Self-assembly of biomolecules
We study biomolecular self-assembly found in living systems, both in health and in disease, as well as in other soft materials: Prominent examples include emulsions and lipid vesicles, phase separation (coacervates) and condensation of proteins, protein misfolding and aggregation into amyloids in-vitro and ex-vivo.
Soft materials and biological systems build themselves from smaller components: molecules or particles that stick together through weak forces such as electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonds, etc. Such self-assembly process lies at the heart of many of the unique physical properties of soft materials and is a key focus of our teaching and research within this research theme. To study these processes, we use a variety of advanced techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, nanoscale microscopy and spectroscopy, and a variety of physical chemistry tools.
Our work also includes designing new soft materials made from natural biomolecules and synthetic biopolymers.
Our Projects
Revealing the role of surface-supported lipids in gecko and insect adhesion
This study aims to investigate the impact of surface-supported lipid assemblies and their interactions on the adhesion and lubrication properties of gecko toepads through biomimetic models. Biological adhesives are generally categorized into two primary types: wet-adhesion, which is facilitated by a thin liquid film and associated forces, and dry-adhesion, which depends on the direct contact between the adhesive micropatterned pads and the substrate, without any intervening fluid.
Revealing the role of surface-supported lipids in gecko and insect adhesion
This study aims to investigate the impact of surface-supported lipid assemblies and their interactions on the adhesion and lubrication properties of gecko toepads through biomimetic models. Biological adhesives are generally categorized into two primary types: wet-adhesion, which is facilitated by a thin liquid film and associated forces, and dry-adhesion, which depends on the direct contact between the adhesive micropatterned pads and the substrate, without any intervening fluid.
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Research themes
Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter
Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, led by Jasper van der Gucht, is interested in phenomena at the nanoscale.
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