Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems

Biohybrid Materials

Biohybrid Materials Group (BiHy) does research at the interface of chemistry, physics and biochemistry. Our long term aim is to integrate biological and synthetic building blocks in a designed manner to combine the versatility of synthetic materials and highly controlled assembly properties of biomolecules. The group is led by Prof. Mauri Kostiainen.
CCMV AuNP lattice

Biohybrid materials research group is young (established in 2013) and dynamic. Our research focuses on biohybrid materials, which allow the best features of synthetic and biological material types to be combined. We use advanced nanoparticle, organic and polymer synthesis methods to prepare synthetic building blocks, which are self-assembled mainly in biocompatible aqueous environment with biomacromolecules (DNA, proteins, viruses, cellulose, lignin). Our group utilizes high-end characterisation techniques: atomic force microscopy, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering to study the systems.

The research topics include for example (please see research for further details):

  • Protein cages
  • Structural DNA nanotechnology
  • Dendrimers, dendrons and their bioconjugates
  • Heparin binders
  • Lignin nanoparticles

The group is well-connected nationally as well as internationally. We collaborate extensively with international research groups and have memberships in prestigious national networks e.g.:

Academy of Finland Centre of Excellence in Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER, 2022-2029)

Academy of Finland Centre of Excellence in Molecular Engineering of Biosynthetic Hybrid Materials (HYBER, 2014-2019)

Biocentrum Helsinki (2014-2016)

BiHy_dali_wide

Open Positions at BiHy:

If you are interested in joining the BiHy team, see further information here

Information about BiHy

BiHy Research Themes

Research Group of Biohybrid Materials

lignin coated stainless steel

BiHy Publications

Publications

Cover images Biohybrid Materials

People at BiHy

BiHy People

BiHy Group Oct 2018

Teaching

Teaching

Flyer 2

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Professor Mauri Kostiainen receives Consortium Project funding from the Academy of Finland

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Straightforward and modular coating strategy can bring programmed DNA origami-based drug-delivery vehicles and nanodevices closer to clinical applications.

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Assembly of nanoparticles proceeds like a zipper

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Zipper-like assembly of nanocomposite leads to superlattice wires that are characterized by a well-defined periodic internal structure. Image Dr. Nonappa and Ville Liljeström.

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WCC Special Recognition granted to Professor Mauri Kostiainen

Professor Mauri Kostiainen was granted the WCC Special Recognition today 17 November.

Mauri Kostiainen
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