Research Lines
Rheology and Mechanics of the Cell Nucleus
Eukaryotic cells' nuclei are continuously exposed to a variety of mechanical stimuli. These stimuli affect how the internal nuclear structure is organized and, in turn, how genetic information is expressed.
Experimental evidence demonstrated that nuclear deformation can activate gene transcription, hence changing protein transcription. In our lab, we use experiments and continuum theory to investigate how nuclear mechanics is related to its internal organization.
Rise of Bubbles in Complex Fluids
We are interested in the impact of mechanical stimuli on the rising of bubbles in complex fluids like surfactant or polymer solutions. In these highly viscous fluids, the bubble rise can be exceedingly slow, which can be detrimental in several industrial applications. We aim to understand how mechanical stimuli can be used to increase their rising speed in complex fluids.
De Corato, M. *, Dimakopoulos, Y., & Tsamopoulos, J. (2019). Physics of Fluids, 31(8), 083103
Chemically-Active Particles
Chemically-active particles are colloidal particles that harness chemical reactions, driven by catalysts on their surface, to move through viscous fluids. They are potential candidates for targeted drug delivery, microsurgery, and environmental remediation. We are interested in understanding the mechanisms that regulate their autonomous propulsion.
Reprinted figure with permission from: De Corato, M.*, Pagonabarraga, I., Natale, G. (2021). Physical Review E, 104(4), Copyright (2021) by the American Physical Society.
Reprinted figure with permission from: De Corato, M., Pagonabarraga, I., Abdelmohsen, L.K.E.A., Sánchez, S,.Arroyo, M. (2020) Physical Review Fluids,5(12), 122001 Copyright (2020) by the American Physical Society.
Rheology of Structured Fluids
We are interested in how microscopic objects such as colloids, polymers, proteins, and fibers change the mechanical properties of the suspending fluid. We use theoretical and computational techniques to relate microstructural information to the macroscopic properties.
Reprinted with permission from De Corato, M., & Natale, G. (2019). Macromolecules, 52(13), 4907-4915}. Copyright 2019 American Chemical Society.