We are fascinated by the ability to modulate cell phenotype and tissue formation in vitro using engineered microenvironments. This requires a multiscale approach: at the nano- to micro-scale, topography, geometry and mechanics contribute to regulate cell adhesion, which in turn modulates cell phenotype; at the micro- to meso-scale, microfabrication and 3D printing techniques allow the structuring of 3D cell culture systems that can self-organise into tissue-like structures. Our group has developed a number of tools that allow the structuring of biointerfaces at different scales. Polymer brushes allow the patterning of cell adhesions from the nano- to micro-scale and the regulation of cell phenotype, but also multi-cellular assembly. We have also recently developed self-assembled protein nanosheets that control interfacial mechanics and the culture of cells at liquid interfaces. This opens up exciting opportunities for the design of completely new cell culture systems based on emulsions, for the scale up of stem cell technologies. Finally, we combine hydrogel design, microfabrication and 3D printing for the development of tissue culture models, displaying controlled architecture and function. Overall, our research is guided by a key question: what is the minimum set of rules that allow to guide cell phenotype and recreate tissue function? For further reading
Contact : Catherine Picart 

1. Kong, D.X.; Peng, L.H.; Di Cio, S.; Novak, P. and Gautrot, J.E. “Stem cell expansion and fate decision on liquid substrates are regulated by self-assembled nanosheets” ACS Nano 2018, 12 (9), 9206-9213.
2. Kong, D.; Megone, W.; Nguyen, K.D.Q.; Di Cio, S.; Ramsted, M. and Gautrot, J.E. “Protein nanosheet mechanics controls cell adhesion and expansion on low-viscosity liquids”. Nano Letters 2018, 18 (3), 1946-1951.
3. Di Cio, S.; Bøggild, T.M.L.; Connelly, J.; Sutherland, D.S.; Gautrot, J.E. “Differential integrin expression regulates cell sensing of the matrix nanoscale geometry”. Acta Biomater. 2017, 50, 280-292.
4. Di Cio, S.; Gautrot, J.E. “Cell sensing of physical properties at the nanoscale: Mechanisms and control of cell adhesion and phenotype”. Acta Biomater. 2016, 30, 26-48.
5. Gautrot, J.E.; Malmstrom, J.; Sundh, M.; Margadant, C.; Sonnenberg, A.; Sutherland, D.S. “The nanoscale geometrical maturation of focal adhesions controls stem cell differentiation and mechanotransduction”. Nano Lett. 2014, 14, 3945-3952.
6. Krishnamoorthy, M; Hakobyan, S; Ramstedt, M; Gautrot, J.E. “Surface initiated polymer brushes in the biomedical field: Applications in membrane science, biosensing, cell culture, regenerative medicine and antibacterial coatings”. Chem. Rev. 2014, 114, 10976-11026.
7. Trappmann, B.; Gautrot, J.E.; Connelly, J; Strange, D.G.T.; Li, Y.; Oyen, M.; Cohen Stuart, M.A.; Boehm, H.; Li, B.; Vogel, V.; Spatz, J.P.; Watt, F.M.; Huck, W.T.S. “Extracellular matrix tethering regulates stem cell fate”. Nat. Mater. 2012, 11, 642-649.