We study the link between structure and mechanical properties in biological systems. We are particularly interested in self-assembled protein filaments like collagen fibrils, intermediate filaments and myosin thick filaments. In vitro, these filaments show a unique combination of strength, extensibility, flexibility and toughness that could be used to design novel bio-inspired materials from the bottom-up. In vivo, we aim at understanding mechanotransduction mechanisms at the molecular scale. The techniques we use include atomic force microscopy,electron microscopy, X-ray scattering and Raman spectroscopy.
