Physical Chemistry of Cell Adhesion- Group Priv. Doz. Dr. Dr. E. Ada Cavalcanti-Adam

OVERVIEW

We work on developing surfaces inspired by the physico-chemical properties of the extracellular matrix to study cell adhesion and migration. We focus on the coordinated signaling coming from biochemical and biomechanical cues present in the cell environment. We use nano- and micro-fabrication tools combined with the development of surface functionalization approaches to achieve a spatio-temporal control over receptor-mediated cell-surface interactions. By applying biophysical methods, ranging from single molecule experiments to single cell and multicellular systems, we study how forces are generated and integrated in cells.