Synthetic Life-like Systems Group

Synthetic Life-like Systems Group

We are a group of synthetic chemists and biochemists that enjoys creating complex macromolecular objects capable of evolving into functional nanostructures within cells.

 

Chemistry of Self-Assembly in Living Cells

Chemistry of Self-Assembly in Living Cells

Our group uses synthetic chemical tools involving pH, redox, light etc. to control supramolecular chemistry in living systems as an alternative platform to program cellular functions such as metabolism, immune activity and expression.

Publication Highlights

Adv. Sci. (2025)
Our first endeavour to look into how self-assembling fibres interact with tumor spheroids is now out! All credits goes to Sarah and Konrad for initiating this excellent collaboration among many members within the group!
 
Cover Feature
Our work on in-situ photochemical control of nanofiber assembly in cells is featured as a front cover of Nature Synthesis! This project would not have been possible if not for the hard work and contribution of all authors!
 
Nat. Synth. (2025)
Using photochemical tools, Yong, Leon and Konrad showed that self-assembly of peptide nanostructures can be controlled precisely. We also openly explored the limitations of the technique and various supramolecular aspects for considerations.
Angew. Chem. (2024)
Congratulations to Jeena and Julian for their collaboration on copper binding intracellular amyloids, initializing copper-dependent cell death in cancer cells
JACS (2024)
Congratulations to Yong, Zhixuan and Konrad for imaging supramolecular polymerization in living cells, in real-time! We hope it will provide chemists with more possibilities to see these dynamic features.
Nat. Synth. (2023)
Patrick and Raphael picked up a side reaction from their project and found a massive story behind it. Would not have been possible without their keen perception!
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