Regensburg 2004 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Downloads | Help

AKB: Biologische Physik

AKB 30: Biomaterials and Bioengineering

AKB 30.3: Invited Talk

Wednesday, March 10, 2004, 15:30–16:00, H40

Micro- and Nanolithographic Tools for Designing Biophysical Models of Cell Adhesion and Mechanics — •Joachim Spatz — University of Heidelberg, Inst. Physical Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry, INF 253, 69120 Heidelberg

We investigate the dynamic regulation of adhesive contacts and of the cytoskeleton architecture of cells in contact with novel nano- and microlithographic materials, and its resultant influence on cellular activities as well as clinical malfunctions in organism. In this context, we apply new optical and mechanical techniques and develop new micro- and nanostructured materials to perform experiments on living cells. We also construct biomimetic models of protein networks with tuneable complexity on nano- or microstructured platforms to untangle chemo-mechanical properties of the cytoskeleton and the adhesion protein complex. In detail, we will discuss (i) the development of nano- and microlithographic interfaces by self-assembly and its biofunctionlisation, (ii) the activation control of single integrin function of adherent cells by nanopatterned adhesive interfaces, (iii) the biomimetic model design of the actin cortex based on microfabricated pillar surfaces and dynamic holographic optical tweezers, and (iv) a chemo-mechanical approach to understand regulation of metastases formation of human cancer cells by cytoskeleton architecture.