Tel: +(33)(0)388414118
Fax: +(33)(0)388414099
email: meriem.er-rafik[at]ics-cnrs.unistra.fr
Research activities
PhD (2001-2005, defence December 2004)
At LURE synchrotron and LPS-Orsay (Laboratoire Physique des Solides) about Structure-Function relationship of macromolecules: “Architecture of intermediate filaments in vivo by simulation/experiments X-ray diffraction and molecular modelling”
Project/Group Leader (from 2006-2013) at Leibniz-DWI Aachen (Germany)
Project/Group Leader (from 2006-2013) at Leibniz-DWI Institute for Interactive Material at Aachen (Germany)} interdisciplinary projects management in Structure-function of (bio)polymers and synthetic molecules.
During my post-doctoral training in Germany at Liebnitz-DWI Interactive Material, RWTH Aachen, in the group of Prof. Martin Moeller, and later as group leader, I developed further expertises in the investigation of small molecules and (bio)polymers especially their adhesion properties in biomaterial and for medical and textile applications. I particularly investigated the structure-function relationship of biomimetic functional molecules as antimicrobial agents and softeners in collaboration with well-known companies and institutes in Europe and also the formation of biodegradable biomaterial. I easily interact in interdisciplinary environments and take initiative to develop and manage scientific issues in order to achieve successful results. I master quickly various biophysical techniques to successfully gaining the insights of the structure-function relationship and the behaviour of biomaterials. I have gained experience in managing projects and teams in interdisciplinary and international environment. I lead more than 10 projects. For the last 4 projects, I obtained the funding grants by developped the idea, writing the project, managing the project and also as active worker. I have supervised, 3 technicians, 7 bachelors, 5 Masters and 6 PhD students. I was involved in the strategic developement and planning of the research line in the institute.
Temporary Researcher in Institut Charles Sadron (ANR Grant)
Institut Charles Sadron (July 2013 until now) at Strasbourg,Translocation of nanoparticles throught membrane (mainly by Cryo electron tomography)
Publications
2016
[1] D. Istrate, Meriem Er Rafik, C. Popescu, D.E. Demco, L Tsarkova, F-J Wortmann, Keratin made micro-tubes: The paradoxical thermal behavior of cortex and cuticle, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2016, 89, 592–598.
2013
[2] A. L. Lofty, M. Er-Rafik, M. Moeller, Supercritical carbon dioxide assisted silicon based finishing of cellulosic fabric: A novel approach, Carbohydrate polymers, 10/2013, 98(1):1095-107.
[3] A. L. Lofty, M. Er-Rafik, M. Moeller, Suitability of Confocal Raman microscopy for monitoring the penetration of PDMS compounds into cotton fibres, Carbohydrate polymers. 07/2013; 96(1):305-313.
[4] M. Er-Rafik, A. L. Mohammed, M. Moeller, K. Spyropoulos, R. Wagner, Advanced amino and quaternium silicon textile enhancers -an investigation into the deposition on cotton fibres, Melliand International, 2013.
[5] D. Istrate, C. Popescu, M. Er-Rafik and M. Moeller, The effect of pH on thermal stability of fibrous hard alpha keratins, Polymer Degradation and Stability, 02/2013, 98(2):542-549.
2012
[6] D. Istrate, C. Popescu, M. Er-Rafik and M. Moeller Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of structural changes in bleached, perm-waved and dyed hard alpha-keratin fibres, Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2012, in press.
[7] M. Er Rafik, A. Mohammed, K. Spyropoulos, R. Wagner, Advanced textile enhancers - Magnasoft SilQ®: an investigation into the deposition on cotton fibres, Melliand International Chinese, 5, 47-54, 2012.
[8] M. Er Rafik, A. Mohammed, M Möller, K. Spyropoulos, R. Wagner, Advanced textile enhancers- Magnasoft SilQ®: and an aminosilicone TSF4708® depositions onto cotton fibres, Proc. 5nd Aachen-Dresden ITC, Nov 2011; ISSN 1867-6405; P169.
2011
[9] A. Mohamed, M. Er-Rafik, K. Spyropoulos, R. Wagner, Magnasoft SilQ®: Untersuchungen zum Aufziehverhalten auf Baumwollfasern, Textilveredlung 3/4, 11-12 (2011).
[10] M. Er Rafik, A. Mohamed, K. Spyropoulos, R. Wagner, Advanced textile enhancers - Magnasoft SilQ®: an investigation into the deposition on cotton fibres, Melliand International, 5, 307-309, 2011.
2009
[11] M. Er Rafik, R. Wagner, A. Mohamed, K. Spyropoulos, M. Moeller, Advanced textile enhancers- Magnasoft SilQ: an investigation into the deposition on cotton fibres, Proc. 3nd Aachen-Dresden ITC, Dec 2009; ISSN 1867-6405; P35.
2008
[12] M. Er Rafik, Y He, N. Pasquier, H. Keul, E. Heine, M. Moeller, Biomimetic amphiphilic branched poly(ethylene imines) as antimicrobial agents, Proc. 2nd Aachen-Dresden ITC, Dec 2008; ISSN 1867-6405; P1.
2006
[13] M. Er Rafik, F. Briki, M. Burghammer, J. Doucet, In vivo formation steps of the hard alpha-keratin intermediate filament along a hair follicle: evidence for structural polymorphism, J. Struct. Biol., 2006 Apr; 154(1):79-88.
2004
[14] M. Er Rafik, F. Briki, J. Doucet, An intermediate filament architecture as determined by X-ray diffraction modelling of hard alpha keratin, Biophysical J., 2004 Jun;86(6):3893-904.
Patents
- German patent application, DE 102013200788.4, WO 2014/11514, Behandlung von cellulosehaltigen Substraten, January 2013.
- US patent application No.: 62/053,870, Silicone compounds and compositions thereof for the treatment of amino acid based substrates, September 2014.
