Hendrik Vondracek

The goal of my research project is the characterization and exploitation of nanobodies developed for the discrimination of closely related protein isoforms. This characterization is performed using both AFM and electrochemical measurements in the NanoInnovation Lab of Dr. Loredana Casalis (Elettra Sincrotrone S.C.p.A., Trieste).

I obtained both M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the Department of Physics at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany.

The main focus of my M.Sc. research project was nuclear and hadron physics, more specifically the development of electronics for the determination of the spin of nuclei at low temperatures. For my subsequent Ph.D. project, I immersed in Physical Chemistry.

In the group of Prof. Dr. Martina Havenith (Physical Chemistry II, Cluster of Excellence RESOLV), I studied the impact of the Tanford transition on the hydration properties of beta-lactoglobulin and the change of water and aqueous osmolyte solutions under extreme conditions (high pressure) using THz absorption spectroscopy. I could gain experience in working with biochemical samples at the limit of spectroscopic viabilities as well as the integration and characterization of advanced measurement cells (Diamond Anvil Cells).

Since September 2018, I am working in the field of electrochemical biosensors. In particular, I develop and characterize sensors based on DNA directed immobilization of targets on gold electrodes.

Full CV

Link to my ResearchGate profile