|
| |
|
Last updated: 22 May 2007
Biophysics and Microsystems Technology Group
Dr. Carl Hansen's
research is focused on the development of new microsystems
instrumentation with applications with applications in cell biology,
proteomics, and structural biology. Through integration and economy of
scale, these tools will enable highly multiplexed measurements with
increased throughput and reduced cost. Moreover, the unique physical
properties of the micro-environment allow increased experimental precision
and sensitivity, and the implementation of new types of measurements that
are difficult, or impossible, in macroscopic devices. This work is highly
interdisciplinary, requiring techniques in microfluidics, biophotonics, and
nanotechnology, and naturally lies at the interface of biophysics,
engineering, and biology.
Optical micrograph of a microfluidic formulator device. Fluidic logic and precision metering elements allow for arbitrary chemical mixtures to be generated within a 5 nanoliter mixing ring (centre). The flexibility and precision of this device allows for the automated combinatorial mixing of a set of stock solutions with a precious sample. The device was used to map out protein solubility behavior for the rational design of crystallization experiments.
Applied Biophysics Laboratory
Dr. Andre Marziali's Applied Biophysics research laboratory specializes in
the development of novel tools and methods for the analysis and
manipulation
of biomolecules. Combining specializations in Engineering, Biophysics and
Molecular Biology the lab excels in interdisciplinary research projects and
instrument development. Current research projects include single molecule
DNA studies using nanopores, DNA manipulation and concentration by 2-D
nonlinear electrophoresis, small volume dispensing technology, cancer
biopsy
array reagent delivery, and technology development for local genome
centres.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Laboratory
|
Dr. Carl Michal utilizes NMR and probes to
study the properties biological materials such as spider silk; and anticipates other non-invasive measurement
procedures such as using low temperature, spin polarized semiconductors to measure biological macromolecules.
|
The Golden Orb Weaver's silk is studied using NMR.
|
Theoretical Biophysics Group
Shown here is a stereo view (cross your eyes
to see a 3-D image) of a partially folded "transition state" structure (blue tube)
superimposed on the folded structure of a protein called Chymotrypsin Inhibitor.
(courtesy Dr. Steve Plotkin)
|
Dr. Steven Plotkin's
interests range from the study of dynamics and disorder in the theory of
protein folding and function, to genetic and phylogenetic networks, to studies of pattern
formation and symmetry breaking in morphogenisis.
|
Computational Soft Matter and Biophysics
|
Dr. Joerg Rottler uses computer simulations to explore the
nonequilibrium dynamics of soft materials such as deformation and fracture
on the molecular scale. He also develops new efficient numerical
methods to study electrostatic interactions that occur frequently
in biomolecular systems such as proteins, membranes and DNA.
|
Snapshot from a molecular dynamics simulation of craze fracture
in glassy polymers. The polymer has been expanded into
a dense network of fibrils and voids in front of a crack tip.
|
Alphabetical List of Faculty Engaged in Biophysics Research
| Carl Hansen | Assistant Professor,
Biophysics and Biotechnology |
Group URL: (http://www.chibi.ubc.ca/faculty/hansen/people)
Research Field: Microsystems Technology for Biological Applications
Topics include: Structural Biology, Single-Cell Analysis, Molecular Diagnostics
|
| Geoffrey W. Hoffmann | Associate Professor,
Biophysics |
Topics include: Theoretical Biology, Immune Network Theory, Neural Networks
|
| Andre Marziali | Professor,
Biophysics - Genomics Technologies |
|
| Carl Michal | Associate Professor,
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biophysics |
Topics include: Biological Materials, Optical Pumping, Artificial Muscles, NMR
|
| Steven S Plotkin | Associate Professor,
Theoretical Biophysics |
|
| |
