Ass.-Prof. Dr. Michael Zumstein

Assistant Professor for Biotransformation

☎ +43 1 4277 53372

⚲ Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2 (UZA II), Room 2C477, 1090 Vienna

Michael Zumstein’s group investigates the biotransformation and biodegradation of anthropogenic organic chemicals in natural and engineered environments. The group combines techniques from environmental analytical chemistry and molecular biology to obtain a fundamental understanding of the activity, specificity, and identity of enzymes involved in these processes.

Regarding classes of chemicals, the current research focus is on polymers that are important for home and personal care, as well as on biomolecules (and derivatives thereof) that are promising alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Michael has received an Ambizione Fellowship from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) to investigate the biotransformation of peptide-based antibiotics in wastewater systems. He leads a research cooperation between the University of Vienna and BASF SE on the biodegradation of water-soluble polymers. The process-level insights obtained through the group’s research inform the development of biodegradable chemicals.

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Teaching

To view Michael Zumstein's teaching activities at the University of Vienna, visit u:find.

Projects

Group Members

Publications

Pfohl, P., Rueckel, M., Meyer, L., Battagliarin, G., Künkel, A., Hüffer, T., Zumstein, M., Hofmann, T., & Wohlleben, W. (2024). Influence of plastic shape on interim fragmentation of compostable materials during composting. Microplastics and Nanoplastics, 4, [7]. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43591-024-00084-8

Wichmann, N., Gruseck, R., & Zumstein, M. (2024). Hydrolysis of Antimicrobial Peptides by Extracellular Peptidases in Wastewater. Environmental Science & Technology, 58(1), 717-726. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.3c06506

Sander, M., Weber, M., Lott, C., Zumstein, M., Künkel, A., & Battagliarin, G. (2023). Polymer Biodegradability 2.0: A Holistic View on Polymer Biodegradation in Natural and Engineered Environments. In Advances in Polymer Science (pp. 65-110). Springer-Verlag Berlin-Heidelberg. Advances in Polymer Science Vol. 239 https://doi.org/10.1007/12_2023_163

Wohlleben, W., Rückel, M., Meyer, L., Pfohl, P., Battagliarin, G., Hüffer, T., Zumstein, M., & Hofmann, T. (2023). Fragmentation and Mineralization of a Compostable Aromatic–Aliphatic Polyester during Industrial Composting. Environmental Science & Technology Letters, 10(8), 698 - 704. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.3c00394

Castan, S., Sherman, A., Peng, R., Zumstein, M. T., Wanek, W., Hüffer, T., & Hofmann, T. (2023). Uptake, Metabolism, and Accumulation of Tire Wear Particle-Derived Compounds in Lettuce. Environmental Science & Technology, 57(1), 168-178. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.2c05660

Pfohl, P., Bahl, D., Rückel, M., Wagner, M., Meyer, L., Bolduan, P., Battagliarin, G., Hüffer, T., Zumstein, M., Hofmann, T., & Wohlleben, W. (2022). Effect of Polymer Properties on the Biodegradation of Polyurethane Microplastics. Environmental Science & Technology, 56(23), 16873-16884. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.2c05602