At the Biomolecular Systems and Design Lab, we investigate how peptide sequences encode self-assembly pathways at biological and synthetic interfaces, connecting molecular mechanisms to functional biomaterial design. Combining biophysical experiments with molecular dynamics simulations, we establish mechanistic principles governing amyloid(-like) fibril formation, membrane activity, and nano-interface interactions, enabling the rational design of next-generation peptide-based materials.

Research Focus

• Interface-Controlled Peptide Self-Assembly: We study how biological and synthetic interfaces, including nanoparticles, surfaces, and soft matter, direct and modulate peptide self-assembly pathways, with a focus on amyloid fibril formation, corona effects, and interface-driven aggregation relevant to neurodegenerative diseases.
• Sequence-Guided Design of Functional Peptide Fibrils: We decode how peptide sequence encodes fibril structure, polymorphism, and function, establishing sequence-structure-function relationships that guide the rational design of peptide fibrils and hybrid biomaterials for applications in catalysis, regenerative medicine, and biosensing.
• Membrane Activity of Self-Assembling and Antimicrobial Peptides: We investigate how self-assembling and antimicrobial peptides interact with lipid membranes, exploring how membrane composition, oxidation state, and peptide aggregation govern membrane activity, selectivity, and biological function.

Methods and Expertise

• Experimental: QCM-D, fluorescence spectroscopy, DLS, UV-vis spectroscopy, CD spectroscopy, kinetic aggregation assays, model membrane systems and liposomes
• Computational: All-atom and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations

International research visits during MSc/PhD at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia (20 months, 2013-2018); University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (3 months, 2014-2015); RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia (2 months, 2012).

• Physical Chemistry (Fall & Spring, CO-440)

• Physical Chemistry Lab (Spring, CO-446-B)

• Molecules to Matter (Fall, MAM-CO-02)

• Experimental Techniques (Spring, MQLS-CO-03)

Deputy Study Program Chair, M.Sc. Advanced Materials (since 2025)

Lahu, A.; Wu, S.; Schuler, M.; Mazzotta, F.; Ramadani, A.; Koca, E.; Lieberwirth, I.; Landfester, K.; John, T.; Ng, D. Y. W.; Weil, T. Co-Assemblies Regulate the Catalytic Activity of Peptide Fibrils. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2026, 65, e11165.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202511165

Alleva, N.; Zhang, J.; Ng, D. Y. W.; Weil, T.; John, T. Functionalizing Nucleic Acids: Synthesis and Purification Strategies for Bioconjugates as Biomaterials. Small 2026, 22, e10863.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202510863

Tsai, Y. L.; Cavallo, P.; Lu, Q.; Yu, J.; Ender, C. P.; Link, J.; Amann-Winkel, K.; Endres, K.; Synatschke, C. V.; John, T. Design of the Hydrophobic Core of Self-Assembling Peptide Fibrils for Enhanced Neural Regeneration. Small Sci. 2025, 2500224.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smsc.202500224

Hayn, M.; John, T.; Bandak, J.; Rauch‐Wirth, L.; Abel, B.; Münch, J. Hybrid Materials From Peptide Nanofibrils and Magnetic Beads to Concentrate and Isolate Virus Particles. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2024, 34 (27), 2316260. 
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202316260

John, T.; Rampioni, A.; Poger, D.; Mark, A. E. Molecular Insights into the Dynamics of Amyloid Fibril Growth: Elongation and Lateral Assembly of GNNQQNY Protofibrils. ACS Chem. Neurosci. 2024. 15 (4), 716–723.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00754

John, T.; Piantavigna, S.; Dealey, T. J. A.; Abel, B.; Risselada, H. J.; Martin, L. L. Lipid Oxidation Controls Peptide Self-Assembly near Membranes through a Surface Attraction Mechanism. Chem. Sci. 2023, 14 (14), 3730–3741. 
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SC00159H

John, T.; Gladytz, A.; Kubeil, C.; Martin, L. L.; Risselada, H. J.; Abel, B. Impact of Nanoparticles on Amyloid Peptide and Protein Aggregation: A Review with a Focus on Gold Nanoparticles. Nanoscale 2018, 10 (45), 20894–20913. 
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR04506B

For a full publication list, see johnlab.de/publication and Google Scholar.