Embedded Files
The Stefan Research Group aims to establish a new paradigm for the rational design of soft functional materials by programming molecular self-assembly at the molecular level and beyond. By uncovering structure/assembly/property relationships across scales, thanks to a multi-scale approach, we seek to achieve precise control over the mechanical and physicochemical behavior of peptide- and nucleic acid-based materials.
Our work focuses on three main research themes:
1. Peptide derivative-based materials and hydrogels, including nucleopeptides
We develop nucleopeptides, hybrid systems combining peptides with DNA nucleobases to harness their intrinsic programmability and specificity. In a field still in its infancy (Nanoscale, 2022), our work demonstrates that nucleobase integration provides a powerful and largely untapped handle to direct supramolecular organization. We have shown that nucleobases govern assembly pathways and material properties in both single-component (Nanoscale, 2020) and multicomponent systems (Nanoscale, 2021), enabling unprecedented tunability.
Building on this concept, we introduced a disruptive strategy based on complementary base pairing (adenine/thymine and cytosine/guanine, i.e., A/T, C/G) and/or complementary peptide sequences to drive cooperative self-assembly. Supported by an ANR grant (JCJC Munch, 2020-2025), this approach led to multicomponent systems exhibiting extreme synergistic effects (>270,000% enhancement in mechanical properties, see Chem. Mater., 2023, revealing a new route toward programmable, adaptive materials (ACS Mater. Au, 2026).
At the heart of our work lies the complex interplay between structure, organization, and properties. We address these challenges through a multi-scale approach, combining advanced analytical, spectroscopic, mechanical, physicochemical, and theoretical methods. Leveraging a network of complementary expert collaborators, we explore assemblies from the molecular scale to macroscopic and application-level properties (see figure).
Our main collaborators on this research topic are:
for the study of the self-assembly processes and organizations via NMR investigations: Pr. Sabine Bouguet-Bonnet (expert in NMR spin relaxation and Fast-field-cycling relaxometry) & Dr. Carole Gardiennet (Expert in solid-state NMR of biomolecules) from CRM2 lab, France. See for instance: MRC, 2025 and J. Phys. Chem, 2026.
for theoretical chemistry to unravel the assembly of these complex hybrid systems at atomic resolution: Dr. Emmanuelle Bignon, from LPCT, France, which is an expert in molecular modeling of complex biosystems, with particular expertise in multiscale simulations of proteins, nucleic acids, and their assemblies. See for instance J. Phys. Chem, 2026.
for thermodynamic and spectroscopic characterizations: Dr. Katalin Selmeczi (from L2CM, France), a specialist in coordination chemistry of transition metals and on thermodynamics involving peptide derivatives.
for development of pseudopeptide-based hydrogels or gels of amino-acid based gelators: Dr. Marie-Christine Averlant-Petit (expert in physical chemistry to analyse strucure/function/property relationships in biomolecules) and Guillaume Pickaert Expert in the synthesis of amino acid-based gelators, formulation and structural studies of their self-assembly) from LRGP.
Want to learn more about this research project? Check out this excellent science communication comic by Camille Van Belle (available in French only):
2. Hydrogel biomaterials from complex biological mixtures
We study biomaterials developped from complex biological mixtures, including peptide and protein derivatives from animal resources (e.g., Gelatin Hydrolysates of Red Tilapia or protein mixtures from agricultural sources) and human sources (e.g., Wharton’s jelly from umbilical cord). This work aims to create biomaterials for health applications. This collaborative effort is led in close partnership with the Cithefor Laboratory in Nancy, a multidisciplinary research unit dedicated to the development of innovative drugs and advanced therapy medicinal products, and the team of Dr. Laetitia Canabady-Rochelle.
Our main collaborators on this research topic are :
Pr. Caroline Gaucher, Pr. Anne Sapin-Minet, Dr. Stéphane Gibaud, Dr. Vanessa Moby &, Reine El Omar from Cithefor lab, France. See for instance Int. J. Pharma., 2026 and Int. J. Pharma., 2025.
Dr. Laetitia Canabady-Rochelle (LRGP, website), an expert in processes of screening and separation of metal-chelating peptides in complex mixtures for nutrition, health and cosmetics applications.
3. Protein and peptide-based systems for redox control
We also focus on the development and studies of metal-chelating antioxidant peptides, which can be either designed and synthesized or directly discovered from hydrolysis of natural ressources such as fishes or plants like sunflower, soy, peas (see for instance Appl. Food Res., 2025, ACS Food Sci. Technol., 2025 or Food Chem., 2023), thanks to a strong collaboration with Dr. L. Canabady-Rochelle. Developing innovative synthetic peptides, my work establishes novel structure/function relationships for peptides capable of Fe(III) binding (see Inorg. Chem., 2022 or Metallomics, 2020), a largely overlooked target, and demonstrates a dual mechanism combining radical scavenging and metal sequestration. This strategy opens new avenues for controlling oxidative processes through molecular design.
Our main and strong collaborators on this research topic are :
Dr. Laetitia Canabady-Rochelle (LRGP, website), an expert in processes of screening and separation of metal-chelating peptides in complex mixtures for nutrition, health and cosmetics applications.
Dr. Katalin Selmeczi (from L2CM, France), a specialist in coordination chemistry of transition metals and on thermodynamics involving peptide derivatives.
Industrial Partnerships & Consulting
In parallel with our research, and thanks to our expertise, and particularly in gels and multi-scale analysis, we provide consulting services for various companies. This includes targeted literature reviews to assess the state of the art and propose innovative solutions for optimizing formulations or preparation processes. We also conduct experimental studies, ranging from rheology to the various analytical and spectroscopic techniques we master. These projects are carried out through Propuls, a subsidiary of the University of Lorraine, and we have provided expertise to companies such as Arches Papeterie, Pellenc Energy, and BCF Lifesciences.
We remain open to any partnership or collaboration proposals, public or private: do not hesitate to contact us.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse