Richter-Dahlfors Laboratory

Agneta Richter Dahlfors
Phone: | +46-(0)8-524 874 25 |
Organizational unit: | Department of Neuroscience (Neuro), C4 |
E-mail: | Agneta.Richter.Dahlfors@ki.se |
The Swedish Medical Nanoscience Center
Research focus
Situated in the Swedish Medical Nanoscience Center, Richter-Dahlfors’ research group embraces scientists with expertise in microbiology/infection, neuroscience, and medicine as well as chemistry, organic- and microelectronics. Via extensive engagement in national and international multidisciplinary collaborations, we focus on defining the integrated pathophysiology of bacterial infections, and on generating novel technologies for neuromodulation.
Tissue microbiology reveals the integrated pathophysiology of infection: By applying a panel of intravital techniques (e.g. intravital 2-photon microscopy, amperometric biosensors), we study the real-time dynamics of the infection process within the organ at high resolution using uropathogenic E. coli-induced pyelonephritis as model. Our work:
- aids in establishing the emerging field ‘tissue microbiology’;
- advances the development of biomimetic tools for complementary in vitro studies;
- focuses on developing biosensors for hospital-acquired infections; and
- producing smart materials for use in the clinic.
Organic bioelectronics in nanomedicine: We recently demonstrated the use of conducting polymers for precise, non-convective, electrophoretic delivery of signal substances, such as ions and neurotransmitters. Analogously to the function of neurons, the device mimics the action potential causing release of chemical substances into the synaptic cleft. We currently focus on integrating this technology as a novel machine-to-brain interface and as an implantable neuromodulation technology.
Controlled release of acetylcholine (ACh) from a conducting polymer matrix. Using organic bioelectronics to detect infection of cell cultures by invading bacteria. Intravital imaging of a bacterial colonisation of the kidney.
Selected publications
An organic electronic biomimetic neuron enables auto-regulated neuromodulation.
Biosens Bioelectron 2015 Sep;71():359-364
Biomimetic interfaces reveal activation dynamics of C-reactive protein in local microenvironments.
Adv Healthc Mater 2014 Nov;3(11):1733-8
Organic electronics for precise delivery of neurotransmitters to modulate mammalian sensory function.
Nat Mater 2009 Sep;8(9):742-6
Tissue microbiology provides a coherent picture of infection.
Curr. Opin. Microbiol. 2012 Feb;15(1):15-22
Multiphoton microscopy applied for real-time intravital imaging of bacterial infections in vivo.
Meth. Enzymol. 2012 ;506():35-61
Group members
Charalampos Antypas - PhD student
Karen Butina - PhD student
Ferdinand Xiankeng Choong - PhD student
Joel Edin - PhD student
Sara Fahlén - Research engineer
Salvador Gomez Carretero - PhD student
Mohammad Mirazul Islam - PhD student
Benjamin Andrew Libberton - Postdoc
Susanne Löffler - Postdoc
Agneta Richter Dahlfors - Professor
Svava Steiner - PhD student
Marta Veses-Garcia - Postdoc