Span Group

Research areas

Our group focuses on the role of metal ions in biomolecules. The three major research interests are iron-sulfur proteins, artificial cobalt-containing proteins, and DNA-mediated catalysis. We are using molecular biology, protein chemistry, biochemical & biophysical methods, spectroscopy, and macromolecular crystallography to unravel the structure and function of metalloproteins and DNA catalysts. We are particularly interested in [FeFe] hydrogenases that are capable of producing molecular hydrogen. We are also investigating iron-sulfur proteins as part of a strategy to fight multi-resistant bacteria. Moreover, we study the structure and function of DNA catalysts, so-called DNAzymes, and their application in therapy and agriculture.