The Nanoscale Biophysics Group uses a range of nanotechnology tools and instruments to study the biophysics of lipids and lipid-protein interactions. These tools allow us to study the role of structural changes and physical properties of lipid monolayers and bilayers in controlling biological processes and diseases.
JPK NanoWizard II Atomic Force Microscope
JPK is a leading manufacturer of nano-analytical instruments for life science and soft matter applications. The Nanowizard II from JPK Instruments combines atomic force microscopy (AFM), fluorescence microscopy, and an inverted optical microscope by Olympus.
These techniques are used in Dr. Leonenko's lab to study the molecular architecture and physical properties of model and cell membranes, along with their interactions with proteins, DNA and nanostructures.
Aist-NT SmartSPM Atomic Force Microscope
Aist-NT SmartSPM 1000
The SmartSPM 1000 from AIST-NT is a fully-automated scanning probe microscope that automatically adjusts the laser to photodiode alignment and system configurations for different SPM modes: AFM, KPFM, MFM and others. It has atomic and molecular scale resolution capabilities with high accuracy and stability.
Dr. Leonenko's group studies molecular and physical properties of lipids, proteins and nanostructures using AFM and KPFM on this instrument.
Agilent Atomic Force Microscope
Agilent AFM
The AFM/SPM 5500 from Agilent Technologies allows high resolution AFM imaging in both air and liquid environments with Magnetic Alternating Current (MAC) mode and single molecule force spectroscopy.
Nima Langmuir-Blodgett Trough
Nima Langmuir-Blodgett Trough
The Langmuir Blodgett (LB) trough is an instrument that compresses monolayers of molecules on the surface of a chosen subphase and measures different surface phenomena caused by this compression.
The LB deposition technique is used to study the relationship of surface area and surface tension or pressure of amphiphilic molecules. By spreading these molecules on the surface of water in a Langmuir-Blodgett trough, movable barriers can be utilized to look at the change in surface tension or pressure of the material as surface area is reduced. This method is used to deposit monomolecular thin films on a solid substrate
Nicoya OpenSPR Surface Plasmon Resonance
Nicoya OpenSPR
Nicoya Lifesciences' OpenSPR uses a highly sensitive nanogold coating as its sensor substrate to study molecular interactions. It can be used to screen and develop new pharmaceuticals, diagnostic assays and characterize protein function, mechanisms, and more.
Dr. Leonenko's group uses the OpenSPR to develop methods for and analyze the molecular interactions between lipids, proteins, and drugs.