Vladimir Baulin
Soft Matter theory group

Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain

Research topics

The research of soft matter theory group led by Vladimir Baulin at Universitat Rovira i Virgili is focused around topics of polymer theory, biophysics and biotechnology. We are interested in interaction of nano-objects with lipid bilayers, cell membranes, in particular, membrane permeation induced by polymers and nanoparticles, self-assembly of vesicles, micelles, polyelectrolyte complexes, identification of toxicity of nanomaterials, design of mechanobactericidal anti-bacterial surfaces, interaction with cells and tissues. Image analysis using AI includes interest in histopathology images. Data analysis of SWIR imaging, Synchrotron, Raman and SERS signal and pattern recognition.

Lipid membranes

Theory and computer simulation of interactions between lipid membranes and nano-objects
(Recent publications)

Nanostructured surfaces

Modelling of interactions of nanostructured surface patterns with cells and proteins
(Recent publications)

Machine learning and GPU

Development of new scientific methods and efficient parallel codes for GPU using CUDA and machine learning. (Recent publications)

Generative AI

Developing projects at the interface between DeSci, participative research and living labs concept. (Recent publications)

Group members

Dr. Silvia Planella (postdoc)

Exploration of the potential of generative AI in building networks between researchers, research items. 

Dr. Vassil Tzanov (postdoc)

Theory and simulations of interactions between cells and nanostructured surfaces, nanoparticles with spikes (nano-urchins). Mechanical stretching and rupture of cell membranes

Dr. Celio Trois (postdoc)

Neural network analysis of big data, computer science and databases structure and analysis using artificial intelligence.

Dr. Luciana Didonet (visiting professor)

Correlation and data analysis in complex multi-parameter space applied to big data. 

Featured publications

Local Environments Created by the Ligand Coating of Nanoparticles and Their Implications for Sensing and Surface Reactions

The formation of a local environment close to the ligand shell of NPs has profound implications for NP sensing applications. As a result, analyte concentrations close to the ligand shell, which are the ones that are measured, may be very different from the analyte concentrations in bulk. (Accounts of Chemical Research DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00139).

Unexpected Cholesterol-Induced Destabilization of Lipid Membranes

We demonstrate that cholesterol can destabilize the membrane by creating a nanodomain around a perpendicularly embedded ultrashort carbon nanotube (CNT), and we show that cholesterol triggers the translocation of an ultrashort CNT through the cell membrane.  (Phys. Rev. Lett. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.124.038001)


Mechano-bactericidal actions of nanostructured surfaces

This Review explores the impact of surface roughness on the nanoscale in preventing bacterial colonization of synthetic materials and categorizes the different mechanisms by which various surface nanopatterns exert the necessary physico-mechanical forces on the bacterial cell membrane that will ultimately result in cell death. (Nature Reviews Microbiology DOI: 10.1038/s41579-020-0414-z).

Microplastics destabilize lipid membranes by mechanical stretching

Microplastic particles adsorbed on lipid membranes considerably increase membrane tension even at low particle concentrations. Each particle adsorbed at the membrane consumes surface area that is proportional to the contact area between particle and the membrane. (PNAS DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2104610118).


Direct observation of nanoparticle crossing lipid membrane

The direct proof of this size-dependent translocation was provided by an in situ observation of a single event of a nanoparticle quitting the bilayer. We identified the threshold size for translocation: nanoparticles with diameters <5 nm stay trapped in the bilayer, whereas those with diameters >5 nm insert into the bilayer. (Science Advances DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1600261).

Insect wings shred bacteria to pieces

The nanopattern on the surface of Clanger cicada wings represents the first example of a new class of biomaterials that can kill bacteria on contact based solely on their physical surface structure. We propose a biophysical model of the interactions between bacterial cells and cicada wing surface nanopatterned structure. (Nature DOI: 10.1038/nature.2013.12533)


Bactericidal activity of black silicon

First reported physical bactericidal activity of black silicon nanopattern. We show that the nanoprotrusions on the surfaces of black silicon structures generate a mechanical bactericidal effect, independent of chemical composition. It represents an excellent prospect for the development of a new generation of mechano-responsive, antibacterial nanomaterials. (Nature Com. DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3838).

Can a Carbon Nanotube Pierce through a Phospholipid Bilayer?

We find that the energy cost of the bilayer rupture is quite high compared to that of the energy of thermal motion. This conclusion may indirectly support other energy-dependent translocation mechanisms, such as, for example, endocytosis. (ACS Nano DOI: 10.1021/nn1016549).


Resources of the group

Periodic workshop on biomaterials and their interactions with biological and model membranes

The general topic of the meeting in Tarragona organized by the group is the interaction of synthetic polymers, nanoparticles, surfactants, proteins, small biomolecules with biological and model phospholipid membranes.

Episenses: Image Analysis tools

AI solutions for image aquisition and analysis: Episenses.com develops proprietary Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms for broad range of applications in Image Analytics providing massive parallelization on modern GPUs. Processing, storage, management, presentation, and analytics of images.

SNAL Initial Training Network

Coordinating Multidisciplinary EU-funded project SNAL. The project is designed to provide scientific and transferable skill training and career development for MCSA early stage researchers in the field of nanomaterials interacting with cell membranes and artificial lipid bilayers applying complementary theoretical and experimental techniques.

Distributed research platform Vin-Q

Vin-Q allows the integration of multiple sources of information and the development of a robust and transparent community of collaboration between farmers, suppliers, and scientists. Augmented research platform integrating numerous data into consistent database and participative research approach can help address these challenges and facilitate the transition towards regenerative agriculture.

SOFTMAT website

SoftMat website is dedicated to recent developments in bio-nanotechnology, lipid membranes with nano-objects including nanoparticles, nanotubes, polymers, polymeric micelles and polymer therapeutic complexes/conjugates. Updated list of conferences, publications and jobs announcements.

DeepSea Numerical S.L.

Recently created spin-off company of Universitat Rovira i Virgili DeepSea Numerical is dedicated to sea analytics and combining instant visualization, data analysis, generative AI, statistics and machine learning. It is capable of integrating big data and analytics as an application of augmented research approach.

NICOLET project

NICOLET allows you to search and expand your network. By identifying the right partners using artificial intelligence (recommender system using a neural network), you increase the probability of an approved research proposal and the project's success. We facilitate connections enabling researchers to learn and explore the world together.

Research highlights

MECHANO-BACTERICIDAL MECHANISM

Together with Prof. Elena Ivanova from RMIT University, Australia, we develop theoretical models to understend the mechanism of bacteria killing mechanism due to mechanical cell rupture by nanostructures. The goal of this project is to identify the criteria for cell toxicity and biocidal activity of a nanopatterned surfaces.

Dragonfly expedition to Massif Els Ports in collaboration between Museu de les Terres de l'Ebre, Amposta and Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona.

SINGLE CHAIN MEAN FIELD (SCMF) THEORY

SCMF method is one of the theoretical tools exploited in the Soft Matter theory group in Tarragona. The SCMF theory describes a single molecule surrounded by the mean fields. It takes explicitly into account the structure of an individual molecule at a coarse-grained level similar to coarse-grained MC or MD simulations.

The SCMF theory is particularly suitable for the description of nano-objects like polymeric drug carriers: it gives a detailed microscopic information on the configurations of the chains, the optimal shape and structure of drug delivery systems, the distribution of chains in the aggregate, the critical micellar concentrations as well as the critical aggregation concentration, the optimal aggregation number and the size distributions.

NANOPARTICLE CROSSING LIPID BILAYER

Suggested mechanism of a lipid-covered hydrophobic nanoparticle spontaneously crossing lipid bilayer. In contrast to expectations, we demonstrate that lipid-covered hydrophobic nanoparticles may translocate through lipid membranes by direct penetration within milliseconds. We identified the threshold size for translocation: nanoparticles with diameters smaller than 5 nm stay trapped in the bilayer, whereas those with diameters larger than 5 nm insert into the bilayer, opening pores in the bilayer. 

EXAUSTIVE PARALLELIZATION ON GPU

We demonstrate an efficient method of polymer conformations generation massively in parallel. The mean field nature of the method allows for discarding the correlations between molecules, thus eliminating the need of communication between the cores. The method allows for evolutionary optimization of a molecule's architecture for biotechnological applications.

Follow:

Dr. Vladimir A. Baulin

email: va.baulin@gmail.com

office: +34 977 55 85 77

Address:
Universitat Rovira i Virgili
Av. Paisos Catalans 26
43007, Tarragona,
Spain

web page: vbauin.softmat.net

Soft Matter theory group

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