Amphiphiles

Amphiphiles are molecules that contain both a hydrophobic and a hydrophylic part. Due to this dual character these molecules are surface active and can self assemble to form a variety of interesting meso-phases. We study in particular microemulsions, sponge phases and lamellar phases.

Colloids

Colloidal suspensions consist of a medium in which particles are dispersed which have a typical size within the range of 10-1000 nm. These particles undergo Brownian motion due to random collisions with the solvent molecules. We study pure and mixed colloidal suspensions, in particular colloid-polymer mixtures, and rod-like colloids.

Membranes

Membranes are thin two dimensional sheets of which the conformation is determined by the curvature and shear elasticity. The shape and dynamics of both polymerised, fluid and crystalline membranes and vesicles are investigated using theory and computer simulations.

Polymers

Polymers are large linear, branched or ring-like molecules which are build up from a repeating sequence of building blocks. These macromolecules have widespread industrial applications and also play an important role in biological systems. Of specific interest are polymers near surfaces and charged polymers (polyelectrolytes).

Transport

Far from equilibrium there is no general prescription how to calculate the statistical properties of interacting many-body systems. We search for basic non-equilibrium principles governing steady-state selection and determining phase transitions in driven diffusive systems.

Membrane Proteins

Biological membranes consist of lipid bilayers with embedded or attached membrane proteins. These membrane proteins are important for the specific functions of the cell or organelles and the communication between cells. For example, selective ion transport over the membrane is mediated by ion channels.