Research

Bacterial Transport

Sketch of a bacterium in a run-and-tumble sequence
New findings on how bacteria can maintain persistent and fast upstream swimming motion over distances comparable with many human organs, may help prevent life-threatening infections.We study the transport of microorganisms in complex networks and biological fluids, like blood or mucus. Understanding of the physical mechanisms involved canhelpusdesignintravenous and urinary cathetersto limit upstream bacterial contamination, which is a leading cause of in-hospital complications and death.

Controlling defects in active nematics with geometrical constrains
[video:https://youtu.be/wnDdFF5ukuA]

Active Materials

Bacterium swimming in Liquid Crystal with two tails
We create and study novel “active” materials featuring properties like reconfigurability, spontaneous motion or self-healing. To do that we combine classical soft matter, like liquid crystals, foams or gels, and active matter, like microorganisms or self- propelled synthetic particles.

Microplastics - Microorganism Interaction

Part of the labstudiesthe transport of microplastics in the environment and their interactions with complex fluids and microorganisms.

Upstream E. coli migration

[video:https://youtu.be/O24-0vTqd5c]

E. coli “super-contaminates” narrow ducts swimming against the flow

Bacillus subtillis bacteria swimming in liquid crystal

[video:https://youtu.be/8rGGYdSyn2c]