Person | Bioinspired Materials NCCR | Université de Fribourg

MAYER Michael

Professor, Research group MAYER

Adolphe Merkle Institute Chemin des Verdiers 4 CH-1700 Fribourg Switzerland

Office:	A312
Phone:	+41 26 300 8968
Email:	michael.mayer@unifr.ch
Website:	https://www.ami.swiss/biophysics/en/
	0000-0002-6148-5756

Projects lead

Self-assembly of DNA- or RNA-triggered ion channels for targeted cell killing and nanopore sensing

Drawing inspiration from nature to kill cancer cells and pathogens selectively

Read more
Projects team

Fluorescent nanodiamonds as quantum bio-molecular probes for live cell imaging and sensing

Towards super-resolution imaging in quantum physics and life sciences

Read more

Adaptive functional polymers and nanocontainers

Introducing structure hierarchy to mechanoresponsive materials to access multifunctionality

Read more

Stimulation of cellular endocytosis for sensing and enhancing nanoparticle uptake

Sensing and enhancing nanoparticle uptake

Read more

Trapping cancer cells with self-assembling biomolecules

Mimicking the pathogen-killing mechanism of neutrophil granulocytes to fight cancer metastasis

Read more

Mechanically responsive block copolymer nanoreactors inspired by the marine bioluminescence of dinoflagellates

Mastering biochemical reactions inside mechanically responsive vesicles

Read more

Novel antiviral supramolecular materials

Developping broad-spectrum, low-toxicity and specific virucidal materials

Read more

Characterizing nanoparticle-membrane interactions via molecular dynamics simulations

Investigating how the surface chemistry of nanoparticles dictates their interaction with cells

Read more

Ion-selective membranes for power conversion from salinity gradients with unprecedented efficiency

Electric eel-inspired materials to storage and deliver electrical power

Read more

Unified approach for intracellular delivery of multi-modified oligonucleotide sequences

Towards advanced modified oligonucleotide therapeutics

Read more

Mechanochromic force transducers for biosystems and synthetic hydrogels

Sensing forces at the level of single motor proteins and hydrogel cross-links

Read more

Ion-gradient batteries using ion-selective 2D materials to separate hydrogel compartments with different salt concentrations

Learning from the electric torpedo ray to increase the power generation efficiency of ion-gradient batteries

Read more
Publications

It's not a bug, It's a feature: Functional materials in insects
Schroeder Thomas B. H., Houghtaling Jared, Wilts Bodo D., Mayer Michael
Advanced Materials (2018)

Single channel planar lipid bilayer recordings of the melittin variant MelP5
Fennouri Aziz, Mayer Simon Finn, Schroeder Thomas B.H., Mayer Michael
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes (2017)

Nanopore-based, rapid characterization of individual amyloid particles in solution: Concepts, challenges, and prospects
Houghtaling Jared, List Jonathan, Mayer Michael
Small (2018)

Templated assembly of pore-forming peptides in lipid membranes
Fennouri Aziz, List Jonathan, Dupasquier Jessica, Haeni Laetitia, Vanni Stefano, Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara, Mayer Michael
CHIMIA International Journal for Chemistry (2019)

A bio-inspired amplification cascade for the detection of rare cancer cells
Rüegg Curzio, Reis Corine, Rafiee Sarah, Rodriguez-Lorenzo Laura, List Jonathan, Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara, Mayer Michael, Petri-Fink Alke
CHIMIA International Journal for Chemistry (2019)

Targeting specific membranes with an azide derivative of the pore-forming peptide ceratotoxin A
Mayer Simon Finn, Ducrey Julie, Dupasquier Jessica, Haeni Laetitia, Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara, Yang Jerry, Fennouri Aziz, Mayer Michael
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes (2019)

Targeting specific membranes with an azide derivative of the pore-forming peptide ceratotoxin A
Mayer Simon Finn, Ducrey Julie, Dupasquier Jessica, Haeni Laetitia, Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara, Yang Jerry, Fennouri Aziz, Mayer Michael
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes (2019)

Detection of HER2+ breast cancer cells using bioinspired DNA‐based signal amplification
Rafiee Sarah, Kocabey Samet, Mayer Michael, List Jonathan, Ruegg Curzio
ChemMedChem (2020)

The green lean amine machine: Harvesting electric power while capturing carbon dioxide from breath
Kalkus Trevor J., Guha Anirvan, Scholten Philip B.V., Nagornii Dmitrii, Coskun Ali, Ianiro Alessandro, Mayer Michael
Advanced Science (2021)

Tuning the diameter, stability, and membrane affinity of peptide pores by DNA-programmed self-assembly
Fennouri Aziz, List Jonathan, Ducrey Julie, Dupasquier Jessica, Sukyte Viktorija, Mayer Simon F., Vargas Reyner D., Pascual Fernandez Laura, Bertani Frederick, Rodriguez Gonzalo Sandra, Yang Jerry, Mayer Michael
ACS Nano (2021)

Powering electronic devices from salt gradients in AA‐battery‐sized stacks of hydrogel‐infused paper
Guha Anirvan, Kalkus Trevor J., Schroeder Thomas B. H., Willis Oliver G., Rader Chris, Ianiro Alessandro, Mayer Michael
Advanced Materials (2021)

Estimation of Shape, Volume, and Dipole Moment of Individual Proteins Freely Transiting a Synthetic Nanopore
Houghtaling Jared, Ying Cuifeng, Eggenberger Olivia M., Fennouri Aziz, Nandivada Santoshi, Acharjee Mitu, Li Jiali, Hall Adam R., Mayer Michael
ACS Nano (2019)

A Bio-Inspired Amplification Cascade for the Detection of Rare Cancer Cells
Rüegg Curzio, Reis Corine, Rafiee Sarah, Rodriguez-Lorenzo Laura, List Jonathan, Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara, Mayer Michael, Petri-Fink Alke
CHIMIA International Journal for Chemistry (2019)

The emerging landscape of single-molecule protein sequencing technologies
Alfaro Javier Antonio, Bohländer Peggy, Dai Mingjie, Filius Mike, Howard Cecil J., van Kooten Xander F., Ohayon Shilo, Pomorski Adam, Schmid Sonja, Aksimentiev Aleksei, Anslyn Eric V., Bedran Georges, Cao Chan, Chinappi Mauro, Coyaud Etienne, Dekker Cees, Dittmar Gunnar, Drachman Nicholas, Eelkema Rienk, Goodlett David, Hentz Sébastien, Kalathiya Umesh, Kelleher Neil L., Kelly Ryan T., Kelman Zvi, Kim Sung Hyun, Kuster Bernhard, Rodriguez-Larrea David, Lindsay Stuart, Maglia Giovanni, Marcotte Edward M., Marino John P., Masselon Christophe, Mayer Michael, Samaras Patroklos, Sarthak Kumar, Sepiashvili Lusia, Stein Derek, Wanunu Meni, Wilhelm Mathias, Yin Peng, Meller Amit, Joo Chirlmin
Nature Methods (2021)

A single-liposome assay that enables temperature-dependent measurement of proton permeability of extremophile-inspired lipid membranes
Guha Anirvan, McGuire Melissa L., Leriche Geoffray, Yang Jerry, Mayer Michael
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes (2021)

Polymer Coatings to Minimize Protein Adsorption in Solid‐State Nanopores
Awasthi Saurabh, Sriboonpeng Pongsatorn, Ying Cuifeng, Houghtaling Jared, Shorubalko Ivan, Marion Sanjin, Davis Sebastian James, Sola Laura, Chiari Marcella, Radenovic Aleksandra, Mayer Michael
Small Methods (2020)

Complete aggregation pathway of amyloid β (1-40) and (1-42) resolved on an atomically clean interface
Nirmalraj Peter Niraj, List Jonathan, Battacharya Shayon, Howe Geoffrey, Xu Liang, Thompson Damien, Mayer Michael
Science Advances (2020)

Entropic effects enable life at extreme temperatures
Kim Young Hun, Leriche Geoffray, Diraviyam Karthik, Koyanagi Takaoki, Gao Kaifu, Onofrei David, Patterson Joseph, Guha Anirvan, Gianneschi Nathan, Holland Gregory P., Gilson Michael K., Mayer Michael, Sept David, Yang Jerry
Science Advances (2019)

Fluid surface coatings for solid-state nanopores: comparison of phospholipid bilayers and archaea-inspired lipid monolayers
Eggenberger Olivia M, Leriche Geoffray, Koyanagi Takaoki, Ying Cuifeng, Houghtaling Jared, Schroeder Thomas B H, Yang Jerry, Li Jiali, Hall Adam, Mayer Michael
Nanotechnology (2019)

Wafer-scale fabrication of fused silica chips for low-noise recording of resistive pulses through nanopores
de Vreede Lennart J, Ying Cuifeng, Houghtaling Jared, Figueiredo Da Silva Jacqueline, Hall Adam R, Lovera Andrea, Mayer Michael
Nanotechnology (2019)

Novel Multi-phase Materials Combining High Viscoelastic Loss and High Stiffness
Unwin A. P., Hine P. J., Ward I. M., Fujita M., Tanaka E., Gusev Andrei A.
CHIMIA International Journal for Chemistry (2019)

Surface coatings for solid-state nanopores
Eggenberger Olivia M., Ying Cuifeng, Mayer Michael
Nanoscale (2019)

Formation of Single Nanopores with Diameters of 20–50 nm in Silicon Nitride Membranes Using Laser-Assisted Controlled Breakdown
Ying Cuifeng, Houghtaling Jared, Eggenberger Olivia M., Guha Anirvan, Nirmalraj Peter, Awasthi Saurabh, Tian Jianguo, Mayer Michael
ACS Nano (2018)

Bioinspired, nanoscale approaches in contemporary bioanalytics (Review)
Michelle Grandin H., Guillaume-Gentil Orane, Zambelli Tomaso, Mayer Michael, Houghtaling Jared, Palivan Cornelia G., Textor Marcus, Höök Fredrik
Biointerphases (2018)

Subcellular Imaging of Liquid Silicone Coated-Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Nirmalraj Peter, Lehner Roman, Thompson Damien, Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara, Mayer Michael
Scientific Reports (2018)

Cytokine receptor-Eb1 interaction couples cell polarity and fate during asymmetric cell division
Chen Cuie, Cummings Ryan, Mordovanakis Aghapi, Hunt Alan J., Mayer Michael, Sept David, Yamashita Yukiko M.
not found (2017)

Real-time shape approximation and fingerprinting of single proteins using a nanopore
Yusko Erik C., Bruhn Brandon R., Eggenberger Olivia M., Houghtaling Jared, Rollings Ryan C., Walsh Nathan C., Nandivada Santoshi, Pindrus Mariya, Hall Adam R., Sept David, Li Jiali, Kalonia Devendra S., Mayer Michael
Nature Nanotechnology (2016)

An electric-eel-inspired soft power source from stacked hydrogels
Schroeder Thomas B. H., Guha Anirvan, Lamoureux Aaron, VanRenterghem Gloria, Sept David, Shtein Max, Yang Jerry, Mayer Michael
Nature (2017)

Frequency-Based Analysis of Gramicidin A Nanopores Enabling Detection of Small Molecules with Picomolar Sensitivity
Kim Young Hun, Hang Leibniz, Cifelli Jessica L., Sept David, Mayer Michael, Yang Jerry
Analytical Chemistry (2017)

Benzothiazole Amphiphiles Ameliorate Amyloid β-Related Cell Toxicity and Oxidative Stress
Cifelli Jessica L., Chung Tim S., Liu Haiyan, Prangkio Panchika, Mayer Michael, Yang Jerry
ACS Chemical Neuroscience (2016)

Effects of Lipid Tethering in Extremophile-Inspired Membranes on H + /OH − Flux at Room Temperature
Schroeder Thomas B.H., Leriche Geoffray, Koyanagi Takaoki, Johnson Mitchell A., Haengel Kathryn N., Eggenberger Olivia M., Wang Claire L., Kim Young Hun, Diraviyam Karthik, Sept David, Yang Jerry, Mayer Michael
Biophysical Journal (2016)

Publisher Correction: Subcellular Imaging of Liquid Silicone Coated-Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Nirmalraj Peter, Lehner Roman, Thompson Damien, Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara, Mayer Michael
Scientific Reports (2018)

Formation of Synthetic Nanopores with Diameters from 20-50 nm by Laser-Assisted Dielectric Breakdown
Ying Cuifeng, Houghtaling Jared, Wilts Bodo, Mayer Michael
Biophysical Journal (2017)

Multi-Functionalized Heteroduplex Antisense Oligonucleotides for Targeted Intracellular Delivery and Gene Silencing in HeLa Cells
Sousa de Almeida Mauro, Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara, Mayer Michael, Taskova Maria
Biomedicines (2022)

Harvesting Electrical Power during Carbon Capture using Various Amine Solvents
Kalkus Trevor J., Shanahan Caitlin J., Smart Jansie, Coskun Ali, Mayer Michael
Energy & Fuels (2022)

Natural and Modified Oligonucleotide Sequences Show Distinct Strand Displacement Kinetics and These Are Affected Further by Molecular Crowders
Domljanovic Ivana, Ianiro Alessandro, Rüegg Curzio, Mayer Michael, Taskova Maria
Biomolecules (2022)

Mechanically triggered on-demand degradation of polymers synthesized by radical polymerizations
Liu Peng, Jimaja Sètuhn, Immel Stefan, Thomas Christoph, Mayer Michael, Weder Christoph, Bruns Nico
Nature Chemistry (2024)

Large-area, self-healing block copolymer membranes for energy conversion
Sproncken Christian C. M., Liu Peng, Monney Justin, Fall William S., Pierucci Carolina, Scholten Philip B. V., Van Bueren Brian, Penedo Marcos, Fantner Georg Ernest, Wensink Henricus H., Steiner Ullrich, Weder Christoph, Bruns Nico, Mayer Michael, Ianiro Alessandro
Nature (2024)

Nafion membranes for power generation from physiologic ion gradients
Pierucci Carolina, Paleari Lorenzo, Baker James, Sproncken Christian, Folkesson Matilde, Wesseler Justus Paul, Vracar Andela, Dodero Andrea, Nanni Francesca, Berrocal Josè Augusto, Mayer Michael, Ianiro Alessandro
RSC Applied Polymers (2024)

Large and Stable Nanopores Formed by Complement Component 9 for Characterizing Single Folded Proteins
Chanakul Wachara, Mukhopadhyay Anasua, Awasthi Saurabh, Protopopova Anna D., Ianiro Alessandro, Mayer Michael
ACS Nano (2025)

MAYER Michael

Self-assembly of DNA- or RNA-triggered ion channels for targeted cell killing and nanopore sensing

Fluorescent nanodiamonds as quantum bio-molecular probes for live cell imaging and sensing

Adaptive functional polymers and nanocontainers

Stimulation of cellular endocytosis for sensing and enhancing nanoparticle uptake

Trapping cancer cells with self-assembling biomolecules

Mechanically responsive block copolymer nanoreactors inspired by the marine bioluminescence of dinoflagellates

Novel antiviral supramolecular materials

Characterizing nanoparticle-membrane interactions via molecular dynamics simulations

Ion-selective membranes for power conversion from salinity gradients with unprecedented efficiency

Unified approach for intracellular delivery of multi-modified oligonucleotide sequences

Mechanochromic force transducers for biosystems and synthetic hydrogels

Ion-gradient batteries using ion-selective 2D materials to separate hydrogel compartments with different salt concentrations