Research

/ Soft DNA nanotechnology

By exploiting the unique programmability and base-pairing features of DNA, DNA-based nanotechnologies are revolutionizing nanosciences. We exploit our unique background in soft matter and DNA/protein physical chemistry to make DNA nanostructures more reconfigurable and dynamic, create a new kind of hybrid protein/DNA soft nanostructures, and develop a novel DNA-based concept of protein labeling for AFM imaging.

/ Enhanced analytical devices

We develop miniaturized electroanalytical devices for their increased performances, decreased amounts of samples and co-reactants with portable instrumentation.
– Microelectrode arrays in confined systems. Properties of microelectrodes are investigated both theoretically and experimentally in particular conditions controlled by hydrodynamics and space confinement (microchannel electrodes, circulating droplets).
– Boosting (electro)analytical performance with modeling to optimize electrocatalytic materials i.e. to concentrate analytes at the nanoscale level by physical or chemical adsorption, boost electron transfer rates and increase selectivity.
– Coupling electrochemistry and spectroscopy for electroanalysis. We use electrochemistry as a driving force of the analytical detection and spectroscopy to detect and quantify the analyte for the direct uncoupling of signal (photons) and noise (potential).

/ New looks at biological processes

– Measuring and modeling for exocytosis: theoretical modeling and quantitative analysis of kinetic amperometric data from neurons (intrasynaptic) and endocrine cells and their confrontation to theory, amperometry and dual-color TIRF measurements.
– Deciphering oxydative stress with electrodes: implementation of cell culture in microfluidic systems integrating electrochemical sensors
Functionalized emulsions in the immune context. Emulsion droplets are used as biophysical probes for the
mechanical mapping of the stresses involved during the immune response.
– Cell-free synthesis of complex biological architecture. Reconstituted vesicles and droplet microfluidics are used to encapsulate define sets of genes and proteins to understand, from these minimalistic models, some emerging properties in biological systems.

/ Organs and organisms on-a-chip

In-vitro modeling of physiological (stem cells) and pathological (tumor cells) processes allows challenging a large variety of device and system developments that are relevant for disease modeling, drug screening,
diagnosis, and regenerative medicine. We develop 6 axis that are relevant for both fundamental research and advanced applications.

– Understanding human neurons by in-vivo mimicking on-a-chip
– Monitoring the responses of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and microemboli (CTMs) on-a-chip
– Cell-reprogramming in organ-on-chip systems
– Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) on chip
– Deciphering glioblastoma malignancy using new brain-on-chip devices
– Differentiation of plant protoplasts on-chip

/ “Cheap chips”: low-cost microfluidics for all
The huge potential of microfluidics, for instance in medicine or everyday life, is still largely
underexploited because of its overly high cost in fabrication, control and handling, making it limited to high-tech
applications in developing countries. There is thus a strong need to invent low-cost solutions that will rendered
microfluidics accessible, and therefore impactful, to all citizen regardless of their resources, wealth and
environment. We want to contribute to this challenge by exploring simple yet original ideas, such as controlling
microscale fluid motion using sunlight or magnets or harnessing the coffee-ring effect for low-cost
diagnostics.