Mathias Lösche Professor Ph.D., Technical University of Munich Email: quench@cmu.edu Phone: (412) 268-2735 FAX: (412) 268-8252 Research web site

Our work focuses on the structural and dynamic characterization of biomimetic membranes (that is, simpler artificial mono- and bilayer systems that capture the fundamental properties of complex biomembranes) to understand these objects from a soft condensed matter perspective. For example, we use surface-sensitive x-ray and neutron scattering to identify, characterize, and optimize mimics formed as tethered bilayer membranes at solid/fluid interfaces. Optical microscopy techniques are used to assess their in-plane fluidity, dynamics, and 2D morphology. With this set of tools, we investigate experimentally the physical principles of membrane self-assembly and functionality. We also study the molecular origins of disease, through quantification of the membrane interactions of proteins and peptides, such as toxins and amyloids.

Selected Publications

Tethered bilayer membranes

G. Valincius, D.J. McGillivray, W. Febo-Ayala, D.J. Vanderah, J.J. Kasianowicz and M. Lösche, "Enzyme activity to augment the characterization of tethered bilayer membranes", J. Phys. Chem. B 110, 10,213 (2006).

D.J. McGillivray, G. Valincius, W. Febo-Ayala, D.J. Vanderah, J.J. Kasianowicz and M. Lösche, "Molecular-scale structural and functional characterization of sparsely tethered bilayer membranes", Biointerphases 2, 21 (2007).

Molecular structure of lipid membranes

M. Dyck, P. Krüger and M. Lösche, "Headgroup organization and hydration of methylated phosphatidylethanolamines in Langmuir monolayers", Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 7, 150 (2005).

Peptide interaction with lipid membrane surface

M. Dyck and M. Lösche, "Interaction of the neurotransmitter, neuropeptide Y (NPY), with phospholipid membranes: Film balance and fluorescence microscopy studies", J. Phys. Chem. B 110, 22,143 (2006).

Domain structure in lipid membranes

P. Krüger and M. Lösche, "Molecular chirality and the domain shapes in lipid monolayers on aqueous surfaces", Phys. Rev. E 62, 7031 (2000).

Ion distribution near charged interfaces

D. Vaknin, P. Krüger and M. Lösche, "Anomalous x-ray reflectivity characterization of ion distribution at biomimetic membranes", Phys. Rev. Letters 90, 178102 (2003).

J. Pittler, W. Bu, D. Vaknin, A. Travesset and M. Lösche, "Charge inversion at minute electrolyte concentrations", Phys. Rev. Letters 97, 046102 (2006).