Lecturer: Prof. Ayelet Lesman, School of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
 Abstract:
The extracellular matrix (ECM) of living tissues is a 3D fibrous matrix that supports cellular
growth and provides a medium for interaction, critical for tissue cooperative function. In my lab,
we attempt to understand the mechanical properties of biological fibrous networks, especially at
the scale of cells, and how fibrous networks mediate cellular interaction over long-distances. I
will present our recent biological experiments where we embed live cells micropatterned in 3D
fibrous gels (e.g., collagen/fibrin) to visualize and quantify the mechanical interaction between
cells under real time microscopy. I will discuss our finite element modeling and controlled
experimental setups that we apply to learn on the mechanics of fibrous networks under various
mechanical conditions. Inspired by how cells deform their fibrous environment, and respond to
it, we engineer systems to guide and direct cell behaviour for applications in tissue engineering.