YAIR KAUFMAN

Kaufman's group is using atomic force microscopy and other techniques to study molecular interactions. These molecular interactions determine whether the macroscopic interfaces, e.g., air-water interface droplet and air-glass interface, adhere or repel each other. The strength of the adhesion/repulsion between two macroscopic interfaces is manifested in many ways; for instance, the strength of the adhesion determines whether liquids spread or "pinned" on surfaces (see "Surface Wetting" below), or whether a lipid membrane can (or cannot) self-assemble on a surface (see "Biomimetic Membranes" below)... Currently, the group is focusing on three different, yet related projects: (1) We measure and model the ability of liquids to spread on smooth or textured/roughened surfaces (often called 'surface wetting'). (2) We also study biological and biomimetic membranes, which can be used as a selective (for filtration) and/or indicative (for sensors) interface, and/or prevent the adhesion of..