Technical University of Munich
Associate Professorship of Supramolecular Chemistry (Prof. Boekhoven)
Lichtenbergstr. 4
85748 Garching b. München
To answer these fundamental questions, we believe we must first synthesize life.
In the Boekhoven lab, we use experiment and theory to build life from the bottom up. Our goal is to create synthetic cells that compete with each other for resources and undergo Darwinian evolution.
We design and synthesize molecules like lipids, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids to self-assemble into synthetic cells. We add chemical reagents to form complex mixtures in which synthetic cells compete for scarce resources. We ensure the synthetic cells can replicate and mutate. This replication and selection pressure, combined with mutations, are critical ingredients that will lead us to life from the bottom up… Life as we do not know it (yet). (research overview)
Nature Communications
Abstract: Synthetic cells emulate fundamental biological behaviors, like growth, metabolism, and mobility, but have lacked genotype-driven selection, which is essential for Darwinian evolution. Here, we…
Biomacromolecules
Abstract: Molecular self-assembly creates complex structures through noncovalent interactions. Synthetic fuel-driven systems mimic biology, yet the effects of subtle design changes, particularly hydrophobic…
STAR Protocols
Abstract: Complex coacervate droplets are synthetic cell models that sequester nucleic acids. Here, we present a protocol for the recovery and deep sequencing of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) from metabolically…
Chem
Abstract: The central dogma of molecular biology describes how genotype affects phenotype through the transfer of information from DNA to RNA to proteins and thus influences the cell’s traits. Reciprocally, the…
Chem
Abstract: The synthesis of life from non-living matter has captivated and divided scientists for centuries. This bold goal aims at unraveling the fundamental principles of life and leveraging its unique…
Chem
Abstract: The de novo synthesis of life from non-living matter represents a bold scientific challenge, advancing our understanding of life's minimal requirements and offering revolutionary applications in…
Nature Communications
Abstract: Oscillations in the formation and dissolution of molecular assemblies inside living cells are pivotal in orchestrating various cellular functions and processes. However, designing such rhythmic…
ChemSystemsChem
Abstract: RNA is an information-carrying molecule that instructs protein synthesis, but it also functions as a catalyst in so-called ribozymes. Here, we study this multifunctional character using a dynamic…
ChemSystemsChem
Abstract: Regulating the formation and dissolution of active complex coacervate droplets with chemical reactions offers a powerful synthetic cell model. Such active droplets are also helpful in understanding…
Angewandte Chemie - International Edition
Abstract: Despite advances in creating dissipative materials with transient properties, such as hydrogels and active droplets, their application remains confined to temporal changes in structural properties.…
| Title | Dates | Duration | Type | Lecturer (assistant) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group meeting Supramolecular Chemistry Group |
|
2 | SE | |
| Literature Discussion Supramolecular Materials |
|
1 | SE | |
| Reactivity of Organic Compounds (CH0862) |
|
3 | VO | |
| Reactivity of Organic Compounds (for Chemical Engineers), Exercises (CH0862) |
|
1 | UE |
J. Boekhoven [L]
|
| Research Internship with Focus on Chemical Aspects (CH0510) |
|
8 | FO |
| Title | Dates | Duration | Type | Lecturer (assistant) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group meeting Supramolecular Chemistry Group |
|
2 | SE | |
| Literature Discussion Supramolecular Materials |
|
1 | SE | |
| Research Internship with Focus on Chemical Aspects (CH0510) |
|
8 | FO | |
| Supramolecular Chemistry (CH3216) |
|
3 | VI |