Current Projects The Soft Condensed Matter group has a strong emphasis on research into the molecular level phenomena that affect nanoscale forces, dynamics and molecular assemblies at the solid-liquid or liquid-liquid boundary. We are interested in intermolecular interactions at an interface and their impact on macromolecular adsorption, ligand-receptor interactions in signal transduction, nanomechanics, dynamics in thin liquid films, self-assembled structures and phases such as membranes and micelles. Details of specific projects are set out below. We are an experimental-based group that utilises and develops state-of-the art optical, imaging and spectroscopic methods. See our Instrumentation page for more details. Current projects in the Soft Condensed Matter Labs are: Film drainage and thin liquid film wetting and spreading dynamics The interplay between fluid flow surface and intermolecular forces at a deformable liquid-liquid interface is a key factor in understanding the structure and behaviour of microemulsions. In particular, we are interested in the dynamics of surface active molecules through Marangoni stresses and mass transfer across the liquid-liquid interface. Marangoni stresses also contribute to the dynamics and structure of spreading surfactant nano-films. We are interested in how a pre-wet surface influences thin film spreading. This is important in areas as diverse as magnetic data storage and the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in infants. Molecular and macromolecular assemblies in polymer- and bio-physics We are currently investigating the structure and chain dynamics of macromolecules in polymer films, biofilms and microgels using direct force measurements and ultra-fast fluorescence spectroscopic methods developed in our labs. For example, we are tuning phase/structural behaviour of diblock copolymers that, through self-assembly, have potential as targeted drug delivery systems.Protein and peptide conformation and chain dynamics at a surface to help understand the specificity of the surface-protein interaction and signal transduction via transmembrane proteins Cell membrane structure and elasticity We use Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to topographically image and measure local elasticity of the cell membranes of, for example, nerve cells and cardiomyocytes and how this is affected by cellular signaling to better understand the impact of b-amyloid and dietary cholesterol on cellular disease states such as Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Self-assembled phospholipid bilayers are multi-component structures that act as cell membrane mimics. We use AFM  and novel fluorescence and imaging methods to study the different phase domains in these structures. Mesoporous materials We are investigating the fine structure of mesoporous silicates through positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and x-ray scattering and are contributing to their development. These are a new class of materials that have potential application in separations science in environmental remediation and pharmaceuticals. To see the sort of equipment we use go to instrumentation Instrumentation.htmlInstrumentation.htmlshapeimage_3_link_0
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Contact Michelle Gee
School of Chemistry
University of Melbourne, VIC 3010 Australia mlgee@unimelb.edu.au