CHE1BAS Introduction to Chemistry

CHE2NAC  Nanochemistry

CHE3ADB Surface Chemistry

CHE4HONS Honours Chemistry

Selected publications:

Exploring the origin of tip-enhanced Raman scattering; preparation of efficient TERS probes with high yield Author(s): Asghari-Khiavi, Mehdi; Wood, Bayden R.; Hojati-Talemi, Pejman; et al. Source: Journal of Raman Spectroscopy Volume: 43 Issue: 2 Pages: 173-180 Published: FEB 2012

Near-field diffraction in a two-dimensional V-groove and its role in SERS Author(s): Mechler, M.; Kukhlevsky, S. V.; Mechler, A.; et al. Source: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics Volume: 13 Issue: 46 Pages: 20772-20778 Published: 2011

Surface Immobilization of Bio-Functionalized Cubosomes: Sensing of Proteins by Quartz Crystal Microbalance Author(s): Fraser, S. J.; Mulet, X.; Martin, L.; et al. Source: Langmuir Volume: 28 Issue: 1 Pages: 620-627 Published: 2011

Correlation of atomic force microscopy and Raman micro-spectroscopy to study the effects of ex vivo treatment procedures on human red blood cells Author(s): ASGHARI-KHIAVI, M; WOOD, BR; MECHLER, A; et al. Source: Analyst Volume: 135 Issue: 3 Pages: 525-530 Published: 2010 

Electrochemiluminescence of surface bound microparticles of ruthenium complexes Author(s): BARBANTE, GJ; HOGAN, CF; MECHLER, A; et al. Source: Journal of Materials Chemistry Volume: 20 Issue: 5 Pages: 891-899 Published: FEB 7 2010 

Oncocin (VDKPPYLPRPRPPRRIYNR-NH2): A Novel Antibacterial Peptide Optimized against Gram-Negative Human Pathogens Author(s): Knappe, D; Piantavigna, S; Hansen, A; et al. Source: Journal of Medicinal Chemistry Volume: 53 Issue: 14 Pages: 5240-5247 Published: JUL 22 2010 

The formation of gold nanoparticles using hydroquinone as a reducing agent through a localized pH change upon addition of NaOH to a solution of HAuCl4 Author(s): Sirajuddin; Mechler, A; Torriero, AAJ; et al. Source: Colloids and Surfaces a-Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects Volume: 370 Issue: 1-3 Pages: 35-41 Published: NOV 5 2010 

A resonance Raman spectroscopic investigation into the effects of fixation and dehydration on heme environment of hemoglobin Author(s): ASGHARI-KHIAVI, M; MECHLER, A; BAMBERY, KR; et al. Source: JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY Volume: 40 Issue: 11 Pages: 1668-1674 Published: NOV 2009 

Biochemical and Biophysical Characterization of a Novel Plant Protein Disulfide Isomerase Author(s): GRUBER, CW; CEMAZAR, M; MECHLER, A; et al. Source: BIOPOLYMERS Volume: 92 Issue: 1 Pages: 35-43 Published: 2009 

Multifunctional protein nanocarriers for targeted nuclear gene delivery in nondividing cells Author(s): GLOVER, DJ; NG, SM; MECHLER, A; et al. Source: FASEB JOURNAL Volume: 23 Issue: 9 Pages: 2996-3006 Published: SEP 2009 

Novel Engineered Ion Channel Provides Controllable Ion Permeability for Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules Coated with a Lipid Membrane Author(s): BATTLE, AR; VALENZUELA, SM; MECHLER, A; et al. Source: ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Pages: 201-208 Published: JAN 23 2009 

Organization of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes Involved in Sex Steroid Synthesis PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTIONS IN LIPID MEMBRANES Author(s): PRAPORSKI, S; NG, SM; NGUYEN, AD; et al. Source: JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY Volume: 284 Issue: 48 Pages: 33224-33232 Published: NOV 27 2009 

Structure and homogeneity of pseudo-physiological phospholipid bilayers and their deposition characteristics on carboxylic acid terminated self-assembled monolayers Author(s): MECHLER, A; PRAPORSKI, S; PIANTAVIGNA, S; et al. Source: BIOMATERIALS Volume: 30 Issue: 4 Pages: 682-689 Published: FEB 2009 

For older publications please see my

ResearcherID

profile

Physical chemistry of biomembranes

Membranes are the physical boundaries of cells and sub-cellular structures, preserving cell integrity while also serving as a platform for life functions related to metabolism, sensing and intercellular communication. Phospholipids, organised into a two-dimensional bilayer surface, provide the primary material for the membrane structure, incorporating functional proteins: transmembrane channels that enable controlled passage of chemicals; receptors; and functional enzymes that perform tasks related to e g. respiration and photosynthesis. The emerging interdisciplinary field of lipidomics aims at describing the structural and chemical characteristics of cell membranes deterministic of protein function and activity. While in its native complexity a cell membrane is composed of a range of phospho- and glycolipids, cholesterol, cytoskeletal (e g. actin) fibres, in practice, protein function and activity depends only, or mainly, on the phospholipid components and cholesterol. I study the formation and physicochemical properties of phospholipid bilayers of various composition, with microscopic and microspectroscopic methods. The aim is to create artificial membranes on arbitrary surfaces to mimic the physiological environment of living cells, for applications including the biocompatible coating of implants or autonomous microscopic surgical tools, and providing an in vitro platform for redox enzyme activity (biocatalysis, biosensor) and ionchannel activity (water purification, sensing). To achieve these goals, my research relies on a biophysical tool base including high resolution atomic force microscopy (acapable of looking at interacting molecules), a method that I also actively develop; quartz crystal microbalance that can measure nanogram mass changes, such as a protein-protein interaction on a surface; and fluorescent microscopy. 

Several PhD, MSC and honours projects might be started on any of these sub-fields; please contact me for details.