Contact

Porträt Dr. Kubeil, Manja; FWOB

Dr. Manja Kubeil

Head Radiation Research on Biological Systems
Marie Curie Alumna
m.kubeilAthzdr.de
Phone: +49 351 260 2006

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Department of Radiation research on biological systems

Research in the department of Radiation research on biological systems focuses on understanding the interaction of long-lived radionuclides with biosystems. We are interested in the various levels from biomolecules to individual organisms and complex biocoenoses. On the one hand, the aim is to understand the influence of biological systems on the behavior of radionuclides in the environment (release, mobility and bioavailability). On the other hand, we investigate the effects of radionuclides on the metabolism of cells and the whole organism (uptake, accumulation, chemo- and radiotoxicity) and the resulting dangers for us humans.

Using state-of-the-art molecular biological, spectroscopic and microscopic methods, we work in the fields of repository research to improve the long-term safety of a repository for high-level radioactive waste and radioecology to protect humans and the environment from the dangers of naturally and artificially released radionuclides.

In addition to basic research, our aim is to use the knowledge gained to develop innovative remediation methods and improve models to describe the behavior of radionuclides in the environment.

Interested in working with us?

To support our work, we are always looking for students and interns from the fields of biology, chemistry and environmental sciences who either want to write their thesis with us or simply gain practical experience. Are you interested? Then please get in touch to clarify any questions you may have.

Current research topics

Working fields of the departement of biogeochemistry at the Institute of Resource Ecology (EN) ©Copyright: Dr. Matschiavelli, Nicole
  • Determination of the microbial diversity in water and soil environments contaminated with heavy metals and radionuclides as well as in different host rocks for potential radioactive waste disposals
  • Microbe-radionuclide-interactions with reference strains and isolates
  • Interaction of eukaryotic cells with radionuclides and lanthanides in particular with plants, fungi, sponges and algae
  • Investigation of the interaction of selected bioligands and model compounds with f-elements
  • Characterization of microbial processes affecting the conditions in deep geological repositories for radioactive waste (e.g. transformation of bentonite as barrier material)
  • Calculation and determination of the metal speciation relevant to the environment
  • Verification and validation of transport models
  • Characterization of particles in the environment relevant to the transport of radionuclides
  • Investigation of the transport processes of radionuclides by particles (including microbes) in natural water

Latest Publication

Cytotoxicity of Metal-containing Carbon Monoxide-Releasing Molecules: A Current Assessment

Kubeil, M.; Stephan, H.

Abstract

Carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) have drawn attention since the beginning of the century. Since then, many publications have been devoted to optimizing the physicochemical properties of CORMs, with a focus on the release kinetics of CO as a function of external stimuli such as light, enzyme, and redox triggering, as well as ligand exchange and pH changes. This was followed by studies on the use of CORMs and later carbon monoxide-releasing nanomaterials (CORNMs) as pharmaceutical active compounds/materials in biological systems. In this context, there is an ongoing debate as to whether the pharmacological efficacy can be clearly attributed to CO alone or whether CO-free metal fragments or both mechanisms contribute to biological efficacy. This review focuses in particular on CORMs and CORNMs that exhibit cell toxicity and on corresponding characterization methods that allow biological efficacy to be assigned. The methods to be used to obtain reliable information on biodistribution and pharmacokinetic properties, as well as the characterization of the kinetics of controlled CO release in living organisms, are outlined.

Keywords: carbon monoxide-releasing molecules; transition metals; CO detection; carbon monoxide-releasing nanomaterials; anticancer activity

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-41969

More publications

Projects

An overview of completed projects can be found here.

Latest publication

Cytotoxicity of Metal-containing Carbon Monoxide-Releasing Molecules: A Current Assessment

Kubeil, M.; Stephan, H.

Abstract

Carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CORMs) have drawn attention since the beginning of the century. Since then, many publications have been devoted to optimizing the physicochemical properties of CORMs, with a focus on the release kinetics of CO as a function of external stimuli such as light, enzyme, and redox triggering, as well as ligand exchange and pH changes. This was followed by studies on the use of CORMs and later carbon monoxide-releasing nanomaterials (CORNMs) as pharmaceutical active compounds/materials in biological systems. In this context, there is an ongoing debate as to whether the pharmacological efficacy can be clearly attributed to CO alone or whether CO-free metal fragments or both mechanisms contribute to biological efficacy. This review focuses in particular on CORMs and CORNMs that exhibit cell toxicity and on corresponding characterization methods that allow biological efficacy to be assigned. The methods to be used to obtain reliable information on biodistribution and pharmacokinetic properties, as well as the characterization of the kinetics of controlled CO release in living organisms, are outlined.

Keywords: carbon monoxide-releasing molecules; transition metals; CO detection; carbon monoxide-releasing nanomaterials; anticancer activity

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-41969

More publications

Team

Head

NameBld./Office+49 351 260Email
Dr. Manja Kubeil801/P1272006
m.kubeilAthzdr.de

Deep Biosphere

NameBld./Office+49 351 260Email
Dr. Andrea Cherkouk801/P3562989
a.cherkoukAthzdr.de
Sindy Kluge801/P2193194
s.klugeAthzdr.de
Dr. Nicole Matschiavelli801/P3182759
n.matschiavelliAthzdr.de

Terrestrial Microbiology

NameBld./Office+49 351 260Email
Dr. Johannes Raff801/P3142951
j.raffAthzdr.de
Rahel Bertheau801/P3543138
Dr. Alix Günther801/P2562433
2522
a.guentherAthzdr.de
Dr. Evelyn Krawczyk-Bärsch801/P2522076
e.krawczyk-baerschAthzdr.de

Plants and Rhizosphere

NameBld./Office+49 351 260Email
Dr. Susanne Sachs801/P2082436
s.sachsAthzdr.de
Raul Eduardo Linares Jimenez801/P1032457
r.linares-jimenezAthzdr.de
Julia Marie Mätzkow801/P1533032
j.maetzkowAthzdr.de
Dr. Henry Moll801/P2562433
2549
h.mollAthzdr.de
Jana Seibt801/P2193194
2510
j.seibtAthzdr.de

Spectroscopy and Speciation of f-elements

NameBld./Office+49 351 260Email
Dr. Robin Steudtner801/P3172895
r.steudtnerAthzdr.de
Katrin Flemming801/P3092958
k.flemmingAthzdr.de