Dresden 2020 – scientific programme

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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik

CPP 31: Biomaterials and Biopolymers (joint session BP/CPP)

CPP 31.6: Invited Talk

Monday, March 16, 2020, 16:30–17:00, ZEU 250

Optoregulated force application to individual cellular receptors using molecular motors — •Aránzazu del Campo — INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany — Chemistry Department, Saarland University

Inspired by cellular mechanisms for force application, a unique molecular machine that can apply forces at cell-matrix and cell-cell junctions using light as energy source will be presented. The key actuator is a light-driven rotatory molecular motor linked to polymer chains, which is intercalated between a membrane receptor and an engineered biointerface. The light-driven actuation of the molecular motor is converted in mechanical twisting of the polymer chains, which will in turn effectively *pull* on engaged cell membrane receptors (integrins, cadherins*) within the illuminated area. Applied forces have the adequate magnitude and occur at time scales within the relevant ranges for mechanotransduction at cell-friendly exposure conditions. The presnetation will provide experimental demonstrations of force-dependent focal adhesion maturation and T cell activation in vitro using the rotary motor.