Abstract

Biological processes are so complex that physicists struggle to devise quantitative models to describe them. The research in my group is therefore focused on designing and building simplified non-biological systems that mimic specific biological functions. In particular, we use emulsion droplets that are coated with lipids, proteins and sugars to make biomimetic tissues. This reductionist approach sheds new light on the physical processes that underlie important biological questions, such as cell-cell adhesion, membrane fusion (exocytosis) and tissue level organization of cells. More specifically, lessons learned from the packing geometry and stress transmission in model particulate materials help us understand the principles of mechanical adaptation in biology.