01 · Synthetic membrane systems
DNA nanopores
Nanopores are widespread in nature and facilitate the transport of water-soluble molecules across lipid bilayers. The group creates synthetic pores from self-assembled DNA and uses hydrophobic lipid anchors to insert otherwise water-soluble nanostructures into membranes.
DNA offers exceptional architectural freedom: pore size, shape, surface chemistry and gating can be programmed at nanometre resolution. These capabilities support applications in molecular sensing, controlled release, synthetic cells, catalysis and selective interactions with diseased or microbial membranes.
02 · Biological channels
Protein nanopores
The group investigates biological channels to understand how they transport proteins and small molecules across membranes. Research on bacterial secretion channels, including CsgG and α-haemolysin, combines structural biology with single-channel electrical recordings and molecular engineering.
These studies reveal the mechanisms of pathogenic biofilm formation while informing new sensing platforms, protein-sequencing concepts and strategies to engineer natural pores for biotechnology.
03 · Molecular interfaces
Nucleic acid chemistry
New nucleotide derivatives and mild linker reactions expand the functional range of DNA. The group develops routes to label nucleic acids with fluorophores and biotags, and creates surface chemistries that retain receptor activity while resisting non-specific adsorption.
These molecular interfaces underpin sensitive diagnostics, single-molecule analysis and well-defined nanoscale assembly on membranes and sensor surfaces.
04 · Translation
Biophysics and applied medicine
Programmable nanodevices bridge basic molecular science and application. Current directions include responsive membrane gates, immune-cell interactions, antimicrobial nanostructures, controlled cytotoxic transport and technologies that may contribute to protein analysis and precision diagnostics.
The unifying aim is to turn molecular-level control into useful behaviour in complex biological environments.
DNAprogrammable construction material
pAsingle-channel electrical signals
nmarchitectural precision
1×single-molecule resolution