Research Activities Supramolecular Interactions

The research group 'Supramolecular Interactions' operates at the interface of soft condensed matter physics, molecular physics, micro/nano materials science and biophysics.

Among other topics, the group studies interactions and structures in soft matter and biologically inspired systems that are the result of multiple weak, preferably specific, non-covalent bonds. In particular, we want to acquire a better understanding of the unique properties of such reversible multi-bond interactions, their dependence on the individual bond properties, and their consequences for spontaneous self-organization and the macroscopic properties of self-assembled materials. To this end, we use a combination of designer model systems, force probe and microscopy techniques, and numerical simulations.

We are currently setting up a state-of-the-art laser tweezer/micropipette force probe setup and are synthesizing novel model systems using solid surfaces, lipid vesicles, supported lipid bilayers and highly programmable DNA 'sticky ends'. Theoretically, we are currently modeling the properties of polymers that interact with surfaces.

There are projects for master students:
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Dr. Leunissen's personal homepage and CV provide more information about her present and past research activities. You can also read a recent interview (in Dutch), published in the annual overview of science of The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), or listen to a Dutch radio interview here (go to Hoe?Zo!, 'Slimme DNA-lijm').