Suzana Segota

The core of my research is the use of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in the physico-chemical processes on liposomes and membranes. AFM force spectroscopy is advanced AFM technique that I have adapted and used in various conditions, ionic modes, and with various samples. I also have experience in the use of Small angle X-ray scattering technique for size distribution determination of catanionic and copolymer vesicles, determination of the vesicles bilayer thickness and study of their phase transition in dependence of temperature. The use of optical, epifluorescence and confocal microscopy further enhance and complements the results of my core research.I also have experience with nanomorphological research of colloid- chemical processes, correlation of photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films with nanotopographic properties of surface films, physical chemistry of colloids and interfaces, colloid stability, dynamics of aggregation processes in solutions, association colloids, lyotropic liquid crystals, vesicles, characterization of association colloids and nanostructures in medicine, and liposomes as carriers of drugs.Although I have broad scope of research topics, my main scientific interest is study of model lipid membranes and interfacial processes of the self organizing liposomes and associations of these nanostructures. In this way I will be able to integrate interfacial physical chemistry and atomic force microscopy in the biotechnologal research, material characterization and surface processes on the nanoscale. With good cooperation team of leading scientists in the field of nanomedicine, this approach will enable me to provide a new perspective and auxiliary tools obtained in my previous research field (eg. marine biophysics), and use this as a method for model systems preparation that have perspective use in the bionanotechnological research.