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Surflay Nanotec GmbH

surflay.com/enBerlin, Germany

About

Surflay Nanotec GmbH – Expertise in Nanoscale Surface Functionalization
Surflay Nanotec GmbH is a technology-driven research company located in the Berlin-Adlershof Science and Technology Park. Founded in October 2008 by PD Dr. habil. Lars Dähne, the company combines many years of scientific expertise in the development and application of Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technology for the functionalization of surfaces and particles.

Research Focus and Technological Basis
Surflay specializes in nanometer-thin polymer coatings that combine tailored physicochemical and biological properties. The LbL technology enables precise deposition of charged polyelectrolytes in defined layers and is used for the biofunctionalization of particles, membranes, and planar substrates. This technology forms the basis for applications in sensing, diagnostics, water treatment, and drug encapsulation.

A particular focus lies on the development of functionalized micro- and nanoparticles made from polymers such as PMMA, polystyrene, or melamine-formaldehyde. These particles can be equipped with fluorescent, magnetic, or sensing capabilities — for example, for the detection of pH, oxygen, temperature, or chloride concentration.

Scientific Excellence and Project Work
Founder Dr. Dähne has been conducting intensive research on LbL technology since 1998, initially at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces. With over 60 international publications and numerous patents, he has significantly shaped the development of innovative surface modifications. Surflay has participated in multiple national and European research projects, including “LbL-Brane” (EU FP7), “SULEMAN” (BMWK), “SIGN2” and “NAPOLY” (BMBF), particularly in the field of membrane technology for water purification.

Analytical Infrastructure and Sensor Platforms
The interdisciplinary team of nine scientists operates a broad range of highly specialized analytical equipment, including:

  • Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM)

  • Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM)

  • Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)

  • Zetasizer

  • UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy

  • HPLC

  • Whispering Gallery Modes (WGM) – a novel, label-free sensor platform

With the instrument WhisperSense, Surflay utilizes circulating photons in spherical microresonators (Low-Q-WGM) for real-time analysis of binding events. This technology enables contactless biosensing in microfluidic systems and supports high-throughput screenings, e.g., for antibody detection in blood or for the identification of surface contamination.

Products and Services

Products:

  • Fluorescently labeled polymers and proteins

  • Microsensors for oxygen and pH

  • Functionalized, monodisperse polymer particles

  • LbL-coated filtration membranes

Services:

  • Contract measurements in nanotechnology

  • Custom synthesis

  • Research services in cosmetics, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals

Business Fields at a Glance

  • Surface functionalization

  • Production of functionalized particles (fluorescent, magnetic, colored)

  • Whispering Gallery Modes: label-free real-time sensing

  • Lateral flow assays (antigen/antibody tests)

  • Encapsulation of active agents for agriculture

  • Membrane technology for water and wastewater treatment

Biotech

BiomaterialsBiopharmaceuticalsBiosensorsDiagnosisPersonalized healthcare

Photonics

SensorsOpto-mechanical devicesImagingSpectroscopyMicro- & nano-photonicsIntegrated photonics

Representatives

Mateusz Olszyna

Biophysicist

Surflay Nanotec GmbH