Electrostatic Driven Self-Assembly Design of Functional Nanostructures

Professors Monica Olvera de la Cruz (PI), Michael Bedzyk (Co-PI), and Neha Kamat (Co-PI), Northwestern University

Modern energy and materials sciences need precise control of molecular assembly across multiple length scales. Biological systems show how diverse molecules spontaneously organize into dynamic, functional structures that include catalytic, selective transport, and environmental responses. Inspired by these principles found in naturally occurring systems, this project will improve the design rules and methods for assembling and actuating multicomponent synthetic membranes and microcompartments in ionic solutions.

We will combine multiscale modeling with synthetic biology techniques and advanced experimental characterization to link structure to function and discover the fundamental rules by which multicomponent systems produce both structural diversity and active behavior. We will design, build, and activate synthetic multicomponent membranes made from peptide amphiphiles, lipids, and proteins that contain charged units to: i) explore how molecular chirality creates responsive left- or right-handed larger-scale mesoscale structures; ii) understand how protein ion pores can be inserted into charged lipid membranes for selective ion-transport through the membranes in a manner similar to biological cellular structures; and iii) examine how localized catalytic centers control ion diffusion through the membrane and generate directed membrane motion, offering new modes of active transport.

Our goal is to understand how the molecular composition, including rigidity and charge mismatches between the distinct components, and the solution ionic conditions (pH, salinity) affect the overall membrane morphology, membrane surface structure via segregation of molecules into domains leading to distinct surface patterns, and membrane functionality. The multicomponent vesicles will be functionalized with proteins that enable ion transport within closed structures. Furthermore, the hybrid protein-membrane structure will allow studies of how cooperative effects between the inserted proteins affect the electrolyte flow through the membranes and chemical motion of the overall assembly. By combining experiments and computational studies, this research will create predictive frameworks that connect molecular design to mesoscale function. The results will advance DOE missions in synthesis science, catalysis, and adaptive materials by enabling next-generation catalytic membranes, synthetic nanoreactors, and programmable transport systems engineered from the molecular level upward.