Speaker
Description
Understanding and controlling how nanomaterials interact with living cells is key to advancing nanomedicine. Our work focuses on the design of chemically programmed, self-assembling supramolecular systems—ranging from hydrogels and nanoparticles to silicon-based microdevices—that can interface with cells to probe, track, and influence their behaviour. These versatile platforms open opportunities in biosensing, intracellular communication, targeted delivery, and the mechanical regulation of single cells.
In this talk, we will show how supramolecular chemistry provides a powerful toolkit to finely tailor the structure, properties, and functionality of nanostructured materials. We will present case studies including the surface modification of silicon microchips to enhance cellular internalization and enable real-time monitoring of intracellular glutathione levels. We will also introduce a self-assembling BODIPY-based scaffold engineered for mitochondrial targeting, with promising implications for bioimaging and therapeutic delivery. In addition, selected examples will highlight the integration of these systems into bioelectronic platforms, illustrating their potential to bridge biological processes with electronic readouts and control.
