Biophysics

Arbeitsgruppen: Rief - Simmel - Dietz
DNA nanotechnology can be used to build novel molecules, shown here is an artificial membrane channel. Photo: TUM.PH/Dietz Lab. In the evolution of life, fascinating molecular machines have emerged, most of which are made up of proteins. These molecular machines are significantly involved in all cellular processes. The spectrum of their biological function ranges from simple switches to molecular motors that transport cargo along molecular rails to complex chemical synthesis units in which, for example, genetic information is replicated.

Optical tweezers are used to determine the mechanics of individual molecules. Photo: TUM.PH/Dietz Lab. Ultrasensitive measurement methods provide unique insights into the functioning of these fascinating molecular machines. That is why we are working on the further development and application of mechanical and optical single-molecule methods, as well as high-resolution microscopy methods. By combining biochemical and biophysical methods, it is also possible to produce novel nanodevices in order to manipulate single molecules in a more targeted way or, for example, to artificially reproduce natural enzymes.

Arbeitsgruppen: Alim - Bausch - Simmel
Pattern formation in a reconstructed cytoskeletal system. Photo: PH.TUM/Bausch Lab. How can something as fascinating as life arise from individual molecules? All living organisms obey physical laws - even if the diversity and possibilities are qualitatively a completely different dimension compared to what we are used to from dead matter. How can we explain such complicated processes such as cell division or embryonic development? While molecular biology or biochemistry focus on identifying the molecular causes, only physical concepts and methods can help us to understand the overarching principles. It is the task of biophysics to understand the multitude 30,000 identified proteins with all their interactions. The rapid developments of many physical measurement and analysis methods (especially optical measurement techniques, optical imaging, micromechanics, microstructuring or microfluidics) is opening up very exciting new possibilities to get to the bottom of what makes life possible.

Arbeitsgruppen: Alim - Gerland -Zacharias - Emeritus van Hemmen Simulation of the coupled folding and binding of a peptide to a protein. In theoretical biophysics, we study biological systems and try to explain them with the help of theoretical concepts from physics. The properties of biological systems are based on the complicated interplay and dynamics of a large number of molecular components. Molecular simulation methods allow us to investigate the structure and dynamics of biological molecules. For example, biomolecules such as proteins, take on defined spatial structures that determine their function. Such structure-forming or folding processes can be investigated by modern simulation methods at atomic resolution. simulation methods at atomic resolution and with the inclusion of surrounding water molecules and ions. This allows an analysis of the underlying structure-forming forces and thermodynamic and kinetic parameters. Many still unanswered questions about the mechanism of specific structure formation can thus be elucidated by molecular simulations..

Model of a thermally driven reaction system. Biological systems are highly dynamic not only at the molecular level but also in higher organisational units such as cell organelles or whole cells. Here, stochastic processes far from thermodynamic equilibrium often play an essential role. The interplay of these processes determines and regulates cellular processes and leads to the self-organisation of cellular structures. For example, stochastic processes take place in cells that consume biochemical energy and thus generate a directed movement. With the help of mathematical methods and simulations on mesoscopic scales, models can be created to describe and explain such processes. In this context the principles of organisation and regulation of stochastic processes in cells and their development in the course of evolution are still largely unknown and the subject of our research.

Arbeitsgruppen: Bausch - Simmel- Emeritus van Hemmen
Epithelial cells interact with each other via the extracellular matrix. Photo: TUM.PH/Bausch Lab. Biological systems are highly dynamic and many of their properties are based on the complicated interplay of a large number of molecular components or organisational units. Our goal is to better understand and also control various aspects of these dynamics. At the microscopic level, thermally driven, stochastic behaviour plays an essential role. There are also many processes that consume biochemical energy and thus generate, for example, directed motion. Biosystems are therefore far from thermodynamic equilibrium. Their complex structure often causes deviations from the standard behaviour of simpler systems, which leads to exciting new physical questions. For example, passive particles in the superdense cell interior perform a so-called "anomalous diffusion movement". This, in turn, contributes to the understanding of a variety of molecular processes such as gene regulation, cellular defence mechanisms or cell division..

First steps towards minimal artificial cells: Fluorescence image of a transcription oscillator in a microemulsion. Photo: TUM.PH/Simmel Lab. At the level of neuronal cell assemblies, we are interested in sensory information processing. Based on various inputs from auditory and visual organs, the lateral line system of fish and frogs or the infrared pit organ of snakes, a unified representation of the sensory environment is formed in the brain, which enables decision-making. The dynamics of these processes in particular are the focus of our research interest..

One of the main aspects of the work area Dynamics of Biosystems is to investigate the dynamic processes described above experimentally and theoretically by "reproducing" them in synthetic biological systems in a controlled manner or analysing them with the help of mathematical models. In doing so the self-organisation of biomolecular and cellular structures, the optimisation of the underlying active and passive search processes, as well as the passive search processes, as well as the resulting information processing in biochemical and neuronal networks.

Arbeitsgruppen: Hugel - Pfeiffer
Biomedical imaging techniques. Photo:TUM.PH/Pfeiffer Lab. Biomedical physics explores the application of principles and methods of fundamental physics to medical problems in preclinical or clinical research. Research focuses in particular on new imaging methods for improved early detection and diagnosis of diseases, such as cancer and osteoporosis, as well as their cure through the use of novel physical principles. A further goal is a molecular understanding of diseases, especially those caused by amyloids (such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease). The research, development, and clinical implementation of novel X-ray, magnetic resonance, or positron emission imaging methods is carried out in close with the Central Institute for Medical Technology (IMETUM) and physicians at the Klinikum rechts der Isar.