Living colloïds, natural & biomimetic

Colloids are present in the living world, for example in protein-based compartments within cells, in the cells themselves, and in microorganisms such as bacteria and microalgae. The interfacial properties of these particular colloids, in terms of permeability, steric or electrostatic repulsion, are strongly linked to the nature of the molecules that decorate them (phospholipids, proteins, minerals) and determine their interactions and dynamics.

We seek to understand certain mechanisms involved in the valorization of these biocolloids, for example, the harvesting of microalgae for CO2 capture, cell cryopreservation, the use of natural latex, etc. Alternatively, we also use biomimetic objects (vesicles or coacervates) to decouple the physicochemical mechanisms involved in these processes. Our approach consists of proposing simple and original experimental methods, derived from the field of soft matter, in order to measure the stability of these colloids in solution or their transport under the effect of thermal or concentration gradients.

– Transport and flows during the freezing of biomimetic particles
– Microalgae: flocculation and mineralization
– Stability of natural latexes
– Encapsulation of bacteria in foams and emulsions