Research
The molecular world, where nothing ever stands still, poses some intriguing challenges to our understanding of living matter. How do molecules robustly self-organize into compartments, transmit signals or generate forces in the omnipresence of thermal fluctuations? How are decisions made reliably on that level? And how can tiny molecular changes lead to significant effects for an organism on different length and time scales?
Our team works at the intersection of molecular cell biology and polymer physics, and we are fascinated by the emergent molecular behavior of Life's building blocks. We see proteins and RNAs as multifaceted actors that readily adopt roles as information carriers, as structural materials, as complex fluids, as molecular thermometers, as choreographers, as timekeepers, soft machines, and sometimes all at once. This fascinating molecular universe offers a rich playground to expand both our understanding of physics and biology.
To investigate the dynamic nature of Life's molecules, we employ a captivating property of light: it can be used to exert and measure minute forces, forces so small that it allows us to study and manipulate individual molecular players with precision. In essence, we use the Physics of Light to study the Physics of Life.
Our lab uses high-resolution dual-trap optical tweezers (top left) to measure and exert forces on single molecules and molecular collections. For example, we are stretching biomolecular condensate droplets to learn more about their material properties (top right). Currently, we study the physics of polymer engines and explore the biology of protein-RNA liquids from various angles (bottom).