newest publications
by Miroslava Racheva, Javier Basalo Lourido, Enise Ece Gurdal, Martin Herbst, Seyhmus Bayar,
Daniela Radzik, Elen Bähr, Constanze Zwies, Axel T. Neffe, Markus Pietzsch, Andreas Lendlein,
and Christian Wischke
Biomacromolecules2026, 27, 1317−1336.
In addition to chemical cross-linking reactions, enzymes offer good opportunities in hydrogel synthesis. Tyrosinase oxidizes phenols to catechols and quinones, which can then form further bonds via radical processes or with nucleophiles. Based on modeling studies, we were able to find artificial substrates for tyrosinase and then cross-link them to hydrogels as PEG end groups. Detailed mass spectrometric investigations revealed the chemical structures of the cross-linking points, and the hydrogels were not cytotoxic.
by Siyang Li, Tow-Jie Lok, Shi-Han Ngo, Yaoting Xue, Zhikun Miao, Tao Feng, Lei Wang, Jie-Wei Wong, Jiatee Low, Kai-Yi Lim, Min-Rou Woon, Axel T. Neffe, Tuck-Whye Wong, Tiefeng Li, Xuxu Yang, and Wei Yang
Mater. Horiz. 2026, 13, 219-232.
We developed a material system whose components (acrylamide and maltose) form a covalent adaptive network, and in which the polymerization of acrylamide was initiated by a Maillard-like reaction. The system can be reshaped in aqueous solution and has self-healing properties. This is a good example of a functional polymer system based on renewable resources.
by Armando Mandlule, Yue Liu, Susanne Schwanz, Yvonne Pieper, Heike Scharf, Kamila Iskhakova, Andre L. C. Conceiçao, D. C. Florian Wieland, Berit Zeller-Plumhoff, Francesca M. Toma and Axel T. Neffe
Mater. Adv. 2026, 7, 377-402.
In phase-separating multiblockcopolymers (MBC) it is challenging to develop quantitative structure-phase-function relationships. We systematically investigated blends of PCL-PLLA MBCs with defined short or long PCL and PLLA blocks Blöcken with PDLA in terms of phase formation and crystallization, and how this relates to macroscopic mecahnical behavior. The results can e.g. be used in the development of copolymers and blends with tailored properties.
by Hanin Alkhamis, Shivam Saretia, Susanne Schwanz, Rainhard Machatschek, Axel T. Neffe, and Katarzyna Polak-Kraśna
Polym. Degrad. Stability 2025, 235, 111267.
Materials that are only needed for a certain period of time in biomedical applications can be designed to be degradable. It is important to understand and predict the relationship between chemical structure, degradation rate and material properties over time, taking into account the influence of processing. In this study, we demonstrate these dependencies for a hyperelastic polymer containing lactide stereocomplexes as physical network points, where degradation studies were performed both in bulk and in thin films (Langmuir-Blodgett technique).
by Moritz Kruse, Maria Balk, Axel T. Neffe and Noomane Ben Khalifa
J. Thermoplastic Composite Materials 2025, 08927057251314411.
Thermoplastic resins are of interest for recyclable composites. We demonstrate the influence of relevant process paramters furing simultaneous reshaping and composite formation.
by Farah Hidayah Jamaludin, Nur Syahirra Nordin, Xinge Li, Jie-Wei Wong, Zhixian Lim, Lei Wang, Chunxin Ma, Qian Zhao, Tuck-Whye Wong, Axel T. Neffe und Tiefeng Li
Polymer Reviews 2025, 65, 199-249. doi.org/10.1080/15583724.2024.2427827
A review on shape-memory polymers from bio-based materials.
Multifunctional Roles of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in a Reversible Shape-Memory Composite
by Mun-Oon Fong, Xiangping Chen, Jie-Wei Wong, Tow-Jie Lok, Siyang Li, Jia Tee Low, Nur Syahirra Nordin, Zhikun Miao, Qiannan Hu, Axel T. Neffe, Tuck-Whye Wong, Tiefeng Li, und Wei Yang
Adv. Funct. Mater. 2024, 2418409.
Wir show that iron oxide nanoparticles can fulfil multiple roles in a composite. First, they act as filler changing the mechanical properties compared to the pure polymer matrix. Second, they act as stimuli-responsive entity that allows indirect heating through near infrared light or when being placed in an alternating magnetic field, which can be used to trigger a shape-memory effect. Third, they act as transesterification catalyst that allows reforming a covalent polyester network.
Stereochemical Heterogeneity Analysis of Polylactides by Multidimensional Liquid Chromatography
by Paul S. Eselem Bungu, Karola Luetzow, Olaf Lettau, Matthias Schulz, Axel T. Neffe und Harald Pasch
Anal. Chem. 2024, 96, 4716−4725.
We describe a technique to separate polylactides with only small differences in stereochemistry by chromatographic methods. In this way, information about the composition of polylactides are accessible, which e.g. can be used for quality control or to evaluate the influence of syntheses methods on the stereochemistry.
The .pdf is open access.
Welcome, Naveen!
We are pleased to welcome Naveen Kumar Sella to our research group at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Originally from India, Naveen completed his Master's in Chemistry at Central University of Pondicherry (PU), India, and his Bachelor's in Chemistry at Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (RUAS), India. With a strong background in organic synthesis and catalysis, as well as a passion for research and academic excellence, we look forward to his contributions and collaborations in our lab.
Welcome, Sylvester!
Our new team member is Sylvester Onwuka, who recently started as Ph.D. student in our group
Sylvester has a Bachelors in Industrial Chemistry, obtained an M.Sc. from the University of Hull in 2023 and has a background in polymer synthesis and degradation.
Support for the exploration of sustainable two component adhesives within the context of the innovation corridor Berlin - Berlin-Adlershof - Cottbus
Prof. Hans G. Börner's (HU Berlin) and Prof. Axel T. Neffe's (BTU) project on sustainable Lignin-based two component adhesives will get financial support. The prize was awarded by the vice presidents for research from HU Berlin and BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Prof. C. Scheider and Prof. M. Hübner, to our project as one of four selected from proposals presented within the context of the Innovation Corridor Berlin - Berlin-Adlershof - Cottbus that especially fosters cooperations between HU Berlin and BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.