Potsdam Lab Launches ‘Next‑Generation Antimicrobial Polymers’ to Counter Antibiotic Resistance

Germany’s University of Potsdam has inaugurated the “Next Generation Antimicrobial Polymers” research program, a collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP). The initiative seeks to create polymers that can replace traditional antibiotics by neutralizing resistant bacteria without harming human cells.

Dr. Matthias Hartlieb, founder and director of the Emmy Noether Group, emphasizes the urgency of the project: “If society loses the ability to fight bacterial infections, we will face severe health crises. Developing new, effective countermeasures is therefore essential.”

In partnership with Fraunhofer IAP—also situated in the Potsdam Science Park—Dr. Hartlieb’s team is engineering polymers that target antibiotic‑resistant bacteria while remaining safe for human use. He notes that the institute’s long‑standing expertise in polymer science, biofunctionalized materials, and pathogen testing, coupled with its advanced safety laboratories, is a critical asset to the project.

Dr. Ruben R. Rosencrantz, head of the Life Science and Bioprocesses division at Fraunhofer IAP, adds: “Our focus is on sugar‑based interactions with pathogens and on rigorously testing the antimicrobial activity of the newly developed polymers. Translating foundational research into real‑world applications is a priority for us.”

The Emmy Noether Programme, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), supports early‑career researchers by providing resources to lead independent research groups and pursue a future professorship. Dr. Hartlieb’s team received approximately €1.6 million for a six‑year period, underscoring the national commitment to tackling antibiotic resistance.