Engineering environmental mimicries for cells and molecules using microfabrication technologies

Biological objects, such as proteins and cells interact and exchange information with their environment. However, cellular and biomolecular environments in nature are often complex, rendering the investigation of this interaction challenging.

To analyze how environmental parameters, such as geometrical cues and material properties modulate biological systems, we engineer biomimicking environments. Using nano- and microfabrication techniques we analyze their effects on biological functions and activity on multiple scales: We study biological systems ranging from molecular assemblies (e.g. structures and patterns formed by proteins and lipids) over cellular systems up to multicellular assemblies of minimal model tissues.

 

MPL Research Centers and Schools