My research group investigates the structure and degradation of elastin, a crucial extracellular matrix protein, in the context of aging and disease in skin and cardiovascular tissues. Central to our research is the concept of proteostasis, which refers to the processes that maintain protein homeostasis—such as protein folding, refolding of misfolded proteins, and the removal of damaged or aggregated proteins. As a major hallmark of human aging, the loss of proteostasis contributes to the decline in the efficiency of these processes, leading to errors in protein synthesis, folding, and degradation, resulting in the accumulation of dysfunctional proteins. Such disruptions in proteostasis of elastin and other extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen not only damage tissues but also play a central role in the progression of age-related diseases, including those affecting the skin and cardiovascular system.

We also focus on designing protein- and synthetic polymer-based biomaterials for tissue engineering and developing advanced cutaneous drug delivery systems for the treatment of wounds and inflammatory skin conditions.

• Implications of skin aging and disease with focus on the extracellular matrix proteins elastin and collagen
• Protein- and polymer-based biomaterials for tissue engineering and the treatment of wound and inflammatory skin diseases
• Interactions of cutaneous drug delivery systems with healthy and impaired skin

My group’s research is interdisciplinary, encompassing aspects of structural biology, materials science, and pharmaceutical science. The analytical techniques we employ include mass spectrometry, small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, thermal methods, and vibrational spectroscopy. Additionally, we analyze the structure of proteins such as elastin and assess the properties and stability of cutaneous drug delivery systems using SEM, NMR spectroscopy, DSC, TGA, and XRPD.

We also evaluate the cytocompatibility of cutaneous drug delivery systems in cell models involving fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Furthermore, we investigate the release mechanisms of active pharmaceutical ingredients from these systems using in vitro and ex vivo skin models.

I teach in several undergraduate courses with a major focus on pharmaceutics, including "Farmaci I" and "Lægemiddeludvikling fra molekyle til menneske" (Drug Development - from molecule to man).

Furthermore, I teach on a faculty level in the courses "PhD Supervision for co-supervisors" and "Introduction for new PhD students at SUND".

I also supervise master’s students on a regular basis.