Molecular Biophysics:
Physics of Lipid Membranes
We are interested in the lipid
membranes at the molecular level. Using Monte Carlo simulations,
fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence imaging, FTIR and X-rays,
we are investigating the structures and inter and intramolecular
dynamics of the lateral organizations of binary mixtures of lipids
with different compositions in fluid planar bilayers. This work
has applications in the design and creation of smart drug delivery
liposomes for cancer treatments, non-viral vectors for delivering
genes to cells for gene transfection and therapy, and functional
templates for biosensors.
Cellular Biophysics:
Physics of Cell Membranes
We are primarily interested in
studying the role of lipid membranes structures on the activities
of ion transport proteins. A reconstituted membrane system consisting
of a pre-formed free-standing single lipid bilayer and purified
ion transport membrane protein is employed as a model cell membrane
for this study. This work will provide important insights of the
regulation mechanisms of lipids in ion transport of cells.
Tissue Biophysics: Physics
of Proton Relaxation and Diffusion in Brians and Gels
We are interested in studying the
proton relaxation and diffusion behavior of water in human brains
and gels using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. This work
has applications in providing better diagnosis of disorders in
human brains and in dose verification of 3D conformal radiation
therapy for cancer treatments.