Poul Martin Bendix's Lab, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen
CELLS FEEL THEIR WORLD. WE MEASURE HOW.
Every cell senses force, curvature and motion - and turns them into decisions. At BendixLab we use focused light to pull, heat and reshape single membranes and living cells, making these invisible mechanics measurable.
About us
BendixLab is the research group of Associate Professor Poul Martin Bendix at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. We investigate how mechanical forces, membrane curvature and molecular organization shape biological function.
Our research connects membrane biophysics and cellular mechanobiology with single-molecule studies of DNA–protein interactions. We study GPCR mechanosensing, filopodia mechanics, curvature-dependent protein sorting, annexin-mediated membrane repair, and genome organization.
We combine optical tweezers with fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, thermoplasmonic nanoheating and label-free imaging. These approaches allow us to manipulate membranes, living cells and individual molecules while measuring their mechanical and biological responses.
We welcome collaborations with researchers seeking quantitative approaches to membrane biology, cell mechanics, molecular interactions and advanced bioimaging.
Our research areas
Six directions, one question: how does physics shape what a living cell can do?
GPCR Mechanosensing
We want to understand the mechanisms underlying how cells sense and respond to mechanical forces through GPCR receptors.
Filopodia Mechanics
Filopodia are sensing antennae which exist on all cells. We have investigated the rotational and retraction dynamics of filopodia by using parallel 3D confocal imaging and optical trapping.
Membrane Curvature
By creating biologically relevant nanoscale curvatures on the cells surface we investigate how proteins bend membranes and also how they sense existing membrane curvatures.
Plant Biophysics & Label-Free Microscopy
We use optical bio-manipulation and scattering microscopy to investigate the properties of plant cells
Single Molecule Biophysics
We use advanced multitrap+high resolution imaging system to explore single proteins
Thermoplasmonics for Membrane Manipulation and Cell Biology
Thermoplasmonics is a new optical method which can be used for gaining and understanding a range of biological and biophysical phenomena
Contact us
Place
Jagtvej 128, 2200 Copenhagen
Danmark
