James Hindley

Research in the Hindley group takes a multidisciplinary approach to construct bioinspired nano and microsystems known as synthetic cells. By utilising molecular self-assembly, and interfacing compartments with other (bio)molecules, synthetic cells can be constructed with the ability to mimic the architectures, functions and behaviours of biology.

We have significant experience in using protein networks, synthetic functional groups and nanoparticle-biomembrane interfaces to create stimuli-responsive synthetic cells that can be remote controlled by the user, as well as environment-responsive synthetic cells that can respond to molecular triggers in their local vicinity.

We are interested in foldamers as structural and functional elements in synthetic cells that can increase the design space of these bioinspired, compartmentalised molecular systems.