University of Cambridge

Research

Our main research is focused on understanding all transport processes through membranes of both biological and technological origin. Specifically, we are interested in the physics of ions, macromolecules and particles in confined geometries at the single molecule/-particle level. We thrive to exert maximum control over all parameters in the experiment using techniques like: DNA (origami) self-assembly, optical trapping, particle tracking, fluorescence microscopy, electrophysiology, or micro-/nanofluidics. In parallel, we are always improving and developing new measurement techniques based on a combination of single molecule approaches. Our interdisciplinary team combines people with expertise in physics, physical chemistry, biochemistry/biology, and micro-/nanofabrication.

We are always looking for enthusiastic students and postdocs. If you are interested in working with us, you can find more information TENTATIVE projects below.

Recent Publications

K. Chen, N. A. W. Bell, J. Kong, Y. Tian, and U. F. Keyser.
Direction- and Salt-Dependent Ionic Current Signatures for DNA Sensing with Asymmetric Nanopores.
Biophysical Journal, 112(4):674-682, 2017. [ DOI | http ]

M. I. Walker, K. Ubych, V. Saraswat, E. A. Chalklen, P. Braeuninger-Weimer, S. Caneva, R. S. Weatherup, S. Hofmann, and U. F. Keyser.
Extrinsic Cation Selectivity of 2D Membranes.
ACS nano, 11(2):1340-1346, 2017. [ DOI | http ]

J. Kong, J. Zhu, and U. F. Keyser.
Single Molecule Based SNP Detection Using Designed DNA Carriers and Solid-State Nanopores.
Chem. Commun., 53:436-439, 2017. [ DOI | http ]

L. Weller, V. V. Thacker, L. O. Herrmann, E. A. Hemmig, A. Lombardi, U. F. Keyser, and J. J. Baumberg.
Gap-dependent plasmonic coupling of Ag-Au nanoparticle heterodimers using DNA origami-based self-assembly.
ACS Photonics, 3(9):1589-1595, 2016. [ DOI | http ]

K. Göpfrich, C.-Y. Li, M. Ricci, S. P. Bhamidimarri, J. Yoo, B. Gyenes, A. Ohmann, M. Winterhalter, A. Aksimentiev, and U. F. Keyser.
Large-Conductance Transmembrane Porin Made from DNA Origami.
ACS nano, 10(9):8207-8214, 2016. [ DOI | http ]

K. Göpfrich, C.-Y. Li, I. Mames, S. P. Bhamidimarri, M. Ricci, J. Yoo, A. Mames, A. Ohmann, M. Winterhalter, E. Stulz, A. Aksimentiev, and U. F. Keyser.
Ion Channels Made from a Single Membrane-Spanning DNA Duplex.
Nano Letters, 16(7):4665-4669, 2016. [ DOI | http ]

N. A. W. Bell and U. F. Keyser.
Digitally encoded DNA nanostructures for multiplexed, single-molecule protein sensing with nanopores.
Nature Nanotechnology, 11:645-651, 2016. [ DOI | .html ]