Welcome to the Bottom-up Cell Biology and Bioengineering Lab! Our research is focused on rebuilding cellular processes using a bottom-up reconstitution approach. Imagine you are asked to assemble a jigsaw puzzle where each piece dynamically transforms to match its surrounding environment. Challenged? This analogy reflects how diverse biomolecules self-assemble and self-organise within living cells. In our laboratory, we purify molecular components from various cell types and subsequently reconstitute them in vitro to elucidate how they coordinate their activities to perform specific cellular functions. A parallel goal is to learn from nature’s engineering principles and, where possible, apply these strategies to address societal challenges.

We employ high-resolution microscopy and a range of biophysical surface-sensitive techniques to quantify dynamic interactions at the single-molecule level. Our current research primarily focuses on bacterial cell biology and host–pathogen interactions.