Abstract

In aqueous solution, lipids, surfactants, and polyelectrolytes tend to self-organize into large scale superstructures. 

Lipids form diverse assemblies such as micelles, vesicles, and planar membranes, depending on environmental conditions. The curvature and elasticity of lipid membranes, dictated by their molecular composition, are crucial in regulating membrane functionality. In biology, these structural properties are essential for maintaining cellular integrity, controlling permeability, and regulating protein interactions. 

Surfactants strongly affect the surface tension and structural properties of aqueous interfaces. Additionally, many surfactant molecules give rise to a pH and ion dependent surface charge. Surfactant-induced modifications to lipid aggregates can alter membrane morphology, dynamics, and fluidity. 

Polyelectrolytes, including biological macromolecules such as polypeptides, DNA, RNA, and polysaccharides, modify the electrostatic environment at interfaces, affecting the stability and behavior of lipid and surfactant aggregates. Furthermore, self-assembling synthetic polyelectrolytes offer the ability to modulate the architectures and physiochemical characteristics of membranes at the molecular level. 

The formation, structure, and dynamics of lipids, surfactants and polyelectrolytes have important implications for drug delivery, protein functionality, colloidal stabilization, functional membranes, and much more. This mini colloquium will explore the role of lipids, surfactants, and polyelectrolytes in aqueous environments, focussing on their surface specific properties and interactions.

Invited speakers

to be announced

Organizers

Name	Affiliation
Douwe Jan Bonthuis	TU Graz, Austria
Matej Kanduč	Institute Jožef Stefan, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Georg Pabst	Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Uni Graz, Austria