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Indirect Fabrication of Lattice Metals with Thin Sections Using Centrifugal Casting
08:32

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Published on: May 14, 2016

Active cellular materials.

Frederick C Mackintosh1, Christoph F Schmidt

  • 1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1081, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. fcmack@gmail.com

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|January 22, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Cells utilize active materials like motor proteins for shape changes and motion, unlike passive man-made materials. This research explores these complex biological composites and their nonequilibrium dynamics.

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Last Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Indirect Fabrication of Lattice Metals with Thin Sections Using Centrifugal Casting
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10:53

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Published on: July 4, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Materials Science
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Cellular materials differ significantly from synthetic materials.
  • Metabolism maintains cells in a state of nonequilibrium.
  • Active processes like motor proteins and polymerization drive cellular dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the unique properties of active materials within cells.
  • To understand the integration of force generators and structural elements at the molecular level.
  • To explore theoretical models and experimental approaches for analyzing cellular nonequilibrium dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing simple model systems to study fundamental phenomena.
  • Developing theoretical models that extend conventional soft matter physics.
  • Conducting pioneering studies on the complex dynamics of living cells.

Main Results:

  • Identified a novel class of active materials composed of intermingled motor proteins and structural elements.
  • Demonstrated that cellular components blur the distinction between force generation and structural support.
  • Established that active materials are central to cellular shape changes and motion.

Conclusions:

  • Cellular active materials represent a distinct category of matter with unique properties.
  • Understanding these materials is crucial for comprehending cellular mechanics and nonequilibrium physics.
  • Further research is needed to fully analyze the complex dynamics of living cells.