Mikko

Haataja

Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

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Research interests: Theoretical and computational materials science; physics of materials; physical biology; microstructure formation

A network of intricate fibers forms a structure with a bubble at its center. — Researchers created a physical model that mimics the material structure within cells, where small liquid droplets form within fibrous networks. In the model, individual strands confined the droplets’ expansion, squeezing the separating oily liquids into disjointed, aspherical shapes. When enough oily liquid glommed together, strands cracked, and the droplets swelled into fully formed globules. The image was provided by the researchers. Its color has been adjusted for display.

Researchers built a physical model to probe the creative destruction inside cells

Graphic with text "Commendation for Outstanding Teaching".

Faculty commended for outstanding teaching

Graphic with text "Commendation for Outstanding Teaching".

Faculty commended for outstanding teaching

diagram of droplet formation — Princeton researchers have developed a framework to engineer the protein droplets that organize crucial functions inside a cell. Key to their findings was the theory of bubble formation, adapted from classical materials science. In the above, an engineered protein fragment (green) "seeds" the formation of a protein droplet (red), the basis for higher-order organelles such as the nucleolus. The new work marks a seismic shift in scientists' ability to manipulate cells.

Theory of bubbles lifts cell biology into a new, more quantitative era

Artist rendering of biological shapes floating in a clear container — Clifford Brangwynne sees similarities between living cells and salad dressing, in which oil and vinegar separate according to the laws of physics. The idea has caught on, and now many scientists are exploring how such physical processes can play key roles in the cell’s structures, division and gene expression.

Lava lamps, living cells: Brangwynne establishes new view of biology

image of cells — In recent papers in the journal Cell, Princeton research teams report the development of two new tools that harness light to accurately probe intracellular phase separation – the process by which the chaotic liquid matter inside cells transforms into functioning cellular compartments called membraneless organelles. Photo by the researchers.

New tools illuminate the liquid forces at play in living cells

Student uses drill press while others observe.

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Solving problems in energy, combustion, fluids, lasers, materials science, robotics and control systems, and nuclear security