Biomimetic microreactor-mediated assembly of biopolymers

Optimum utilization of biomass requires an understanding of the assembly mechanisms of the biopolymers that constitute it. These biopolymers can form a very wide variety of assemblages such as crystalline structures, amorphous aggregates, very ordered fibers.

These assemblies are formed by interactions which depend on the molecular properties of the biopolymers but also on the physico-chemical conditions (pH, temperature, ionic strength, etc.). Thus, the thermodynamic path taken by the system can play an important role in its final structural state.

In order to master this thermodynamic path and be able to modulate it in a customized way, we have developed microreactors inspired by living cells using microfluidics.