... understanding life in molecular detail

Dr Peter Adams

Bionanophysics, Lipid membranes, Photosynthesis, Light-harvesting membrane proteins


My research investigates membrane protein and lipid assembly, with a focus on the specialized membranes involved in photosynthesis. I wish to understand, mimic and control the organization of semi-synthetic membranes, inspired by chloroplasts light-harvesting membranes. I take a multi-disciplinary approach, including biochemistry, spectroscopy, nano/micro-fabrication and various microscopies (AFM, FLIM, TEM). For further info, see "Detailed research programme" tab below.

PhD and Postdoc opportunities

For postdoctoral opportunities and interest in potential collaborations, please contact me via email at p.g.adams@leeds.ac.uk.

 

Current major projects include:
  • Understanding the biophysics of light-harvesting membrane proteins
  • Artificial light-harvesting systems: lipids, proteins, polymers, Qdots
  • 3-D array patterning of proteins and lipid membranes at the micro/nanoscale

All biological cells, from bacteria to human epithelia, are surrounded by membranes comprised of lipids, proteins and other molecules. Biological cell membranes rely upon complex, hierarchical organization to elicit functional responses. To achieve specialized function some membranes form organized domains of protein proteins and multilamellar stacked arrangements, such as those found in the certain membranes involved in photosynthesis (light-harvesting membranes). Synthetic biology often uses genetic engineering or de novo chemical synthesis to develop minimal and/or modular systems of DNA, peptide sequences or organic molecules than can perform novel functions. Instead, in our research, we use purified LH proteins and natural lipids as building blocks to generate model protein/lipid systems. We use these controlled model membranes as a platform to test the factors influencing self-assembly, organisation and function in biological membranes, over multiple scales. We take a multi-disciplinary approach combining aspects of surface chemistry, nano/micro fabrication, protein biochemistry, spectroscopy and various microscopies to fully explore these membranes. Long term goals include: (i) to mimic the natural stacked membrane systems to provide a controlled platform for understanding the assembly and biophysical properties of the membrane protein/lipids, (ii) to design new 3-D patterns of membranes onto solid surfaces with preservation of biological functionality, (iii) to better understand the process of photoprotection in plants (Non-Photochemical Quenching).

Various techniques are used to fully characterize the proteins, membranes and new devices from the micro- to the nanoscale. These include Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), fluorescence microscopy (e.g. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy, FLIM) and advanced forms of optical spectroscopy (e.g. time-resolved).

We are always looking towards the latest, state-of-the-art technologies to enable the next breakthrough. Success in these efforts will represent a major advance in the controlled design of 3-D complex, functional biomaterials.

Detailed research programme                  Close ▲
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Associate Professor
BSc (Sheffield) PhD (Sheffield)

Postdoctoral Research Scholar (Los Alamos National Lab), 2012-15.
BBSRC Future Leader Fellow (Uni. Of Leeds), 2015-2018.
University Academic Fellow (Uni. Of Leeds), 2015-present.

8.50aa, E C Stoner Building
School of Physics
0113 343 9718
p.g.adams@leeds.ac.uk

https://physicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/staff/98/dr-peter-adams

Selected Publications

  1. Adams PG, Vasilev C, Hunter NC, Johnson MP Correlated fluorescence quenching and topographic mapping of Light-Harvesting Complex II within surface-assembled aggregates and lipid bilayers Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Bioenergetics 1859 1075-1085, 2018
    DOI:10.1016/j.bbabio.2018.06.011

  2.  

    Adams PG; Collins AM; Sahin T; Subramanian V; Urban VS; Vairaprakash P; Tian Y; Evans DG; Shreve AP; Montaño GA Diblock Copolymer Micelles and Supported Films with Noncovalently Incorporated Chromophores: A Modular Platform for Efficient Energy Transfer Nano Letters 15 2422-2428, 2015
    DOI:10.1021/nl504814x

  3. Adams PG, Swingle KL, Paxton WF, Nogan JJ, Stromberg LR, Firestone MA, Mukundan H, Montaño GA Exploiting lipopolysaccharide-induced deformation of lipid bilayers to modify membrane composition and generate two-dimensional geometric membrane array patterns Scientific Reports 5 10331, 2015
    DOI:10.1038/srep10331

  4. Adams PG; Lamoureux L; Swingle K; Mukundan H; Montaño G Lipopolysaccharide-induced dynamic lipid membrane reorganization: tubules, perforations, and stacks Biophysical Journal 106 2395-2407, 2014
    DOI:10.1016/j.bpj.2014.04.016