The formation of the group Interfaces between Materials and Biological Matter results from the progressive fusion of different research groups, bringing their own expertise in different but related fields. The research activities of our highly interdisciplinary group are focused on the material-electrolyte-biological matter interfaces, where complex physico-chemical phenomena take place.

The group is working at the interface between materials science, electrochemistry, biochemistry and cellular biology. We have an expertise in the assembly and characterization of molecular structures of various complexities at the material-electrolyte interface.

We are using biophysical methods and electrochemistry techniques for precisely controlling and analyzing the surfaces of our materials or the biological matter organized at the materials surface. We are interested in the surface adsorption, self-assembly and covalent grafting of biomacromolecules in liquid conditions as well as in studies on cellular processes. These include cell adhesion and differentiation.

Research applications extend from biosensors, to the surface modification of implantable materials and drug delivery.

The different research projects are organized in three main axes focusing on different aspects of the interfaces.


Electrical phenomena at interfaces

• Label free detection of DNA (semiconductive thin films) and electrocical detection of bacterial   
• Electrochemical control of Dictyostelium cell spreading
  

Biomolecular conformational changes at surfaces/biomembranes

• Protein aggregation at materials surfaces
• Ezrin binding to vesicles containing phosphoinositides (PIP2)  
  

Control of cell motility and differentiation by materials properties

• Polyelectrolyte multilayer films as a tool to control cellular processes
• Micropatterned surfaces to study Dicty cells motility