UNIVERSITEIT GENT

Methods and compositions for identifying, quantifying, or characterizing specific biological molecules (e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites, antibodies) or microbial species, often for diagnostic, prognostic, or quality control applications.

Design and modification of antibodies or antibody-derived fragments for targeted therapeutic intervention, including bispecific formats, Fc region modifications, and activatable constructs.

Design and engineering of proteins or peptides to directly modulate immune responses, including enhancing antigen presentation, suppressing inflammation, or activating specific immune cell types.

Development and application of therapeutic proteins or peptides produced through recombinant DNA technology, including fusion proteins and modified growth factors.

Development of therapeutic approaches involving the genetic modification of cells (e.g., T cells, stem cells, macrophages) or the use of viral/non-viral vectors to deliver genetic material for disease treatment.

Development of lipid-based nanoparticles, liposomes, or other molecular platforms to encapsulate and deliver therapeutic agents, particularly nucleic acids, to target tissues or improve pharmacokinetics.

Methods and compositions for developing new protein sources (e.g., microbial, plant-based blends) or utilizing controlled fermentation processes to create novel food products, improve nutritional profiles, or enhance specific characteristics like texture or flavor.

Methods and systems for the efficient and scalable production, purification, and formulation of proteins and peptides, including fermentation, chromatography, and cell-based expression systems.

Therapeutic strategies employing nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, oligonucleotides) to modulate gene expression, deliver genetic material, or interfere with disease-causing pathways. Includes gene therapy using viral vectors.

Delivery systems specifically engineered to administer advanced drug formulations (e.g., microparticles, biologics, extended-release systems) to achieve precise targeting, controlled release kinetics, or enhanced therapeutic efficacy within the body.

Development and application of polymer compositions designed for reprocessability, recyclability, or incorporating sustainable additives, often featuring reversible bonds or bio-based components.

Therapeutic approaches involving the use of living cells, often genetically modified or ex vivo activated, to treat diseases, particularly cancer, by modulating immune responses or replacing damaged cells.

Innovations in the physical design, materials, fabrication, or packaging of photodetectors and optical sensor elements, including thermoelectric, NIR-compliant, and self-mixing interference types, to improve performance or integration.

Modification of protein or peptide sequences, structures, or post-translational modifications (e.g., glycosylation, lipidation) to enhance their stability, solubility, delivery, or therapeutic efficacy.

Synthesis and modification of polysiloxane polymers to introduce specific functional groups or structures, enhancing properties for applications like composites, coatings, biomedical uses, or powder treatment.

Involves the design and synthesis of semiconductor or perovskite nanocrystals and other nanostructures with tailored optical and electronic properties for advanced applications in light-emitting devices, displays, or quantum technologies.

Techniques and apparatus utilizing various spectroscopy methods (e.g., Raman, NIRS, photometric, interferometric) for identifying substances, measuring concentrations, or monitoring chemical and physical processes in industrial, environmental, or laboratory settings.

Therapeutic interventions that target immune checkpoint pathways to either enhance or suppress immune responses, often used in cancer immunotherapy or autoimmune diseases.

Synthesis and modification of high-performance thermoplastic polymers, such as poly(arylene ether ketone) (PAEK) or polycarbonates, to achieve enhanced thermal stability, mechanical strength, or specific processing characteristics.

Design and synthesis of acyclic or carbocyclic organic compounds that selectively modulate specific biological targets or pathways for the treatment of diseases.

Synthesis and formulation of polymers, such as epoxy resins, polyimides, or ionic binders, tailored for specific functions in electronic components like sealing, insulation, or energy storage.

Implantable devices used for the fixation, fusion, or replacement of bone structures, particularly in the spine and extremities.

Systems and methods that utilize optical fibers as sensing elements or for transmitting sensing signals, often for distributed monitoring of environmental conditions, phase changes, or integrating sensing with communication.

The design and manufacturing of integrated circuits that combine optical and electronic components, particularly for high-speed data communication between processors and memory.

Development and use of engineered biological systems, such as organ-on-a-chip devices, dynamic hydrogels, or genetically modified cells, to mimic physiological conditions, study disease mechanisms, screen compounds, or develop cell-based therapies.

Implantable devices that deliver electrical, optical, or other forms of energy to stimulate tissues or nerves, or sense physiological parameters for therapeutic purposes.

Engineering of artificial subwavelength structures (meta-atoms) to create metasurfaces that manipulate light properties (phase, polarization, wavelength) for multi-functional optical devices.

Focuses on the mechanical design, articulation, and actuation of hand-held or robotic surgical instruments, including improvements in stapling, cutting, grasping, and tissue manipulation.

Development of sophisticated optical lens assemblies and computational methods to achieve high-resolution, precise, or specialized imaging, often for medical or scientific applications.

Modifying microorganisms, plant cells, or animal cells through genetic engineering to enhance or enable the biosynthesis of target compounds, often involving metabolic pathway engineering.

Synthesis and formulation of epoxy resins, often derived from phenolic precursors like cardanol and vanillin, for applications requiring specific thermal, mechanical, or electrical properties.

Design and application of devices that are inserted into the body or implanted to treat diseases, modulate physiological functions, or repair anatomical structures.

Creation of membranes and surfaces with nanoscale features to control properties like porosity, hydrophobicity, or catalytic activity, particularly for applications in filtration, separation, and environmental remediation.

Methods for synthesizing polyurethanes and polyureas, including non-isocyanate routes, using various monomers, catalysts, and curing agents, often for foams, coatings, or adhesives.

Implantable devices designed to repair, replace, or assist the function of blood vessels or heart structures, including stents, valves, and annuloplasty rings.

Developing advanced bioreactor designs, fermentation strategies, and downstream processing techniques to optimize yield, purity, and efficiency of biotechnological production.

Use of thermal and infrared sensors for non-contact temperature measurement, occupancy detection, structural health monitoring, fire/hazard detection, and process control in diverse industrial, environmental, and security applications.