ERRMECe - Research Team on Extracellular Matrix-Cell Relationships

Group photo of the ERRMECe research team –ERRMECe. The ERRMECe unit studies the interrelationships established between cells and their different environments (natural: extracellular matrix, biofilms, microenvironment, materials, etc., or artificial: surfaces, synthetic materials, biomaterials etc.). The approaches are addressed from molecular, supramolecular and cellular angles. ERRMECe brings together biochemists, cellular biologists, physiologists, microbiologists and physico-chemists and merges these different skills at both fundamental and applied level in the study of cellular environment/cell interactions in pathology, the development of innovative materials and biomaterials, industrial processes or heritage preservation.

Engineering of (Bio)materials and molecular interactions

to strengthen the 3 complementary programmes with technological opportunities: Biomaterials based on coatings and thin films at interfaces, hybrid organic/inorganic and/or connected medical devices, fluid hydrogel-type biomaterials that are optimised for delivery

Biology of extracellular matrices and cellular microenvironments

Identification of the physiopathological functions of matrices: Characterisation and impact of matrix proteins of physiopathological media on tumour dissemination and implantation or cellular senescence

Extracellular matrix engineering

with the objective of designing and using matrices of the following types: Biomimetic adhesive matrices, forensic matrices, dynamic and electro-stimulable matrices

Infectious diseases and the fight against biofilm

Setting up and developing in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models to study the interactions between bacterial pathogens and cutaneous and intestinal microbiota
– Strategy to identify the first elements introduced during the formation of bacterial biofilms and the implantation and development of pathogens.

Biodeterioration of materials

Identifying and understanding the interactions between microorganisms and between microorganisms and materials, and the bacterial and fungal biodiversity in biodeterioration through the examples of wood or construction materials (historical examples such as wood, or innovative such as phase change materials).