Research Area

We are an interdisciplinary team of engineers, biologists, and physicists using principles of soft matter physics to understand the structure and self-assembly of biological materials, including the cytoskeleton, sub-cellular organelles, cells, and tissues. Our team is focused on a fundamental and poorly understood biological question: How do molecules self-assemble into larger length scale structures of defined size, shape, and mechanical properties? To address this question we use a number of model biological systems, including tissue culture cells, frogs, and worms. We use these systems to elucidate the interplay between mechanics, self-assembly, and fluctuations of living biological materials. We aim to use this knowledge to engineer self-assembled biomimetic materials for biomedical applications.

Current Members

Brangwynne, Clifford P (Principal Investigator/Director)

Contact

Institution: Princeton University

Web Page: https://softlivingmatter.princeton.edu/