Nucleation of crystals: Experimental studies of protein crystallisation and computer simulations of simple models
Nucleation of crystals: Experimental studies of protein crystallisation and computer simulations of simple models
- Event time: 1:00pm
- Event date: 22nd June 2009
- Speaker: Richard Sear (Department of Physics University of Surrey)
- Location: Room 2511, James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB) James Clerk Maxwell Building Peter Guthrie Tait Road Edinburgh EH9 3FD GB
Event details
Crystallisation is an important problem from materials science to molecular biology. It starts with nucleation, the formation of a microscopic nucleus of the crystal. As the nucleus grows it usually has to overcome a free energy barrier. This barrier is often large enough to completely prevent the nucleation of protein crystal. I will present results for the crystallisation of the protein lysozyme, using a rough surface as the site for nucleation. This surface lowers the barrier for nucleation. I will then go on to present the results of computer simulations of nucleation of crystal surfaces on flat surfaces and wedges.
About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars
This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..