IMX Seminar Series - Cellulose-based self-organized helicoidal systems

Cellulose, the main constituent of plants, plays a significant role in forming helical structures observed across different scales, spanning from the molecular to the nano, micro, and macro levels [1]. These structures play a crucial role in creating structural coloration, enhancing mechanical properties, and enabling motion. This seminar begins by examining molecular and nanoscale helical shapes in cellulose-based systems. Emphasis is given to cellulose nanocrystals, their interactions with water, and the formation of colorful structures in cellulose derivatives when they are not in equilibrium [2]. Next, micro and millimeter scales will be examined, and specific systems will illustrate distinct helical cellulose-based arrangements exhibiting varying helicities and adaptive behaviors across the different length scales. Notable examples include vascular leaf petioles at the micro-scale and tendrils and the awns of Erodium fruits at the millimeter scale [2, 3]. The current findings suggest that significant work remains in out-of-equilibrium systems. Furthermore, there is much to be learned from nature's designs to create innovative helical functional materials featuring unique optical and mechanical properties.
[1] “Cellulose-based Biomimetics and Applications” Ana P. C. Almeida, João P. Canejo, Susete N. Fernandes, Coro Echeverria, Pedro L. Almeida and Maria H. Godinho, Advanced Materials (Review, by invitation), DOI: 10.1002/adma.201703655 (2017) (by invitation) (back cover).
[2] “Cellulose and chitin twisted structures: from nature to applications” Rafaela R. da Rosa, Susete N. Fernandes, Michel Mitov and Maria Helena Godinho, Advanced Functional Materials (by invitation, 2304286, 2023 (DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202304286))
[3] “Spotting plants’ microfilament morphologies and nanostructures” Ana P Almeida, João Canejo, Urban Mur, Simon Čopar, Pedro L Almeida, Slobodan Žumer, Maria Helena Godinho, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences U.S.A., PNAS, 116(27), 13188 (2019).

Bio: Maria Helena Godinho obtained her PhD degree as a Nato/Invotan fellow from Laboratoire de Physique de la Matière Condensée at Nice University, France, She is an Associate Professor in Materials Science and a Researcher at i3N/CENIMAT (Research Center of Materials Science). From 2013 to 2019 she was the Vice Director and Leader Group Soft and Biofunctional Materials at School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon. From 2023 – 2024 for six months (June-September 2023 and January-March 2024), she was a Full Professor with the Lars Onsager Professorship 2023, at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)/ Physics Department in Norway.