The molecular nature of the liquid becomes important and anomalous properties such as solidlike behavior and stick-slip sliding emerge. Theories reliable for large pores and thick lubricant films break down making it very difficult to predict how liquids will behave when confined. Hence, confined liquids are poorly understood. We study lubricant films from the molecular point of view by simulating the individual molecules of the lubricant film on a computer using molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo computer programs developed in our laboratory. Characterization of the adhesive properties of cell surface biomacromolecules The primary goal of this work is to understand how biomacromolecules that cover cell surfaces influence the interaction and adhesion of cells with other cells and with solid surfaces.
Cells can be either bacteria or human cells.
It is important to understand bacterial adhesion because it is the first step in biofilm formation, which has numerous undesirable consequences ranging from heat exchanger fouling to medical implant infections. Currently, very little is known about how bacterial surface biomacromolecules mediate adhesion and therefore it is still not possible to control or manipulate the process. Human cell adhesion is also mediated by biomacromolecules, in particular proteins that bind to one another through specific lock and key mechanisms. The structure of many cell adhesion proteins is well known but their function is still poorly understood. This work will help us understand better how heavy metals may lead to birth defects and in adults could accelerate cardiovascular disease.