Research
Lab Presentation
Projects
Our current research focuses on the following projects:
Surface-bound artificial cells:
We are developing “surface-bound artificial cells” based on dense DNA brushes immobilized on chips. Our on-chip approach enables us to envision a high-throughput assembly process with 103 to 104 “cells” produced on single chips. Moreover, it generates versatile structures of controlled size, shape, DNA composition, and spatial organization. Combined with cell-free gene expression technology, these structures will maintain steady-state gene expression.
Towards membrane division:
Membrane division is an essential step toward self-replication. We are interested in the reconstitution of an autonomous and genetically programmed membrane division mechanism. As an initial step, we investigate the starting point of Escherichia coli divisome assembly, focusing on synthetic Z-ring formation and regulation.
Biolab-on-chip:
We are developing a platform that utilizes droplet-in-oil technologies and cell-free gene expression to build a “biolab-on-chip” enabling on-site synthesis and manipulation of bioproducts.
General Approach
We explore two complementary directions. On the one hand, we take advantage of prior biological knowledge to reconstitute cellular processes from the bottom-up. On the other hand, we exploit the minimal reconstituted systems and their easily accessible parameter spaces to investigate the processes themselves and gain biological knowledge.
Experimental Techniques
The experimental work involves techniques from molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, microfabrication, lithography, and optoelectronics. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art automated systems to reach experimental robustness and high-throughput investigations. Theoretical models are developed to complete our experimental approach and achieve a quantitative understanding of the observed phenomenon.
Michael Levy Lab
Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering
Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
Email: michael.levy@technion.ac.il
Phone: +972-(0)77-887-2452
