We propose an interdisciplinary project with the objective to explore the feasibility of aerographite as scaffold material for tissue engineering in regenerative medicine with special focus on directed cell growth. Aerographite is a novel carbon based material that consists of a seamless interconnected network of microtubes. The project is motivated by promising developments of related carbon materials (carbon nanotubes and graphene) in biomedical applications. Aerographite is a potential candidate for tissue engineering, as it can be fabricated in a highly controllable manner to create various macroscopic 3-D shapes. Tailored microarchitectures can be realized that offer penetrability and accessibility of surfaces. These features are key factors for 3-D tissue growth. The 2-year project will be realized in three stages: 1. Material characterization and chemical surface modification to impart aqueous compatibility, 2. Biofunctionalization for specific cell adhesion, and 3. Quantification of cell adhesion and growth on functionalized scaffolds. All tasks are highly interdisciplinary and combine aspects of materials science, chemistry, biology and biophysics and medicine as evident in the variety of analytical techniques that will be employed. Aerographite structures and their functionalization will be investigates with Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning probe microscopy (SPM), and contact angle measurements. SPM, confocal fluorescence microscopy and environmental SEM will be used to assess cell growth on aerographite. Biological assays will be applied to evaluate biocompatibility and cytotoxicity. For the success of the project the applicant can profit from her previous collaborations with European research groups and the excellent research environment at the host university. New collaborations and acquisition of new skills and knowledge will complement her scientific profile and enable her to start a junior group in the near future