Welcome to the Coacervates and Soft Interfaces group

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Compartmentalisation of biochemical reactions into organelles is a key mechanism of organization in many cells. Organelles are often bound by a complex membrane, but a significant fraction lacks a membrane boundary. These membraneless organelles are formed by condensation (coacervation) of biomacromolecules. As a consequence, they provide a unique microenvironment inside the cell in which biomolecules can be concentrated and their reactions modulated.

In our group, we aim to create artificial organelles that can be used as functional compartments in synthetic cells or as model systems to elucidate the role of coacervates in cells and in the origin of life. We are currently investigating various (bio)chemical reactions to create, shape and grow these organelles in a dynamic way. In parallel, we use the compartments to direct reactions and regulate biological assembly processes. Read more.

In addition to a fundamental interest in the physico-chemical principles underlying the organization of cells and the cytoplasm, we are interested in developing novel smart capsules and therapeutics based on our bio-inspired coacervates. By creating biocompatible capsules that can be loaded with chemical (or genetic) reaction networks or cells, we hope to develop synthetic cell populations and functional synthetic tissues. By developing programmable coacervates with high affinity for living cells, we can design novel drug delivery strategies.

Our approach is multidisciplinary, interfacing chemistry with soft matter physics, chemical biology and cell biology. Dedicated organic chemistry, microfluidics, protein expression and cell culture labs, and analysis facilities with all types of standard and confocal microscopy setups, are present in the department.

Are you interested?

Are you interested in our research? Our group is always looking for motivated people who are interested in coacervates, synthetic cells and soft interfaces in general. Please take a look at the opportunities for BSc and MSc student projects, PhD positions and postdocs.

The department

The Coacervates and Soft Interfaces group is part of the Department of Physical Organic Chemistry, within the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM).