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.
Intracellular communication through designer membraneless organelles
The main idea of the project is to address intracellular communication through designer phase-separating membraneless organelles (MOs) in cell-like assemblies using on-chip microfluidic techniques, advanced microscopy, and molecular cloning. The idea is to generate multiple, functional, condensate-based compartments within synthetic cells to drive independent enzymatic reactions.
Uncovering Biomarkers of Subjective Cognitive Decline in Aging Adults: The Role of Diets and Prebiotics
Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing global health challenge. At the molecular level, these neurodegenerative disorders are associated with the misfolding and self-assembly of proteins into amyloid structures. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary factors, including prebiotics, may help slow cognitive decline, potentially by modulating the molecular pathways involved in protein aggregation. However, the role of protein self-assembly in disease progression and its interaction with nutritional factors remains poorly understood.
Reverse engineering Milk Fat Globules
Our project aims to explore the structure-property relationship of milk fat globules (MFGs), complex lipid droplets surrounded by a phospholipid-rich trilayer, and translate these insights into plant-based systems by designing MFG-like lipid droplets. To achieve this, we investigate the nanostructure and interfacial organization of native MFGs and engineered lipid droplets using state-of-the-art nano-analytical techniques. These insights will enable the design of MFG-inspired emulsions with improved physicochemical and organoleptic properties. Beyond sustainable, high-quality plant-based dairy, the resulting design principles may also benefit specialized nutrition.
PICKFOOD - Pickering emulsions for food applications
My research focuses on the application of microfluidic techniques to investigate the stability of Pickering emulsions and foams. I employ advanced experimental tools—including microfluidics, microscopy, dynamic thin film balance, and interfacial rheology—to study the coalescence mechanisms of Pickering emulsions and foams across micro- to nanoscale regimes. In addition, I am interested in the use of natural emulsifiers, such as oleosins, phospholipids, and cellulose, as particulate stabilizers.
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.
Intracellular communication through designer membraneless organelles
The main idea of the project is to address intracellular communication through designer phase-separating membraneless organelles (MOs) in cell-like assemblies using on-chip microfluidic techniques, advanced microscopy, and molecular cloning. The idea is to generate multiple, functional, condensate-based compartments within synthetic cells to drive independent enzymatic reactions.
Uncovering Biomarkers of Subjective Cognitive Decline in Aging Adults: The Role of Diets and Prebiotics
Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing global health challenge. At the molecular level, these neurodegenerative disorders are associated with the misfolding and self-assembly of proteins into amyloid structures. Emerging evidence suggests that dietary factors, including prebiotics, may help slow cognitive decline, potentially by modulating the molecular pathways involved in protein aggregation. However, the role of protein self-assembly in disease progression and its interaction with nutritional factors remains poorly understood.
Reverse engineering Milk Fat Globules
Our project aims to explore the structure-property relationship of milk fat globules (MFGs), complex lipid droplets surrounded by a phospholipid-rich trilayer, and translate these insights into plant-based systems by designing MFG-like lipid droplets. To achieve this, we investigate the nanostructure and interfacial organization of native MFGs and engineered lipid droplets using state-of-the-art nano-analytical techniques. These insights will enable the design of MFG-inspired emulsions with improved physicochemical and organoleptic properties. Beyond sustainable, high-quality plant-based dairy, the resulting design principles may also benefit specialized nutrition.
PICKFOOD - Pickering emulsions for food applications
My research focuses on the application of microfluidic techniques to investigate the stability of Pickering emulsions and foams. I employ advanced experimental tools—including microfluidics, microscopy, dynamic thin film balance, and interfacial rheology—to study the coalescence mechanisms of Pickering emulsions and foams across micro- to nanoscale regimes. In addition, I am interested in the use of natural emulsifiers, such as oleosins, phospholipids, and cellulose, as particulate stabilizers.
Contact us
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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