Funding

 

Spontaneous protocell formation

Funded by Klaus Tschira Boost Fund

Liquid, the phase in which life on our planet formed, evaporates and leaves patterns. Certain biomolecules such as proteins and lipids in a liquid phase form droplets as a result of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). We propose that pattern formation within an evaporating droplet in a controlled environment with external stimuli could lead to optimal compartmentalization that could trigger continuous interaction between the biomolecules. By taking into account the chemistry of seawater, in particular the salt effect, we want to develop a hypothesis about the origin of life on our level through spontaneous protocell formation as a result of evaporation.

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2D-MED Startup project

Funded by Maximize program

We are developing a new technology for intracellular delivery into plant cells. Our goal is to provide an efficient and universal method for plant cell transformation in order to revolutionize sustainable agriculture. We are currently in the concept validation phase and raising further funds to establish our start-up company.