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SUMMARY:Molecular bionics: copying Nature to control Nature - Prof Beppe B
 attaglia (University of Sheffield)
DTSTART:20130125T140000Z
DTEND:20130125T150000Z
UID:TALK43103@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Shery Huang
DESCRIPTION:Bionics (from Greek Βιονικός  Βιο -unit of life and
  νικός -derived from) is the study of making artificial systems imple
 menting functions and features found in biological structures. With advent
  of nanotechnology we can now translate this approach at molecular level a
 nd construct novel structures that mimic (and possibly improve) biological
  functions.  We apply this approach to research problems that require a co
 nsiderable understanding of biology to tackle clinical challenges. We star
 t  identifying the tools necessary to address the specific clinical proble
 m\, we subsequently study in details the interactions between the nanostru
 ctured materials and the living system often adapting and/or developing ne
 w techniques. Finally we test our devices using detailed pharmacological a
 nd medical characterisations. This approach is highly interdisciplinary an
 d combine fundamental science with engineering coalescing expertise from a
 cross disciplines such as synthetic chemistry\, polymer science\, soft mat
 ter physics\, biophysics\, cell biology\, immunology\, oncology\, and neur
 oscience. I will discuss briefly our molecular tools based on waterborne s
 elf assembly\, the chemistry and the physics behind the resulting structur
 es\, how these can be combined to engineer simple or complex structures an
 d how parameter such size\, shape\, topology and surface topography affect
  their interaction with biological systems. Finally I will show few exampl
 es how such an approach can lead to new clinical applications.
LOCATION:Small Lecture Theatre\, Cavendish Laboratory
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