Biomaterials and biological physics

We develop novel functional materials for tissue engineering, and apply soft matter physics ideas to understanding how living cells function.

Development of materials for tissue engineering

Part of our functional materials research focuses on development of materials for tissue engineering, i.e., for growing tissue such as cartilage in the lab. We work together with our colleagues in the School of Veterinary Medicine to apply novel materials, often using carbon nanotubes, for uses for animal health.

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This research activity is led by Izabela Jurewicz.

Computational and theoretical studies of dynamics inside living cells

We also undertake computational and theoretical studies of processes, especially transport and phase separation, inside living cells. Proteins and other molecules need to move around inside cells, in order to carry out their biological function. We develop models of this transport.

Recent experimental work has found that many proteins phase separately inside living cells for functional purposes, i.e., they separate out from the bulk of the solution inside a cell, as the oil does from water, and this helps the cell function. Our group has a long-standing interest in modelling this behaviour.

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This research activity is led by Richard Sear.

Student using physics equipment

PhD opportunities

Interested in doing a PhD involving our research? Take a look at the PhD opportunities available to you.