Mathias Lösche

Address:
Department of Physics
Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Phone: 412-268-2735
Fax: 412-268-8252
Email: quench@cmu.edu
Homepage: Visit

Research:

Our work focuses on the structural and dynamic characterization of biomimetic membranes (that is, simpler artificial mono- and bilayer systems that capture the fundamental properties of complex biomembranes); to understand these objects from a soft condensed matter perspective. For example, we use surface-sensitive x-ray and neutron scattering to identify, characterize, and optimize mimics formed as tethered bilayer membranes at solid/fluid interfaces. Optical microscopy techniques are used to assess their in-plane fluidity, dynamics, and 2D morphology. With this set of tools, we investigate experimentally the physical principles of membrane self-assembly and functionality. We also study the molecular origins of disease, through quantification of the membrane interactions of proteins and peptides, such as toxins and amyloids.