What's really happening in the space between the cells in your body? With the Collagen Canvas project, students from Leiden University invite you to explore this question by blending science with art. This interactive artwork immerses you in the dynamics of the extracellular matrix-the invisible structure that connects and supports your body's cells.
Lisanne Schoonebeek has been fascinated by cells and molecules her entire life. 'The fact that so many systems exist within the body, how everything is coordinated, and how it usually works so seamlessly-that's just amazing to me,' she says. This curiosity led her to study Biomedical Sciences. 'And because I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm with others, I chose the Science Communication and Society master's specialisation.'
What is the extracellular matrix?
The extracellular matrix (ECM) acts as the connective tissue that supports and holds together the cells in our bodies. It's made up of components like collagen fibers and plays a crucial role in processes such as wound healing and cell communication. Despite its importance, the ECM remains under-researched.
From collagen and cells to art
For her master's final project, Lisanne and her group collaborated with biomedical researcher Erika Tsingos. Tsingos uses mathematical models to simulate the extracellular matrix, specifically focusing on the dynamics of collagen fibers. These fibers are found between cells and are essential for tissue elasticity, such as in the skin.
'Collagen fibers are also important for communication between cells,' Lisanne explains. 'Tsingos studied what happens when a cell pulls on a collagen fiber and how this affects other cells connected to the same fiber. She wanted to turn these findings into a piece of art.'
Experience the hidden dynamics within your body
The result was Collagen Canvas: a digital artwork where collagen fibers literally come to life. 'You can see the fibers within the matrix. By moving your mouse or clicking on the screen, you can act as a cell and see how the fibers respond,' Lisanne explains. To enhance the experience, music was incorporated. The fibers' colours shift with the sounds, and their movements adapt to the rhythm of the music, creating an engaging way to visualise what's happening inside your body.
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A seed for future research
Through Collagen Canvas, Lisanne and her teammates hope to spark curiosity about the often-overlooked role of the extracellular matrix. 'There's still so much we don't know about it, even though it plays a key role in tissue structure and processes like cancer development. We hope our project inspires young researchers to explore this field further or encourages current cancer researchers to consider the ECM in their studies.'
Experience Collagen Canvas yourself!
Creative collaboration across disciplines
The project was a collaborative effort between students from diverse academic backgrounds, including Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Molecular Science and Technology, and Computer Science.
Initially, Tsingos envisioned a more traditional artwork, but with input from Computer Science students skilled in programming, the project quickly evolved into a digital, interactive piece. 'It was a great challenge to present scientific content in such a creative way," says Lisanne. "Art is a wonderful medium for bringing science to life and connecting it with culture.'
Both Tsingos and the project's evaluators were thrilled with the result-evident in the final grade: a nine.
Want to experience or exhibit Collagen Canvas in real life?
Would you like to see Collagen Canvas in person or host it at your venue? The artwork offers an immersive, interactive experience that brings the world of collagen fibers to life. It can be displayed on a SmartBoard or touchscreen, with music delivered via speakers or headphones to complete the experience.
The Collagen Canvas team is happy to discuss how the installation can be tailored to your location or specific needs. They also offer explanations, workshops, or lectures to dive deeper into the science behind the artwork.
