Our main interest is in the way biologically diverse environments create conditions for macromolecules to associate and dissociate and form complexes that carry specific functions in cells. Examples include receptors that bind or unbind ligands, and pass signals across cell membranes, proteins that fold and unfold in solution, and sometimes form aggregates such as amyloid fibers, or DNA that binds enzymes.

We have been following this theme in a number of biologically relevant systems that involve collections of macromolecules, such as peptide folding and aggregation, and viral assembly.

• Molecular crowding and osmotic effects on peptide folding and aggregation
• Membrane interactions and properties of lipid bilayers
• Depletion forces and confinement effects in vibrofluidized granular materials

We emphasize theoretical approaches to help dissect the different contributing forces involved, while maintaining close contact to experimental findings.

One of the topics we are particularly intereseted in is the sugar trehalose and its effect on proteins. Here's a short talk for a general audience over beer (and Cheeza) -->