A quantitative study of eukaryotic chemotaxis - Part II: motile amoeboid cells as microtransporters

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Carsten Beta
• Subject Area: Biophysics ; Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2009 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 116203121

The chemotactic motion of eukaryotic cells plays a key role in many areas of biology and medicine and has been intensively investigated over the past decade. At the same time, the design of bio-hybrid microsystems, where cells are combined with artificial components to a functional device, has emerged as a vibrant and promising research field. During the previous funding period and in the course of other preliminary projects, we have performed extensive work in both directions. With the present proposal, it is now our aim to combine both areas of research and to harness chemotactic amoeboid cells for the transport of microobjects. Previously, we have developed a wide range of single cell manipulation techniques, including micromechanical and microfluidic tools, optical traps, and localized activation of caged compounds. They allow us to control and manipulate the directed motion of chemotactic cells and will provide that basis for exploring the potential of motile cells to complete complex transport tasks. First, we will focus on the transport properties of individual amoeboid cells, investigate the impact of microcargo on their motion, and quantify cellular pulling forces. Based on those findings, we will study the directed transport by chemotactic cells and cell clusters and also investigate the self-organized transport by aggregating cells. Ultimately, we will explore microtransport in complex tissue-like environments.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants