis of post-translational modifications (PTM) and protein-protein interactions (PPI).
Actome acts as technology supplier and commercialiser.
AIXTRON will work on the scientific aspects and the special requirements of epitaxy (in this case Metal-Organic Chemical Vapour Deposition [MOCVD]) of sophisticated transition metal based structures (TMD) for applications in nanopore technology for molecular diagnostics.
AMO contributes expertise in the transfer and nanostructuring of 2D materials, in particular graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). We and adapt the related manufacturing techniques and other fabrication processes for the application in a solid-state nanoporeanalyzer
With its expertise in machine learning and sequence data analysis, Computomics will contribute to the identification of biomarkers and implement and provide a resource that can visualise the genomic, epigenomic, transcriptional and phenotypic patient data and the correlations between these data. This will serve all collaborative partners and the public for interactive further research and interpretation of the generated data and their visualisation for possible publications.
With its expertise in machine learning and sequence data analysis, Computomics will contribute to the identification of biomarkers and implement and provide a resource that can visualise the genomic, epigenomic, transcriptional and phenotypic patient data and the correlations between these data. This will serve all collaborative partners and the public for interactive further research and interpretation of the generated data and their visualisation for possible publications.
Eurofins Genomics will contribute to assay development of basic microfluidic operations, as well as the development and validation of an automated high-throughput reference workflow for very small sample volumes.
The Fraunhofer Institute is working on analysing MD data (ab-initio interactions between peptides and pore surfaces). The IWM also creates multiscale models for signal prediction.
The work of Prof Schiller’s group focuses on the development and (bio)synthesis of complex molecular systems for adaptive membrane. These systems enable the selective reconstitution and sensitive analysis of biological nanopores.
The manyfold contributions of Hahn-Schickard cover work on solid state nanopores, CMOS based signal amplification, nanopore functionalisation, assay development, and microfluidic automation . as well as innovation support, public relations, and cluster management.
The ILM is investigating the fabrication of laser-induced solid-state nanopores. After analyzing the requirements, the process will be established and further developed with the help of a modular confocal microscope setup to be implemented. The characterized solid-state nanoporeswill then be made available to the project partners.
Ionera’s work focuses on the realisation of an experimental environment for the characterisation of biomimetic membranes and on the realisation of a chip functional model for the automated reconstitution of individual biological nanopores. In addition, Ionera is working on the modification of solid-state nanopores, particularly with regard to wettability. It includes the design of a measuring cartridge and integration of high-performance redox electrodes.
Based on mass spectrometry technology, Moleqlar Analytics has been analysing post-translational modifications of proteins since 2018. The company actively contributes this expertise together with further developments in the field of automated sample preparation and the application area of epigenetics.
Based on mass spectrometry technology, Moleqlar Analytics has been analysing post-translational modifications of proteins since 2018. The company actively contributes this expertise together with further developments in the field of automated sample preparation and the application area of epigenetics.
The Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics is an interdisciplinary research institution that conducts basic research in two key areas of modern biology: Immunobiology and Epigenetics. Central questions address the molecular basis of cell type identities, as they are regulated during immune cell differentiation, metabolic response and epigenetic chromatin adaptation.
As a project partner, its Proteomics Core Facility is developing affinity methods to provide peptides with specific sequence variations or modifications. These methods aim to isolate individual peptides or peptide families from highly complex biological and clinical samples, making them accessible for bionanopore analysis. At the same time, the established technologies offer the potential to be applied in the future in the field of clinical LC-MS-based proteomics as well as single-cell proteomics.
Nanion develops and produces analysis systems for ion channels and biological nanopores. Microstructured chip substrates are used for electrophysiological measurements. AlsoNanion contributes expertise with regard to electrical measurement technology for nanopores and will also contribute to the fluidic and electrical integration of nanopores in diagnostic systems.
Nanotemper Technologies develops technologies and workflows for the screening of aerolysin mutants. These mutants, as well as their biophysical and biochemical properties, are characterised by NanoTemper using advanced biophysical instruments.
Jannik Meyer and his team will explore the targeted insertion of nanopores into 2D materials and other membrane materials and investigate the structure of the membranes and pores using atomic-resolution electron microscopy. Characterization of nanopores’ structure and chemistry at the atomic scale uses (S)TEM, EDX, and EELS. *
Peter Jones and his colleagues fabricate solid-state nanopores using focused electron or ion beams and integrates them in arrays with microfluidics and electrodes. Their work focuses on increasing scalability of solid-state nanopore sensors while improving signal-to-noise at high bandwidths, using parallelization and integration.
* (S)TEM: (Scanning)Transmission Electron Microscopy, EDX: Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), EELS: Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS)”.
Q-Bios develops DNA polymerases, enzymes and reaction conditions for isothermal detection reactions under high-salt conditions in the context of nanopore analysis.
The group of Prof. Fyta simulates nanopore materials and the detection of DNA and proteins with these and uses Machine Learning algorithms for processing nanopore signals and develop read-out protocols.
Sciomics uses the antibody microarray platform “scioDiscover” to investigate around 1,300 biomedically highly relevant proteins. For the identification of post-translational protein modifications in the context of non-invasive diagnostics Sciomics extends the analytical possibilities by a highly parallel screening of modifications such as methylation and acetylation and thereby contributes a world-leading multiplex platform for an antibody-based search for protein biomarker candidates.
Signatope contributes immunoaffinity mass spectrometry for protein quantification, the generation of affinity reagents drawing on a library of more than 400 antibodies, and the development and validation of assays.
SIGNATOPE develops mass spectrometry- and antibody-based assays for the quantification of protein biomarkers, utilising a library of more than 400 antibodies. The company has extensive expertise in antibody generation as well as in assay development and validation. This know-how is applied in a targeted manner, particularly in the fields of sample preparation and epigenetics.
In the second implementation phase, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum enhances its ongoing market and technology monitoring by systematically capturing “unmet needs” across key end‑user groups, ensuring that innovations are consistently aligned with clinical and practical relevance and further developed with a clear route to the market. In addition, it supports a qualitative and quantitative needs and impact assessment for the cluster’s self‑evaluation, enabling structured tracking of progress and impact and sharpening priorities on an evidence‑based basis.
Temicon is developing new manufacturing methods for picoliter well arrays and uses the resulting microfluidic chips to explore electrical contacting of the novel well arrays.
Trenzyme will develop production processes from gene to protein for various demanding targets in different expression systems to support the project partners with high-quality engineered protein material and to ensure the long-term supply after successful completion of the project.
The group of Prof. Behrends works on membrane physioloy & technology using e.g.electrophysiology, fluorescence spectroscopy, site-directed mutagenesis, and protein purification.
The group of Prof. Einsle works on biochemistry using e.g. protein biochemistry & crystallisation, X-ray diffractometry, cryo-electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and calorimetry.
The group of Prof. Krossing works on complex and molecular chemistry, providing weakly coordinating anions adjustable in size as “molecular rulers” for the determination of pore sizes.
The group of Prof. Reiter works on experimental polymer chemistry using e.g. optical microscopy, AFM, STM, Langmuir-Trouth, ellipsometry, angular X-ray diffraction, UV/VIS spectrometry, and differential calorimety.
The group of Prof. Zengerle works on applications of MEMS using e.g. micro/nano dispensing, volumetrics, 3D-printing, and simulation-based microfluidic designs.
The group of Prof. Backofen works on bioinformatics, using e.g. deep sequencing, biopolymer structure prediction & visualisation, and machine learming.
The group of Prof. Holm develops machine learning methods that enable peptides – in particular post-translational modifications – to be distinguished from one another in a mixture based on their blockade current signals.
Using molecular dynamics simulation techniques, the translocation process of the peptide within a biological nanopore will be modelled at the atomistic level, allowing interactions between the peptide and the pore to be investigated in greater detail. For this purpose, a multiscale model is being developed jointly with Prof. Walter (Freiburg).
In addition, Project 2 will focus on simulating current signals at nanogap electrodes within nanopores. This work will combine molecular dynamics simulations with quantum mechanical models. The aim is to investigate and gain a deeper understanding of practice-relevant questions in redox analytics at nanogap electrodes. Machine learning methods will also be applied in this part of the project to improve readout accuracy.
The University Clinic Freiburg contributes a wide range of clinical expertise especially in the fields of medical epigenetics and oncology, e.g. clinically-relevant tasks, patient samples collection tissue, cells, blood, processing of clinical samples – and last but not least, the direct contact to patients.
The group of Prof. Becker contributes their expertise on T-cells: The work aims to use recently developed innovative analytical methods to identify novel epigenetic biomarkers for precision oncology and establish them as part of personalized medicine in the long term.
The group of Prof. Schüle contributes their expertise on epigenetics, especially KMT9 monomethylates H4K12 and control proliferation of prostate cancer cells. This will allow for in vitro assays for the analysis of cancer-relevant histone H4 methylation by KTM 9 (H4K12).
The group of Prof. Schilling contributes their expertise on proteomics, especially translational proteomics (system integration for the analysis of histone modifications in biological samples).
