Artificial Life-like Systems
21:30 - 00:00,
Guided lab tour every 30 minutes
How do we integrate natural and synthetic building blocks into artificial cells?
Bottom-up synthetic biology is an exciting field dedicated to engineering predictable cells and biological systems to perform specific functions - whether modified, enhanced, or entirely novel. This approach breaks down biological complexity into smaller subsystems and functional modules, which are then redesigned and reassembled into larger units. Scientists at the MPI focus on key life processes essential for cellular function, such as metabolism, transport, energy production, signaling, and motility. They demonstrate how natural (derived from various organisms) and synthetic (man-made) building blocks are integrated into artificial cells. The MPI leads in the formation and functionalization of synthetic polymer-based vesicles. Their researchers will explain the diverse membrane architectures that polymers can adopt when assembled into vesicles. Additionally, they will showcase microfluidic technology for vesicle production, allowing real-time observation of their formation under a microscope.
- 21:30 - 00:00
- Guided lab tour in English every 30 minutes
- Meetingpoint: Magistrale, Ground Floor