Our Team | Molecular Modeling of Biomaterials Research Group

Igal Szleifer, Principal Investigator

The focus of our research is in the molecular modeling of biointerphases. Our work is aimed at the fundamental understanding of the properties of complex molecular systems that encompass problems at the interface between biology, chemistry, physics and materials science. Our group concentrates on the development and application of theoretical approaches that enable the study of the systems of interest at the molecular level. Most of our projects are carried out in close collaboration with experimental collaborators. Our theoretical work has the dual purpose of: 1) the fundamental understanding of what are the molecular factors that determine the properties and behavior of the interactions between biological environments and synthetic systems, and 2) the ability to predict in a quantitative way experimental systems in order to use the theoretical approaches as a device tool for the engineer of new materials, such as biocompatible materials and drug carriers.

Rikkert Nap, Research Assistant Professor

My research focuses on the investigation of neutral polymers and polyelectrolytes tethered to various curved surfaces, seeking both fundamental as well as practical understanding of their biomedical applications. We have applied a molecular theory developed with the research group to the understanding of, for example, the binding of polymer tethered micelles and solid nano particles to cell surfaces for drug delivery devices. Likewise the behavior of cylindrical weak polyelectrolytes as a model system for aggrecan molecules is being investigated.

Marcelo Carignano, Research Associate

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Paola Carrillo Gonzalez, PhD Student

Paola Carrillo Gonzalez graduated from Harvard University in 2022 with an S.B. in Bioengineering, where she worked in Dr. Samir Mitragotri’s Drug Delivery Lab studying the motility of macrophages with nano-sized drug particles. Now a Ph.D. candidate in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University, she works in the Backman and Szleifer labs investigating how the physicochemical environment of the nucleus regulates chromatin organization and, subsequently, gene expression. Her research bridges theoretical modeling and experimental biophysics to understand how ions, electrostatics, and protein-mediated interactions drive the folding and dynamics of the genome. Through this work, Paola aims to uncover the fundamental physical mechanisms that link nuclear architecture to cellular function and disease. Outside of research, she enjoys playing video games, going to concerts, and spending time with her giant Alaskan Malamute.

Rivaan Kakkaramadam, PhD Student

Rachel Ye, PhD Student

Rachel graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Biomolecular Engineering at Johns Hopkins University and worked in the labs of Dr. Denis Wirtz and Dr. Daniele Gilkes studying transcriptional and functional changes in breast cancer under hypoxic environments. Her current project aims to better understand how cancer cells develop chemoresistance through changes in their chromatin conformation through studying changes in transcriptional patterns and understanding different cell fates. In her free time, she likes to cook and explore different restaurants in the city.