Department of Biomedical Engineering

Protein Engineering

At the protein engineering group we develop new proteins for applications in therapy and diagnosis, while critically testing our understanding of protein function.

Beyond the already impressive functional diversity of natural proteins

Our group operates at the interface of chemical biology and synthetic biology. Combining protein engineering and DNA nanotechnology, we develop intelligent biomolecular sensors and switches for applications in intracellular imaging, optogenetics, point-of-care diagnostics and antibody-based therapies. An important research theme is to develop generic engineering concepts for the development of protein-based switches, which include fluorescent sensors for intracellular imaging of metal ions, photo-switchable proteins, and protein-based sensors for antibody detection and actuation. We have an active policy of sharing our protein building blocks by depositing our plasmids to AddGene and promote their use by writing dedicated protocols and tutorial reviews. In education, our main goal is to train bachelor, masters and PhD students to become creative biomolecular engineers and independent critical scientists.

Research Lines

Research Line of Protein Engineering

FRET and BRET sensors for intracellular imaging

An important area of activity has been the development of fluorescent sensor proteins based on Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET).

Research Line of Protein Engineering

Bioluminescent sensors for point-of-care diagnostics

A second line of research is the development of sensor proteins for point-of-care diagnostics. 

Research Line of Protein Engineering

Protein sensing and actuation using DNA-based molecular circuits

DNA has emerged as a highly versatile construction material for nanometer-sized structures and sophisticated molecular machines and…

Meet some of our Researchers

Full Professor

Maarten Merkx

University Researcher

Eva van Aalen

Recent Publications

Our most recent peer reviewed publications

Outreach

Student opportunities

The Protein Engineering group provides courses and projects in the bachelor's and master's program.

Plasmids, Proteins and Protocols

Contact

  • Visiting address

    Secretary Tanja Vermaas - Verhaag
    Groene Loper, Building 14, Helix (room STO 3.39)
    5612 AP Eindhoven
    Netherlands

  • Visiting address

    Secretary Tanja Vermaas - Verhaag
    Groene Loper, Building 14, Helix (room STO 3.39)
    5612 AP Eindhoven
    Netherlands

  • Postal address

    Department of Biomedical Engineering
    P.O. Box 513
    5600 MB Eindhoven
    Netherlands

  • Postal address

    Department of Biomedical Engineering
    P.O. Box 513
    5600 MB Eindhoven
    Netherlands

  • Secretary