Seminar given by Emanuela Bianchi (Institut fur Theoretische Physik Technische Universitat Wien, Austria)
Globular proteins and recently synthesized colloids engineered with differently charged surface regions exhibit complex, direction-dependent interactions, characterized by a reduced bonding valence and a competition between like-charge repulsion and opposite-charge attraction. Understanding their large-scale behavior is crucial for both biological processes—such as protein liquid-liquid phase separation—and for designing functional nano- and micro-scale materials. We developed a mean-field theoretical framework based on the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation to describe these effective interactions [1], and introduced a coarse-grained model that captures its key features [2], suitable for Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations [3]. I will present how variations in net charge and surface patterning influence self-assembly, focusing on the formation of ordered structures [4] and conditions for liquid-liquid phase separation [5]. [1] A. Gnidovec, E. Locatelli, S. Copar, A.Bozic and E.Bianchi, Nat. Comm. in press (2025) [2] D.Notarmuzi, E.Locatelli and E.Bianchi, in preparation [3] D.Notarmuzi, S.Ferrari, E.Locatelli and E.Bianchi, J.Chem. Phys., 162, 144902 (2025) [4] S. Ferrari, E. Bianchi and G. Kahl, Nanoscale, 9, 1956 (2017) [5] D.Notarmuzi and E.Bianchi, Comm. Phys., 7, 412 (2024
Ponente del seminario: Emanuela Bianchi
Fecha del seminario: 02/06/2025 12:00
Lugar del seminario: Salón de actos del IQF