CAREER: Non-Equilibrium Physics of Biological Interfaces

在这个项目中，PI将在动力系统的背景下量化和理解生物膜和膜耦合过程的非平衡行为。这一目标将通过使用物理重组的系统来实现，这些系统以受控的方式被驱离平衡。这种方法可以系统地和定量地研究在非平衡情况下动态膜组织和膜相关蛋白功能之间的双向相互关系。目标1：描述基于模拟离子通量的驱动机制，并研究多价离子在带电薄膜上的浓度分布。目标2将重点研究离子强迫下多价脂类物种的聚集动力学。目的3：研究蛋白质对空间非均相膜中多电荷脂类的调节作用以及由此产生的膜结构响应。目标4：将解决膜和蛋白质的组合系统在同时强迫下如何在时间和空间组织的问题。此外，还将开展以下外展活动：(1)启动大学前水平外展计划，利用基于生物物理学的工具改善当地学校的物理教育，并将学生与校园内的人和学术研究联系起来。它包括由研究生领导的课堂演示和讲授单元，由高中教师参与的基于实验的课堂模块的开发，以及针对高中生的实验室实习计划。(2)开发基于生物物理学和软凝聚态的非专业物理实验模块。此外，PI将为物理专业的高年级学生和初级研究生开发一门生物物理学课程。这门课程将为学生提供基本的基础，并使他们能够理解物理学与其他科学领域的关系。它还将使学生在物理科学和生命科学的交叉点上进行积极的跨学科研究。(3)通过参与本项目的研究目标，研究生和本科生将接受生物物理方法和技术方面的培训，他们的知识和沟通技能将超越传统的科学学科边界。与所有这些努力有关的详细文件和评估将向更广泛的社区提供

In this project the PI will quantify and understand the non-equilibrium behavior of biological membranes and membrane coupled processes in the context of dynamical systems. The objective will be met by employing physically reconstituted systems that are driven out of equilibrium in a controlled manner. This approach will allow the systematic and quantitative study of the bidirectional interrelations between dynamic membrane organization and the function of membrane associated proteins that arise in non-equilibrium situations. The following aims will be undertaken: Aim 1: The driving mechanisms based on simulated ion flux will be characterized and the concentration profile of multivalent ions at charged membranes will be studied. Aim 2 will focus on the aggregation dynamics of multivalent lipid species under ionic forcing. Aim 3: Study the modulation of protein action on multiply charged lipids in spatially heterogeneous membranes and the resulting structural response of membranes. Aim 4: Will address the question how combined systems of membranes and proteins organize in time and space under simultaneous forcing. In addition the following outreach activities will be undertaken: (1) Initiation of a pre-college level outreach program that will use biophysics based tools to improve physical science education in local schools and connect students to people and academic research on campus. It includes class demonstrations and lecture units led by graduate students, development of experiment based class modules involving high school teachers and a lab- internship program for high school students. (2) Development of biophysics and soft condensed matter based laboratory modules for physics classes for non-majors. In addition, the PI will develop a biophysics course for upper-division physics majors and entry levels graduate students. The course will provide a basic foundation for students and enable them to understand physics in its relationship to other scientific fields. It will also equip the students for active interdisciplinary research at the intersection of the physical and life sciences. (3) By engaging in the research aims of this program, graduate and undergraduate students will be trained in biophysical methods and techniques and they will advance their knowledge and communication skills beyond the traditional boundaries of scientific disciplines. Detailed documents and assessments related to all of these endeavors will be made available to the broader community