Gero Decher, Professor at the University of Strasbourg is well-known as inventor of the Layer-by-Layer deposition technique, which has been adopted in a large number of laboratories around the globe. In recent years Gero Decher has successfully applied the approach to several issues in life sciences. Thus Gero Decher invented a thin layers deposit method for bio-functional nanomaterials based on electrostatic intermolecular interactions. This original material assembly method is inexpensive and almost non-polluting. In practice this gave rise to applications such diverse as in anticoagulants coatings with anchored heparin on medical devices such as catheters, hydrophobic coating improving vision lenses biocompatibility and tissue engineering in general.
The specific papers cited in support of the nomination are:
Hierarchical functional gradients of pH-responsive self-assembled monolayers using dynamic covalent chemistry on surfaces. L. Tauk, A. P. Schroder, G. Decher and N. Giuseppone, Nature Chemistry 1 , 649 (2009).
From “Nano-bags” to “Micro-pouches”. Understanding and Tweaking Flocculation-based Processes for the Preparation of New Nanoparticle-Composites. G. F. Schneider and G. Decher, Nano Letters 8, 3598-3604 (2008).
Micro-stratified architectures based on successive stacking of alginate gel layers and poly(L-lysine)-hyaluronic acid multilayer films aimed at tissue engineering. Hajare Mjahed, C. Porcel, B. Senger, A. Chassepot, P. Netter, P. Gillet, G. Decher, J.-C. Voegel, P. Schaaf, N. Benkirane-Jesselab and F. Boulmedaise, Soft Matter 4, 1422-1429 (2008).
Step-by-Step Build-Up of Biologically Active Cell-Containing Stratified Films Aimed at Tissue Engineering. L. Grossin, D. Cortial, B. Saulnier, O. Felix, A. Chassepot, G. Decher, P. Netter, P. Schaaf, P. Gillet, D. Mainard, J.-C. Voegel, and N. Benkirane-Jessel Advanced Materials 21, 650-655 (2009).
Multifunctional Cytotoxic Stealth Nanoparticles. A Model Approach with Potential for Cancer Therapy. G. F. Schneider, V. Subr, K. Ulbrich, and G. Decher, Nano Letters9, 636-642 (2009).