My research focuses on understanding fundamental forces between surfaces at molecular and nano length-scales, liquid structure at solid-liquid interfaces, methods of their investigation and their importance in biological, chemical and technological aspects.
Currently, my efforts are aimed at gaining a better understanding of the interplay between electrostatics, van der Waals forces, and the hydrophobic interactions in the formation of amyloid plaques in biologically relevant environments.
I use surface forces apparatus (SFA) combined with other material and surface characterization techniques to obtain quantitative insights into amyloid biophysics. I am also interested in nanomechanics and nanotribology of adhesive and lubricating proteins and bio-mimetic polymers.