University of Cambridge

Post-Doc, Department of Physics

About

The complexity of Nature is astounding and, to scientists and engineers, presents considerable challenges and complex questions. Much of the complexity of biological systems stems from their hierarchical organisation, which is driven by layers of interaction and self-assembly from simpler components. At the base of the hierarchy is a relatively straightforward set of small molecules; amino acids, nucleic acids, sugars and lipids. By tuning the chemical properties of these small groups, and combining them into linear and branched polymers, Nature is able to direct their assembly into highly complex molecular machines.  It is this machinery that makes all life possible.

Conceptually, my research is concerned with attempting to decipher the rules used by Nature to self-assemble the molecular machinery of biological cells. Ultimately, I would like to use these rules to create molecular machines of my own design.

My current reseach is focussed on trying to design a self-assembling system of peptides that forms nano-fibres and a complemantary peptide that is able specifically to target these fibres. By attaching groups of interest to this binding peptide, it should be possible to assemble them onto the pre-formed fibres, bringing any number of target functions to the fibres.

A second branch of my research investigates the mechanisms that bacteria use to control the deposition and removal of carbon-rich energy storage granules. These granules are used by some bacteria to store energy under certain conditions of nutrient starvation. These granules are technologically important because they are formed from polyesters and could potentially be a supply of plastics from non-petroleum sources.  I am investigating this using a number of model systems, such as giant unilamellar vesicles and small polymer beads.

In the future, I would like to concentrate on understanding self-assembly of proteins and peptides on a more fundamental level and use this knowledge to design more intricate and useful self-assembled nano-machines!

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