Mathematics unlock the secrets of bio-nanostructures
Bio-nanostructures, such as the light-reflecting coatings on the eyes of flies, are tiny, naturally occurring materials with immense potential for scientific and industrial applications. While researchers have been able to recreate some of these structures in the laboratory, the underlying mechanisms behind their assembly remained poorly understood.
The power of mathematics…
The molecules that make up nanostructures behave in highly complex ways, making traditional experimental approaches insufficient to fully grasp their dynamics. This challenge called for the precision of mathematics. Using a novel model, researchers from the laboratory of Prof. Vladimir Katanaev have for the first time been able to decipher and predict the exact contribution of key parameters that drive nanostructure assembly. This advanced model outperformed previous models (2015 and 2020) by achieving higher precision (indicated by the smaller square).
The 2024 mathematical model (smallest square) offers significantly improved predictions of reaction and diffusion parameters in bio-nanostructure assembly, compared to previous models from 2015 and 2020. © Adapted from Figure 6 in Kryuchkov et al. 2024, Biomolecules.
… to unlock the secrets of bio-nanostructures
By decoding the assembly processes of bio-nanostructures, the research team has unlocked their full potential. With this deeper understanding, scientists can now design nanomaterials with unprecedented precision, tailoring them for functions such as targeted drug delivery systems or advanced bioactive surfaces.