Phase separation in vesicles – Atul Parikh

Department of Biomedical Engineering, UC Davis, USA

Using liposomes and synthetic polymers as model systems, we are trying to understand the intricate interplay between associative and segregative phase separation in the context of three-dimensional lipid membranes.

Polarity proteins in plants – Dolf Weijers

Laboratory of Biochemistry, Wageningen University

Using bottom-up model systems, we are investigating the behaviour of polarity proteins within cell-mimicking confinements and their interaction with lipid membranes.

Directed evolution – John van der Oost

Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University

We wish to design superior CRISPR enzymes through the process of directed evolution. To do so, we are developing high-throughput microfluidic platforms and novel downstream screening assays.

Biomechanics of ticks – Ingrid Dijkgraaf

Department of Biochemistry, Maastricht University

Ticks adhere to their hosts through a strong glue but it remains a mystery how this process works. We are studying this from a biomechanics and biomaterial point-of-view and gain some insights into the phenomenon.

Self-assembly of chemical building blocks – Han Zuilhof

Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University

We are studying the self-assembly of low molecular weight chemical building blocks, especially the potential of perfluorinated compounds to interact with organic moieties.

Engineering condensates – Renko de Vries

Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University

Cells contain numerous membraneless condensates that co-exist without mixing with each other. We would like to exploit protein engineering to design custom peptides that are able to achieve the same for synthetic cells.