Biophysics:
We use our expertise and our experimental tools to investigate the properties of biological materials and to study the behavior of cells. Much of our focus is on developing an understanding of the mechanical properties of biopolymer networks, formed by reconstituting proteins into gelled networks. These include networks of actin, microtubules, intermediate filaments, fibrin and collagen. We combine visualization of the network structure with probes of their mechanical properties to understand the nature of these properties. We also add molecular motors to the networks to investigate the properties of active gels. In addition, we extend our investigations to study the mechanical properties of cells and collections of cells. We also have an effort in understanding the growth and physical properties of biofilms.
Mechanosensing: Mechanosensing, or the ability for cells to respond to forces, is essential throughout life. The cytoskeleton, a collection of biopolymers and molecular motors, endows cells with movement and structure. We have identified the first strain-sensitive binding within the cytoskeleton, providing a direct connection between mechanical forces and resulting biochemical activity. Allen Ehrlicher 
Cell Stiffness Correlates with Cell Volume: Using confocal microscopy and OMTC, we measure the volume and stiffness of adherent cells while controlling substrate stiffness, available spreading area and osmotic pressure in the medium. We find that the cell stiffness correlates with the cell volume, which decreases with substrate stiffness, available spreading area and osmotic pressure. Ming Guo 
Stress Fluctuation in Living Cells: We study material properties and dynamics in living cells with microinjected particles. By tracking inert particles inside living cells, we demonstrate that their motion, specifically MSD, can be understood as an active diffusion, or say their diffusive-like motion is induced by active stress fluctuation in an elastic network. Ming Guo 
Motion in cytoskeletal networks: Inside our cells molecular motors transport materials, enabling growth and other cellular functions. While transporting cargo these motors walk along filamentous tracks that act as roadways throughout the cell. This research seeks to help elucidate the effects of this complex cellular environment on the cargo transport process. Eliza Morris
Behavior of nematodes in non-Newtonian fluids: Many small organisms navigate complex substrates, which can be described as a non-Newtonian complex fluid. We are experimentally investigating on the motility of nematode Caenorhabditis elegans moving in complex fluid systems, mimicking a complexity of natural habitat. Jin-Sung Park
In-situ high-resolution observation of biological phenomena by using graphene liquid cell TEM: Molecular structures, reactions, interactions of bio-molecules including proteins, ribosomes, bacteria, and viruses require understanding in molecular, and sometimes, atomic level. Microscopic studies have greatly facilitated structural analysis as well as direct observation of real-time phenomena that occur in a live cell. My research focuses on developing a new type of electron microscopic method for studying aqueous biological sample in high-resolution and applying it to comprehensively understand 3D structure, function, reactivity, and role of bio-molecules in realistic conditions. Jungwon Park
Collective Cell Motion: In wound healing, tissue growth, and embryo development cells interact strongly with their neighbors and cell motion is coupled to others in the group. We are developing techniques to effectively characterize collective cell motion and understand the role the substrate plays during this process. Adrian Pegoraro
Biofilm growth dynamics: Biofilms are highly-organized bacterial colonies, which develop sub-millimeter structures across the surface. I am using optical and confocal microscopy techniques to understand how these structures form, in terms of packing chains of cells on a surface. Naveen Sinha 
Mechanics of microbial colonies: Microbial biofilms are found throughout nature and are typically associated with interfaces. We are interested in their physical properties, which we try to understand primarily through comparison with non-living soft materials. Jim Wilking 
Biofilm structure: Biofilms are well known to have complex and fascinating geometry and form beautiful colonies with complicated wrinkled structure. Cells differentiate within the colony and have different functions. Our aim is to understand the internal structure of the biofilm by using the modern imaging methods and relate this structure to the key features of biofilm development such as, for example, nutrients transport. Vasily Zaburdaev 
Nanofibers: The PLA/MWCNTs nanofibers were fabricated with electrospinning technology, and the synergistic effect of topographic cues and electrical stimulation on bone tissue regeneration from culturing obsteoblast populations was also evaluated as a way of exploring their potential application in bone tissue engineering. Shaobing Zhou 
Cellular mechanics underlying cell division: I study cellular mechanics underlying cell division, in particular changes in physical properties of the cytoplasm during cell division. Such knowledge may trigger a new, mechanistic picture of the cell division, contributing to current efforts to understand mechanism of cancer as well as to help in search for an anti-cancer drug. Alexandra Zidovska