Spatiotemporal Control of Cell Functions

The ability to adopt specific functions in response to external stimuli from the environment in time and space is a unique feature of biological design. Ligands (senders) and receptors (receivers) for inter-cellular communication play a key-role in the cell-signaling machinery. The signaling mechanisms triggered by ligand-receptor interactions from the physical environment are key aspects in the control of cell functions that ultimately determine the organization of life itself. The Notch signaling mechanism provide a unique opportunity for active material-based control of cell function. Notch is activated through interaction between ligands and receptors on neighboring cells or on the substrate, thereby activating Notch target genes that control the cell function. In this project we will design and functionalize charged peptides in thin organic and large-area electronic devices for spatiotemporal sensing and control of Notch activation in stem cells.