Research interests
Some examples of the projects that I been involved in the recent past include:
Thermodynamics of molecular assemblies
It has been suggested that weak interaction cooperativity, ubiquitous in biomolecular systems, is, at least in part, the result of the reinforcement of the enthalpy of individual interactions as the overall stability of a complex increases. We have shown by means of Isothermal Titration Calorimetry that for very well defined, structurally rigid complexes the enthalpy of interaction is additive (PNAS 2006), This result gives support to an alternative explanation, based on the presence of partially bound states (Chem & Bio, 2003).
Size-control on molecular assemblies
We have developed a triple-stranded Vernier approach, whereby the total length of a molecular assembly is encoded in the structure of the building blocks. The assemblies were characterised by GPC and optical spectroscopy (JACS, 2006).
Drawing from this experience, my research focuses in the study of long range supramolecular assemblies (i.e. vesicular species and hydrogels), described commonly as 'soft matter', with two generic aims in mind:
- To gain a better understanding of the biological phenomena, (first and only example of working soft-matter nanotechnology).
- To develop new nano-technological approaches based on soft matter.
The starting point is the development of small molecule probes that I will use towards the characterisation of intermolecular interactions in and around the long range assemblies and actuators to assemble molecular motors and devices that modulate the chemical and physical properties of the assemblies. These probes will serve as starting point to develop self-assembled molecular motors capable of modulating the chemical and physical properties of these long range assemblies.
