NQPI Seminar | Engineered Biointerfaces for Applications in Cell Biology and Magnonics, April 15

Dr. Jenny Malmstrom

The Nanoscale & Quantum Phenomena Institute Seminar series presents Dr. Jenny Malmstrom on April 15 at 4:10 p.m.

For virtual meeting information, contact Administrative Specialist,  Joni Staggs.

Malmstrom is a Senior Lecturer with the Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland New Zealand.

Abstract:  The success of stem cell therapies and tissue engineering relies on fundamental knowledge of cell fate and stem cell behaviour both in vivo and in vitro. Cells sense and adapt to forces and physical constraints imposed by the extra cellular matrix. Such mechanotransduction plays a crucial role in cell function, differentiation and cancer.  Previous technological developments have provided interfaces with well‐defined patterns, chemistry or stiffness, which revolutionized how biological questions could be addressed. Current research is expanding these parameters to exploring viscoelastic and strain stiffening materials, dynamic materials and controlled display/delivery of multiple signals. In our research group, we are developing materials to achieve spatiotemporal control over mechanical properties, and materials aimed at controlled delivery of growth factors to study the synergies between mechanotransduction and growth factor signalling. In this seminar, I will present work on hydrogels with controlled viscoelastic properties or actuation, as well as work using block copolymer thin films as a platform to incorporate and deliver biomolecules. Structured or organised surfaces with nanoscale features are also important in fields such as energy harvesting and computing. We seek to use inspiration from nature and self‐assembly to create arrays of magnetic material. Specifically, work focused on using protein‐protein interactions to build up higher order protein structures, and our efforts to organize and functionalise these structures, will be presented. I will also present work where we use block‐copolymers to organise iron oxide particles or polyoxometalate clusters.