Energy conversion at the nanoscale: physical models for biological and bio inspired structures

by Lev Mourokh

at Condensed Matter Theory Seminar

Wed, 02 Jan 2019, 13:30
Physics building (#54) room 207

Abstract

Living objects at the nanoscale can be viewed as molecular complexes whose dynamics is often controlled by the transfer of single charges or single photon absorption events In many senses it is similar to the principles of operation of semiconductor nanostructures and elements of molecular electronics Correspondingly well established methods of condensed matter and statistical physics can be applied In this talk I address proton pumping complexes and proton driven nanomotor of the thylakoid and mitochondria membranes These systems convert the energy obtained from the light or food to the proton gradient across the membrane to the mechanical rotation of the nanomotor and finally to the energy of chemical compounds We propose simple physical models for these complexes which not only allow the quantitative description but can inspire the implementations in nanoelectronics as well I also discuss some details of calculations which provide an interesting insight on the efficiency of charge or energy transfer

Created on 29-12-2018 by Bar Lev, Yevgeny (ybarlev)
Updaded on 29-12-2018 by Bar Lev, Yevgeny (ybarlev)