Wendy Thomas, Ph.D.
Department of Bioengineering
E-mail: wendyt@u.wa...


TITLE:

"Nano- and Micro-Mechanics of Biological Adhesion"


ABSTRACT

Many forms of biological adhesion are mediated by nanoscale
noncovalent interactions in which a "receptor" on one
surface binds to a specific "ligand" on another Together,
many of these tiny bonds forms strong adhesive interactions
that anchor cells and tissues together. In addition to the
property of specificity, receptor-ligand bonds are usually
regulated, so that their adhesiveness can be turned on or
off, a property referred to as "smart" adhesion. I study
biological adhesion that is regulated by mechanical forces,
so that cells bind most strongly when forces act to pull
them off. Like a nanoscale locking seatbelt, this allows
mobility most of the time, but secure adhesion in conditions
which would otherwise detach cells. In addition to
understanding the mechanism of this smart adhesion, my group
develops novel medical adhesives.