Dr.-Ing. (PhD in Engineering)

My expertise is the detection and characterization of nano- and microparticles in food and biological matrices. This analytical knowledge is essential for in vivo and in vitro studies that focus on the potential toxicological effect of nano- and microparticles in the context of oral exposure to humans. Further, the detection of nano- and microparticles in food, feed and food contact materials is required for future food control purposes. Whereas my current work focuses on safety aspects and toxicological effect of nano- and microparticles, future work is aiming at the potential use as delivery systems.

Analytical expertise:

• Targeted sample preparation, e.g. by enzymatic or alkaline treatment
• Analytical ultracentrifugation
• Asymmetric flow field flow fractionation
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in conventional and single particle mode
• Optical spectrometry and light scattering techniques (dynamic and multi angle)
• Optical and electron microscopy (scanning and transmission electron microscopy including energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy)

Participation in EU FP7 projects NanoLyse, Nanosolutions and NanoDefine (WP leader)

• 2006-2007: Participant of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) for Science and Technology of Nanostructures
• Feb 2012 - Dec 2012: Maternity leave
• Sept 2014 - May 2015: Maternity leave