In Memoriam: Professor Helmut Cölfen (1965–2023),ACS Nano

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In Memoriam: Professor Helmut Cölfen (1965–2023)
ACS Nano ( IF 15.8 ) Pub Date : 2023-12-26 , DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12374
Nicholas A. Kotov ₁ , Luis M. Liz-Marzán ₂ , Fiona Meldrum ₃ , Shu-Hong Yu ₄

Affiliation

It is virtually impossible for us to think about Helmut Cölfen in the past tense. Helmut was always such a warm, cheerful, optimistic person, the type who naturally makes everyone comfortable around them. Every opportunity to meet him was a gift that many of us will miss immensely. Figure 1. Professor Helmut Cölfen. Photo courtesy of Zongkun Chen. As we mourn the loss of Helmut, let us also celebrate the extraordinary life and contributions of a brilliant mind, a visionary scientist, a compassionate mentor, and a much-loved friend and colleague. Until his very last days, Helmut exemplified unwavering dedication to advancing our understanding of nanoscale structures, particularly in the realms of biomineralization and nanoparticle assembly. His scientific findings, bright spirit, and enormous smile will continue to inspire and encourage many of us, ensuring that his impact endures in the hearts and minds of all those fortunate enough to have known him. Helmut graduated in Chemistry at the Gerhard Mercator University in Duisburg, Germany. He earned a B.S. degree in Physical Chemistry in 1988 and a Ph.D. degree in 1993 with the summa cum laude distinction, working on analytical ultracentrifugation─a technique that remained a life-long passion. After taking a group leader position at the Max-Planck-Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, he became interested in biomimetic mineralization and using block copolymers to synthesize nanostructured particles. (1) This work continued when he became Venia Legendi in physical chemistry at Potsdam University and later Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Konstanz. Helmut’s impact on the field of nanoparticle assembly and crystallization has been enormous. His pioneering work on the use of block copolymers to control the formation of essential materials such as calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate deciphered the effects of organic molecules on their structures and morphologies. It provided a new understanding of crystallization mechanisms (2) and gave the world “mesocrystals”, (3) thanks to Helmut’s recognition that many crystals─including biominerals (4)─exhibit mesoscale structures arising from the assembly of nanoparticles. He also made a huge impact on the field of nucleation, where his seminal paper on nucleation in the calcium carbonate system (5) inspired renewed interest in this challenging and fundamental topic. The fierce debate regarding classical and nonclassical nucleation mechanisms is ongoing. His scientific legacy also includes the advancement and implementation of analytical ultracentrifugation as a tool to study nanoparticle assemblies. It became a key tool in his studies of nucleation (5) and allowed him, for example, to delineate the effects of dynamic surface ligands, including biopolymers and small molecules, on particle agglomeration kinetics. (6−8) These insights, combined with keen scientific intuition, resulted in a stunning library of intricately shaped life-like nanoscale structures. (9) His recent work, delving into manuscripts related to the biological impacts of nanoparticles, showcased his unyielding commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge. A few weeks before his death, Helmut received well-deserved recognition in the form of a highly prestigious ERC Synergy Grant, based on his groundbreaking studies on the biological impact of nanoparticles. This and other honors are testament to his visionary contributions and the potential for transformative advancements in this critical area of research that can open new frontiers in battling difficult diseases. Helmut’s legacy extends far beyond his research achievements; he was a beloved colleague who touched the lives of so many. He launched and supported numerous careers in the scientific community, and colleagues from around the world sought his advice and collaboration, a testament to the respect and admiration he garnered. He was also a dear friend to many of us and will be sorely missed. This article references 9 other publications. This article has not yet been cited by other publications. Figure 1. Professor Helmut Cölfen. Photo courtesy of Zongkun Chen. This article references 9 other publications.

更新日期：2023-12-26

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