Many biological processes involve the conversion of energy into forms that are usable for chemical transformations and are quantum mechanical in nature. Such processes involve chemical reactions, light absorption, formation of excited electronic states, transfer of excitation energy, and the transfer of electrons and protons in chemical processes such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration. We use computations to model biological interactions in light of quantum mechanical effects.
Research projects
Vision-based animal magnetoreception
Imagine if you had a superpower like sensing Earth's magnetic field! Many creatures, like salmon, sea turtles, lobsters, honeybees, and even fruitflies, actually have this ability. They use it to navigate and find their way around. One fascinating example is migratory birds, such as European robins and silvereyes,… Read more
Electron transfer in biological systems
In recent years, the captivating world of photoactivated proteins has captured the spotlight, particularly for their role in enabling creatures to perceive Earth's magnetic field through their senses. However, the intricate details of how these proteins work their magic in different organisms continue to be a hot… Read more
Vibrationally assisted olfaction
Olfaction is the sense of smell. This sense is mediated by specialized sensory cells of the nasal cavity of vertebrates. Many vertebrates, including most mammals and reptiles, have two distinct olfactory systems—the primary olfactory system and the accessory olfactory system (used mainly to detect pheromones). For air… Read more
Proton-coupled electron transfer in bioenergetic systems
The cytochrome bc1 complex is a transmembrane enzymatic protein complex that plays a central role in cellular energy production and is present in the photosynthetic and respiratory chain organelles. Its reaction mechanism is initiated by the binding of a quinol molecule to an active site, followed by a series of… Read more
Free electron production in ion beam cancer therapy
A century ago, radiation therapy emerged as a significant tool in oncology. Proton beam experiments for cancer treatment commenced in the late 1950s. Still, it wasn't until 1990 that this approach was integrated into clinical practice. Over time, researchers recognized the potential of heavier particles, such as… Read more