Nico Alleva
Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
Main Focus
I am interested in the design and synthesis of DNA- and peptide-based biomaterials with programmable self-assembly, with a particular focus on DNA–polymer conjugates, nanoscale patterning on DNA origami, and the development of robust purification strategies. In addition to DNA-based systems, my research also explores peptide self-assembly, particularly in the context of rheology modifiers, thereby broadening the scope of tunable biomaterial properties. Across the majority of my projects, I employ atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a primary characterization tool—particularly under liquid conditions—thereby developing strong expertise in fluid-phase imaging and analysis.
Curriculum Vitae
Nico studied Biomedical Chemistry at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and completed his PhD in the Department of Tanja Weil at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research on DNA–polymer conjugates and self-assembled nanostructures.
Since 2024, he is a postdoctoral researcher in the cell-instructive materials subgroup, working on peptide self-assembly, DNA-functionalized systems, and industry-related rheology modifiers.
Selected Publications:
N. Alleva, P. Winterwerber, C. J. Whitfield, D. Y. W. Ng, T. Weil, “Nanoscale Patterning of Polymers on DNA Origami” Journal of Materials Chemistry B 2022, 10, 7512–7517.
N. Alleva, K. Eigen, D. Y. W. Ng, T. Weil, “A Versatile and Efficient Method to Isolate DNA–Polymer Conjugates” ACS Macro Letters 2023, 12, 1257–1263.
D. Schauenburg, N. Alleva, et al., “Peptide Bispecifics Inhibiting HIV-1 Infection by an Orthogonal Chemical and Supramolecular Strategy” Bioconjugate Chemistry 2023, 34, 1645–1652.
S. Chagri, J. Fetzer, P. Roth, A. Lahu, N. Alleva, J. Zhang, M. Wagner, S. Si, I. Lieberwirth, K. Landfester, D. Y. W. Ng, T. Weil, “Programming Nanostructure Formation Through Furin-Triggered Isopeptide Conversion and Peptide Self-Assembly” Macromolecular Bioscience 2025, e00427.
N. Alleva, J. Zhang, D. Y. W. Ng, T. Weil, T. John, “Functionalizing Nucleic Acids: Synthesis and Purification Strategies for Bioconjugates as Biomaterials” Small 2025, e10863.