Life-Like Matter
Artificial Cells & Life-Like Systems
Lead(s) & co-leads:
- Tsvetomir Ivanov
- Priyanka Sharan
Focus areas:
- Polymersomes & dynamic membranes
- Coacervates → Fiber formation → Nanoorganelles
- Photobiocatalytic reactions & metabolic cascades
- Coculturing with natural cells
- Photobiocatalysis
In Artificial Cells & Life-Like Systems, we design adaptive molecular systems that bridge chemistry and biology by mimicking life’s dynamic principles. From polymersomes and coacervates that organize into membranes, fibers, and nanoorganelles, to photobiocatalytic reactions and metabolic cascades, our artificial cells self-assemble, reconfigure, and evolve new functions. By integrating with natural cells, these systems act as adaptive prototypes of life—unveiling how molecules give rise to responsive, emergent behaviours and paving the way for transformative biomedical applications.
Coacervation (Tsvetomir Ivanov)
We harness coacervation as a powerful principle of molecular self-organization to create adaptive, life-like compartments. From dynamic droplets that concentrate biomolecules to fibers and nanoorganelles that enable cascade reactions, coacervates serve as minimal models of cellular organization. Our mission is to uncover how simple molecular interactions drive emergent structure and function—bridging fundamental chemistry with the adaptive behaviours of living systems.
Polymersomes (Priyanka Sharan)
We explore the adaptive potential of artificial cell membranes, designing dynamic polymersomes and lipid–polymer hybrids that respond to environmental cues. By controlling membrane composition, transport, and remodelling, we uncover how molecular interactions drive compartmentalization, division, and functional reconfiguration. Our mission is to reveal the principles by which membranes act as active interfaces, enabling artificial cells to mimic, interact with, and communicate like living systems.
Biophotocatalysis
Lead(s):
- Katharina Landfester
- Boloromaa Bayarkhuu
Focus areas:
- Integration of enzymes with light-responsive catalysts
- Development of adaptive systems in artificial cells and nanocarriers
- Control of enzymatic cascades, photoregeneration, and compartmentalized reactions
We develop adaptive biophotocatalytic systems that integrate enzymes with light-responsive catalysts in artificial cells and nanocarriers. By controlling enzymatic cascades, photoregeneration, and compartmentalized reactions, we create responsive, life-like networks capable of performing complex chemical transformations. Our mission is to uncover the principles of controllable, light-driven catalysis and translate them into biomedical applications, synthetic metabolism, and next-generation nanomedicine.
Fiber Formation
Lead(s):
- Ingo Lieberwirth
- Francesca Mazotta
Focus areas:
- Cryo-TEM and peptide fiber reconstruction
- Fiber formation from peptide coacervates
Our group investigates the self-assembly of peptide fibers at the nanoscale using advanced cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) combined with 3D structural reconstruction. By resolving the architecture and formation pathways of these fibers in their native hydrated state, we uncover the structural principles that govern their stability, dynamics, and function. These insights provide a foundation for designing peptide-based materials with tailored properties for biomedical, nanotechnological, and biomimetic applications."
Advanced Fabrication & 3D Printing
Lead(s):
- Maria Villiou
Focus areas:
- Hydrogel bioinks & adaptive printing
- Integration with artificial cells & nanocarriers
This platform develops adaptive hydrogels and bioinks that integrate with artificial cells and nanocarriers to create dynamic, multifunctional environments. Using 3D printing, we design structured materials capable of hosting cascade reactions and assembling into tissue-like architectures. These adaptive biomaterials provide a versatile bridge between molecular systems and complex biological functions, enabling applications from responsive therapeutic scaffolds to life-like model systems.