Liquid-liquid phase-separation of small molecules and proteins

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From forming membrane-less compartments inside cells to precursors during crystallisation processes, liquid-liquid phase separation of ions, small molecules and proteins is a fundamental process in both biological and synthetic systems. The project in this studentship will build on recent preliminary findings from both the Nudelman and Alexander groups where small organic molecules were found to form dense liquid phases in solution before crystallizing. We will study the driving force and the mechanisms of this process, going from small molecules to proteins known to form liquid droplets inside cells.This project will provide training in a range of materials characterization techniques including light and electron microscopy, X-ray and electron diffraction, dynamic light scattering and infra-red spectroscopy.