Systems under study are materials (hydrocolloids; surfaces of polymers, oxides or metals), interfacial phases (adsorbed or self-assembled), as well as biological systems (biomolecules, micro-organisms, mammalian cells).
The approach used consists in establishing relationships between the knowledge of the chemical composition and the supramolecular organisation, the understanding of the system properties, and the control of its behavior. The working strategy combines advanced fundamental research in a pluridisciplinary environment with a mem interest for applications.
The research activities of the group can be described following fourth main lines, which show strong complementarities.
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Physico-chemistry of soft matter
Study of aqueous solutions of macromolecules, especially of the polyelectrolyte properties of water-soluble polymers, and of gelling mechanisms. Application to the entrapment of living cells within gels.
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Materials surfaces and biosurfaces
Chemical composition, organisation and physico-chemical properties of surfaces and interfaces (materials, adsorbed phases, living cells) : design and characterisation of nanostructured organic surfaces (polymers, adsorbed proteins), understanding of their properties. Application in materials science (adsorption, adhesion, fouling, cleaning), in biomaterials science (hemocompatibility, biocompatibility), in bioengineering (food, microbial biofilms, fermentation, environment). |
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Biosystems on the nanoscale
Nanofabrication and nanocaracterisation of bio organic interfaces (chemical composition, structure, properties); unravelling of involved mechanisms (self-assembly, adsorption, adhesion); properties of biomembranes and cell surfaces on the nanowater scale; applications in biotechnology and pharmacology (nanobiomimetic devices, biosensors). |
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Nanostructured surfaces for cell engineering
Elaboration of surfaces presenting chemical and/or topographical heterogeneities at the nanoscale. Use of such nanostructured surfaces and of the self-assembling properties of biomacromolecules to design organized layers of biomolecules (extracellular matrix proteins, blood proteins). Evaluation of the behavior of mammalian cells or of blood in contact with these nano-organized biosurfaces.
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Our laboratory works in collaboration with the Unité de catalyse et de chimie des matériaux divisés (CATA) and the Centre de recherche en dispositifs et matériaux électroniques micro et nanoscopiques (CeRMiN).
