Bacterial Transport
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 can help us design intravenous and urinary catheters to limit upstream bacterial contamination, which is a leading cause of in-hospital complications and death.
Active Materials
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 lab studies the transport of microplastics in the environment and their interactions with complex fluids and microorganisms.