Nikolaus Wellner

Biography

Nikolaus Wellner use optical and vibrational spectroscopy to study the distribution, structure and function of biopolymers. After studying chemistry in Munich, he came to the Institute of Food Research in 1992 on an EU post-doctoral grant to investigate enzyme catalysis in non-aqueous media. Then he spent several years elucidating the structure/function of gluten proteins. He pioneered the use of chemical imaging to monitor mechanical properties of cell wall polysaccharides in intact plant cells and in reconstituted films. More recently his focus has shifted to plant materials for bio-refinery, both quantification of raw materials, and monitoring the modifications during the process. He particularly interested in developing rapid spectroscopic and chemometric methods for quality control.

Research Interest

Chemical imaging to monitor mechanical properties of cell wall polysaccharides in intact plant cells and in reconstituted films