Biophysical models for eco-evolutionary dynamics of microbial collectives

The goal of this PhD is to empirically determine mechanical parameters of various cells and tissues of animal origin. Determination of these parameters can provide additional insights in the processes and structure of said biological systems. In order to characterize these systems at the nanometer scale multiple techniques and experiments will be performed. In a first phase of the research, the focus will be on determining the mechanical parameters with the use of atomic force microscopy through mainly adhesion and indentation experiments as well as high resolution imaging. These experiments allow for a local determination of (visco)elastic and adhesive parameters. In the second stage of the research, the mechanical parameters will be linked to the local chemical species in the sample, utilizing a combination of atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.