Welcome to the Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems – Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS)
IBCS-Functional Molecular Systems is an interdisciplinary institute combining fundamental research in Biology and Chemistry.
Our aim is to improve our understanding of biological processes (e.g. cellular communication or disease progression) using advanced materials and chemical processes.
We focus on developing new smart materials, miniaturized high content screening methods as well as design of novel biomedical tools for the treatment of diseases.
Specific Focuses of IBCS-FMS:
Biology: Cell adhesion molecules, Wnt signaling
Chemistry: Combinatorial chemistry, surface chemistry, polymer chemistry
Technology Transfer at IBCS-FMS:
Several aspects of our research at IBCS-FMS have been transferred into Start-Ups:
[10.12.2024]
"The whole environment is just really inspiring to be part of."
Prof. Danielle Skropeta, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Wollongong, Australia, spent two months in 2024 as an International Excellence Fellow at KIT. During her stay, she focused on developing new cancer drugs that are less toxic, more effective, and specifically target metastasis — a major cause of cancer-related deaths.
In this interview, Prof. Skropeta and her host, Prof. Véronique Orian-Rousseau from the Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems (IBCS) at KIT, discuss their collaboration, the interdisciplinary nature of their research, and their vision for future joint projects.
[05.11.2024]
Our latest project, ATHENS, has secured an ERC Synergy Grant of 14 million € for six years, dedicated to advancing hybrid material systems for high-performance optoelectronic communication.
Led by the PIs Prof. Christian Koos (KIT), Prof. Stefan Bräse (KIT), Prof. Tobias Kippenberg (EPFL), and Prof. Carsten Ronning (FSUJ), ATHENS aims to significantly improve the efficiency and capabilities of communication systems.
Further information here:
https://www.athens.kit.edu/
[23.07.2024]
The Bräse group won the ChemCup 2024!
[23.07.2024]
Prof. Siegfried Waldvogel is a new honorary professor in the Faculty of Chemistry and Biosciences.
[28.06.2024]
Professor R. Barillon, vice president of the University of Strasbourg and a french delegation at KIT on the 27.06.2024
Participating Platforms:
ChemASAP, KARA/Flute, TLK-KATRIN, 3ROCKIT-KITHealthTech - BATEC/HEMF, Presentation of coRTecS to Professor Hirth and Platform members of the KIT
What a fantastic and fruitful day!
[14.06.2024]
KIT researchers and industrial partners develop a process for printing patient-specific cornea - project wins NEULAND innovation competition.
[22.04.2024]
Congratulations to Dr. Steffen Sonnentag (Group Orian-Rousseau) who won a Poster Price at the BioChem Conference 2024 Strasbourg, France
Project: Plasticity of colorectal cancer cells
[29.11.2023]
2 million tons (yearly) of non-recyclable superabsorbers (diapers) may no longer end up in landfills or incinerators. We report a rapid UV-based recycling method for sodium polyacrylate hydrogels, accelerating the degradation time by 200x. No chemicals, just water and UV! The product of pampers degradation is soluble sodium polyacrylate with numerous applications - from eco-friendly dyes to pressure-sensitive adhesives. This simple new approach is fast, scalable, and green, promising a sustainable future for these polymers. Read the full article here.
[29.11.2023]
Prof. Levkin discusses about our recent development of UV-based method for the degradation and recycling of diapers (superabsorbers) on Programm BR24: Click for audio file
[14.11.2023]
Prof. Levkin participates in the World Laureate Forum (WLF) in Shanghai (https://2023.wlaforum.com/en), which brings together about 200 scientists from all over the world including many recipients of prestigious awards, such as the Nobel Prize, the Turing Award, the Wolf Prize, the Breakthrough Prize, the Fields Medal, etc. The WLF is committed to "promote basic science, advocate for international cooperation, and support the development of youth".
[07.11.2023]
Project “Targeting Colorectal Cancer Plasticity in Organoids through Adeno-associated Virus (AAV) technology”
Partners: Group Orian-Rousseau (Steffen Sonnentag) - KIT / Dirk Grimm - University Heidelberg
Shortly before his 80th birthday, Dr. Wolfgang Runge passed away on 18.10.2023. With him, the Institute of Organic Chemistry loses one of its supporters and esteemed colleagues. Mr. Runge put his heart and soul into entrepreneurship and passionately implemented with us for years one of the most successful formats at the newly founded Karlsruhe Institute of Technology on technical and chemical entrepreneurship (KIT - Technology Entrepreneurship - Instructor(s)). His large network contributed to the fact that new and established company founders and experts were able to present themselves at KIT and to discuss intensively with students. We miss him and mourn with his family.
Prof. Stefan Bräse
[28.09.2023]
Andy Cato's research group has developed novel inhibitors for advanced prostate and breast cancers that are resistant to conventional hormone deprivation therapies.
[26.06.2023]
3D Bioprinting of Personalized Bio Heart Valves Explained in Brief | NEULAND Innovation Competition 2023
Youtube link
Biology meets chemistry: Interdisciplinary research on 5 800 square meters. The new building was officially opened on October 29, 2020.
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