The team of Prof Gautrot is leading a major research program funded by the ERC (ProLiCell - ) to uncover design principles enabling the culture of adherent cells at the surface of liquids. This surprising phenomenon is enabled by the self-assembly of protein nanosheets at liquid-liquid interfaces (e.g. oil droplets), displaying remarkably strong mechanical properties, despite their nanoscale thickness. This enables resisting the contractile forces generated by cells upon spreading and regulates stem cell phenotype. This technology has unique application for the manufacturing of stem cells, paving the way to the applications of mesenchymal stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells for regenerative medicine. This report was published in the prestigious journal Adv. Materials.

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https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202406333