Biophysics of lipids and lipid-protein interactions, the role of structural changes and physical properties of lipid and cell membrane in controlling biological processes and diseases, application of lipid films in biomedical nanotechnology.
Currently we study amyloid fibril formation on model lipid membranes and cell surfaces, structure and function of lung surfactant (figure), using optical and fluorescence microscopy, advanced scanning probe microscopy methods, such as AFM, KPFM and force measurements, Langmuir-Blodgett monolayer technique, which are available in the lab, as well as surface Plasmon resonance, Quartz Crystal Microbalances in collaboration with Dr. J. Forrest.
more information about research with Dr. Leonenko.