Speaker Institution : University of Wisconsin-Madison
Title : Self-Assembly in Complex Fluids
Abstract : The self-assembly of molecules into complex structure is ubiquitous in biology and materials science. In this talk I will discuss two classes of molecules: lipid meso-phases in the presence of anti-microbial peptides and the lyotropic liquid crystalline phases of Gemini surfactants. In the former specific interactions between the peptides and lipids causes lipid segregation and the formation of curved interfaces. In the latter the phases formed are sensitive to a host of features. Using computer simulation we show that both non-electrostatic and electrostatic interactions play an important role in the self-assembly of these systems, and both are promising candidates for chemistry directed self-assembly.