Project
AFM based characterization of fuel-driven materials
Project description
Life is far from equilibrium: It is fuelled by constant energy dissipation, which is regulated via a feedback mechanism. Active and adaptive molecular systems use chemicals to fuel their structures in a dissipative steady-state. Once the energy is spent, the system relaxes and returns to the ground state. This results in transient steady states with unusual dynamics, adaptability and autonomous system lifetimes. My objective is to use an atomic force microscope (AFM) to characterize non-equilibrium materials systems across time and length scales.
Project outcomes
DNA and peptide structures are programmable and hold potential for creating adaptive materials that interact with their environment, unlike traditional equilibrium-focused materials. To study these, I and colleagues used Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) along with imaging and single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) to investigate dynamic processes and forces at the nanoscale and mesoscale. We explored DNA interactions with various ions in solutions, finding that interaction strength varies with ion type. We also examined how different bond types affect material strength, aiming to enhance adhesion properties. Our research extended to proteins and molecules influencing amyloid-beta fibril formation, which is linked to Alzheimer’s disease, to better understand the disease process. We also studied the assembly and disassembly of DNA using specific enzymes and fuels, as well as the formation of peptides from amino acids. Additionally, we designed a hydrogel from a single DNA hairpin that responds to different triggers, suggesting new possibilities for adaptive materials. This research advances the development of innovative, active, and self-sustaining materials made from DNA and peptides, with potential applications in various fields.
Supervisor and Dissertation
Prof. Dr. Thorsten Hugel
Max Lallemang successfully defended his dissertation in April 2023.
Dissertation: AFM based characterization of fuel-driven materials
Moved on to
Max Lallemang took a position at Lycée Hubert-Clément Esch/Alzette in Luxembourg.
Publications in livMatS
- Hierarchical Mechanical Transduction of Precision-Engineered DNA Hydrogels with Sacrificial Bonds*
Lallemang, M., Akintayo, C. O., Wenzel, C., Chen, W., Sielaff, L., Ripp, A., Jessen, H. J., Bizan N., Walther, A. & Hugel, T. (2023). Hierarchical Mechanical Transduction of Precision-Engineered DNA Hydrogels with Sacrificial Bonds. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. doi: 10.1021/acsami.3c15135
- Angle-dependent strength of a single chemical bond by stereographic force spectroscopy*
Cai, W., Bullerjahn, J. T., Lallemang, M., Kroy, K., Balzer, B. N., & Hugel, T. (2022). Angle-dependent strength of a single chemical bond by stereographic force spectroscopy. Chemical Science. doi: 10.1039/D2SC01077A
- Study of repellence on polymeric surfaces with two individually adjustable pore hierarchies*
Goralczyk, A., Zhu, M., Mayoussi, F., Lallemang, M., Tschaikowsky, M., Warmbold, A., Caliaro, S., Tauber, F., Balzer, B. N., Kotz-Helmer, F., Helmer, D., & Rapp, B. E. (2022). Study of repellence on polymeric surfaces with two individually adjustable pore hierarchies. Chemical Engineering Journal, 437, 135287. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2022.135287
- Multivalent non-covalent interactions lead to strongest polymer adhesion*
Lallemang, M., Yu, L., Cai, W., Rischka, K., Hartwig, A., Haag, R., Hugel, T., and Balzer, B. N. (2022). Multivalent non-covalent interactions lead to strongest polymer adhesion. Nanoscale. doi: 10.1039/d1nr08338d
- ATP Impedes the Inhibitory Effect of Hsp90 on Aβ40 Fibrillation*
Wang, H., Lallemang, M., Hermann, B., Wallin, C., Loch, R., Blanc, A., Balzer, B. N., Hugel, T., & Luo, J. (2020). ATP impedes the inhibitory effect of Hsp90 on Aβ40 fibrillation. Journal of Molecular Biology. doi: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.11.016
* Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under Germany's Excellence Strategy – EXC-2193/1 – 390951807