Projects / Programmes
Biophysics of Polymers, Membranes, Gels, Colloids and Cells
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.02.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
|
| 3.03.00 |
Medical sciences |
Neurobiology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B2 |
Biomedical sciences |
B2 |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.03 |
Natural Sciences |
Physical sciences |
polimers, lipid bilayer, biological membranes, proteins, gels, colloids, DLVO interactions, cells, liquid crystals, chirality, biophysics
Researchers (54)
Organisations (6)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0106 |
Jožef Stefan Institute |
Ljubljana |
5051606000 |
90,742 |
| 2. |
0381 |
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine |
Ljubljana |
1627066 |
48,255 |
| 3. |
0588 |
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Education |
Ljubljana |
1627082 |
30,501 |
| 4. |
1540 |
University of Nova Gorica |
Nova Gorica |
5920884000 |
14,072 |
| 5. |
1554 |
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics |
Ljubljana |
1627007 |
34,117 |
| 6. |
2547 |
University of Maribor, Faculty of natural sciences and mathematics |
Maribor |
5089638051 |
18,046 |
Abstract
Macromolecules and macromolecular aggregates like DNA and phospholipid membranes, obtained through isolation and/or reconstitution of fundamental building blocks of the living matter, determine their basic modes of action as well as responses to changes in their molecular environment. The analysis of various macromolecular liquid crystalline phases, be they biological macromoleculs themselves or their complicated anorganic analogues, as well as their basic symmetries and fundamental biocolloidal interactions define the first step of the proposed research program. The intergration of these fundamental principles of the nature of the structures and interactions among the basic macromolecular building blocks in the understanding of the physical properties and even more importantly, the possibility of control of the type and resonse of the constituents of the cell or cells and larger cell aggregates on changes in their environment represents the second step of this research program. Its basic principle being the bottom-up physical reconstitution of various living systems, from simple, model macromolecules all the way to morte complicated macromolecular aggregates, cells, organs and tissues.
Significance for science
The program P1-0055 “Biophysics of polymers, membranes, gels, colloids, and cells” is a research program in the field of biophysics. The latter is recognized as one of the fastest developing scientific disciplines worldwide. Active participation of the members of the program in the development of science is reflected in their extensive bibliography and deep involvement in various formal and informal international networks. In addition to 248 original scientific papers, 150 invited lectures, organization of 3 international scientific meetings, more than 500 peer-reviews in scientific journals, the quality of the work of the program team within the period 2009-2014 is reflected in 2 review articles in a prestigious scientific journal Reviews of Modern Physics and in an original scientific paper in the journal Nature. One of the qualities of the program is participation of researchers from different fields, which allows the application of quantitative physical methods to a wide range of complex biological systems and new materials. Activities of the program members focus to a number of areas. In the field of intermolecular interactions we studied electrodynamic and electrostatic interactions for cylindrical and planar geometry that dominate the organization of small objects at separations beyond an interatomic bond length and are particularly important for the interaction of proteins, nanotubes and DNA. From this basic-forces perspective, a large number of systems were described from which one can learn about organizing forces and how to modulate them. Many practical systems that harness these nanoscale forces were then surveyed. The survey reveals not only the promise of new devices and materials but also the possibility of their efficient design. In the field of liquid crystals and colloids, we studied various aspects of liquid crystals, e.g. of those with complex modulations, such as antiferroelectric liquid crystals. These are materials in which up to 5 different phases appear within a relatively narrow temperature range. Elongated molecules are organized in layers and they are tilted with respect to the layer normal in all phases. The phases differ in the complexity of the tilt modulation, which determines the macroscopic properties of phases. Starting from phenomenologically described intermolecular interactions we are today able to understand how they influence the structure of phases and their stability. Our experimental and theoretical studies of superparamagnetic colloidal particles in magnetic fields led to a discovery of self-assembled colloidal sheets. In the field of biophysics of membranes, viruses, cells and tissues, we studied the stability and packing of the viral capsid and analyzed natural random planar tiling, which is relevant for various biological tissues. We modelled mechanisms of airway smooth muscle contraction and gave explanation to various pathologies. With methods of complex networks analyses we investigated intercellular communications in pancreas. Within the field of experimental biophysics of membranes, cells and biosensors we studied multiple aspects of organic solar cells and demonstrated the role of nanographene as a charge transport enhancer in polymers. We designed microfluidic diffusion chamber and made the first step towards culturing pancreatic cells. We analyzed the influence of amphitropic proteins on phospholipid membranes and gave a critical analysis of the standard cell detachment procedures in cell biology.
Significance for the country
The program P1-0055 “Biophysics of polymers, membranes, gels, colloids, and cells” is the largest national research program in the field of biophysics. The work of the members of the program and their active international cooperation ensure that Slovenia is in close contact with state-of-the-art science in this field, which is of vital importance for the development of Slovenia as a knowledge-based society. The program has a nationwide character, combining researchers from the Jožef Stefan Institute, University of Ljubljana, University of Maribor and University of Nova Gorica. Such structure allows effective flow of ideas and also fosters a polycentric progress of science and higher education in Slovenia, which is in accordance with the intention towards balanced regional development. Although the program is primarily a basic research program, the expertise of its members and the latest research methods are transferred through formal and informal collaborations into industry and healthcare. In particular, we collaborated with the Head of R&D of one of the most successful Slovenian high-tech companies Pipistrel Ltd. as well as with Lek Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Through regular collaborations with clinicians we contribute to the development of the Slovenian health care system. The quality of the work of the program members is reflected also through immediate employability of former coworkers of the program. An important and integral aspect of the program P1-0055 is not only engagement of its members in research but also in teaching and managing. They teach more than 50 courses at University of Ljubljana, University of Maribor, and University of Nova Gorica. M. Marhl was vice-rector of the University of Maribor and G. Bratina is vice-rector of the University of Nova Gorica. N. Vaupotič and G. Bratina are deans of Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor and School of Applied Sciences, University of Nova Gorica, respectively. At the University of Ljubljana B. Božič is head of Institute of Biophysics at Medical Faculty and M. Čepič is head of Department of Physics at Faculty of Education. At the University of Maribor M. Brumen is head of Chair of Biophysics at Faculty of Medicine as well as head of Chair of Bioinformatics at Faculty of Health Sciences, and A. Fajmut was head of Department of Physics at Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics until 2014. Pedagogical work of the members does not include only the lectures at the participating universities but also working with young researchers. With multifaceted and complementary research interests of the members of the group, the program provides an excellent environment for students’ education and their personal professional growth. During the past 6 years 10 young researchers and 7 PhD students have completed training with PhD under the supervision of program members. This proves that the research program is important, perhaps even a key setting for the education of specialists in the field of biophysics and soft-matter physics in Slovenia. Program team members are responsible members of the society. We recognize the importance of presenting the latest scientific advances to the general public. We have prepared more than 50 popular science contributions for various media and participated three times in the TV show »LET'S BITE SCIENCE« on the national television. Finally, the importance of the P1-0055 program for Slovenia's development is in our contribution to the international reputation of Slovenia in science. This is demonstrated through published papers, invited lectures at conferences and universities around the world, formal and informal cooperation with researchers from abroad, engagement in editorial boards of international scientific journals, manuscripts reviewing and in many other ways.
Audiovisual sources (1)
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
