Adriaan Bredekamp, working at the University of Basel in the group PD Dr. Martin Hegner
1.What is the topic of your PhD thesis?
The topic of my thesis is "Dynamic mode measurements in liquid using cantilever arrays that are
coated with membrane proteins". Basically, we build an electronic nose that can measure in a liquid
environment virus particles. For the protein we use FhuA that is found in the outer membrane of E.coli
and to this we bind the T5 Phage virus that only binds to FhuA (think molecular recognition here!).
2. Do you already have results?
Yes and no. The virus binding to FhuA is well known and documented. We are able to produce the pure
form of the protein and have tested the binding to the virus. Also the testing of coating the
cantilever arrays with the protein worked fine. All that remains is some optimization and the final
measurements to show everything is working together. So in theory, it works, but I have to still
show it actually working.
3. Is there a potential application of your research?
Yes, membrane proteins form 70% of all drug targets in the pharma industry. So to coat a cantilever
with membrane proteins has the result that the effects of a drug can be studied and it also makes
for a great way to detect viruses in the human body. Membrane coated cantilevers have also the most
potential for being commercially viable and bringing cantilever technology out of the lab and into
hospitals and industry.
4. Why are you interested in nanoscale science?
I wanted to work in one of the really high tech fields that is at the cutting edge of modern science.
There are several of these fields and since I already did my masters in nanotechnology, it was logical
to continue in this field, instead of entering into space science or telecommunications fields.
5. What are your plans for the future?
To expand my company into new high tech fields and to make some serious money in one of the cutting
edge fields of modern science.
6. What are your interests outside research?
Skiing, going out with friends, fiddling with high-tech electronics.
