Biotechnology Colloquium: Prof. Maria Fyta (RWTH Aachen University, Biotechnology)

Title: Computational modeling of nanopores on different scales and analysis of relevant data

Abstract: Nanopores are tiny openings in materials that can electrophoretically thread charged biomolecules, providing a very efficient single-molecule sensing apparatus. The sensing is based on current measurements through the pore. In order to deeply understand the details underlying this threading and also optimise the biomolecule detection, we perform computer simulations at various temporal and spatial scales. We begin at the very basic level with molecular interactions within the nanopore and the corresponding charge transfer dynamics, moving up to current signals and the influence of the  aqueous environment. On the larger scales, we focus on the molecular transport through the pore and the corresponding scaling characteristics. On top of the simulations, we analyse experimental nanopore data using Machine Learning algorithms in order to use these for sequencing purposes.  We discuss our work in view of realising novel nanopore sequencers for biomolecules.

For online participation, please contact m.hess@fz-juelich.de