Bachelor projects are available in

• amyloid protein aggregation
• protein-protein interaction
• development of EPR techniques including very-high-field 275 GHz EPR

Projects are available in the group. Projects are suitable for students with backgrounds in Physics, Chemistry and Life Science and Technology!

For details please contact huber@physics.leidenuniv.nl, tel: 071 527 5560
 

Bachelor project: Protein EPR and Modeling

The dipolar interaction of unpaired electron spins is a powerful way to determine the structure of nano-scopic systems that are too small for microscopy. Pulsed EPR is particularly useful to measure nano-meter distances and reveal the inner structure of nano-objects. 

Distance distributions can be determined, showing whether the ensemble is structured or disordered.  

The project
Starting with existing sequences, test and optimize sequences for specific, biophysical questions. 

Experiment
Implement the sequences on existing hardware and test on model and real systems. 

Theory
Use product-operator formalism to describe pulse sequences.

For details please contacthuber@physics.leidenuniv.nl, tel: 071 527 5560

Bachelor project: Protein EPR and Modeling

We use EPR to obtain structural and dynamic information on proteins and other biorelevant molecules. We propose a bachelor project to learn to obtain such data, working on one of the worlds most advanced EPR spectrometers, and use your and data already available in the group to understand the structure and structural changes involved.

Presently, a set of very small proteins are available that interact with membranes… Yes, the research is in the realm of biophysics.

Bachelor project: Electronic structure of metal ion centres

Use your quantum mechanics to understand metal ion complexes! We have determined the EPR properties of several metal ion complexes that are important in the functioning of proteins. The project is to determine the magnetic properties of these complexes.

For example, the g-tensor axis directions, shown for the Cu(II) site (green sphere, left) of a nitrate reductase site in a protein.

You will use existing simulation software and measure EPR spectra on state of the art spectrometers, including the worldwide unique 275 GHz EPR spectrometer shown on the right.