MOLECULES IN COMPLEX SYSTEMS

New techniques are being developed to follow the reactivity of a molecular-scale probe in real time and to directly correlate the chemical or biochemical processes with the 3D spatial location of the probe.

1. Real-Time 3D Single-Particle Tracking Spectroscopy

Two new kinds of imaging and spectroscopic techniques are being developed. Spectroscopy of single particles freely moving in 3D affords a direct assessment of the correlation between the local dynamics and the 3D point locations that is the critical link between microscopic processes and macroscopic phenomena. Chemical imaging uses time-resolved non-linear spectroscopy for the study of location-dependent chemical contents and the dynamics they exhibit. Together, these two new approaches offer new opportunities in our fundamental understanding of the dynamics in complex systems.

2. Fluctuations in local chemical environment

To robustly monitor the time-dependent variations in the local chemical environment, we are collaborating with Dr. Carl Hayden at the Sanida National Laboratory to develope new methods and protocols based on the multi-spectral imaging concept.

3. Fluctuations in local physical environment

To sense and manipulate the local physical environment in a complex system, we are collaborating with Prof. Liwei Lin of the Mechanical Engineering Department at UC Berkeley to develope methods and protocols.

4. Multi-component molecular machineries: mechanism of cellulose degradation by cellulosomes

A strategy for alternative energy is ethanol-based biofuel from degrading the plant cell walls. A basic understanding of how nature acomplishes this task may lead to more efficient processes. To this end, we are collaborating with scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to use the new capabilities we developed to study how cellulose fibers are degraded by cellulosome—the enzyme complex that break up the cellulose fibres—both on the single-molecule and on the cell community levels.