• Expansion of viruses
  Many viruses consist of an outer protein coat (the virion) containing a DNA or RNA `payload', where the virion undergoes reversible structural changes that allow switchable access to the interior by the opening of interstices through expansion. These changes may be driven, for example, by variations in pH of the biological medium. We have looked at mechanical models that helps to explain the expansion of the virion in terms of classical principles of structural mechanics.
• The shape of proteins
  I have done some initial work on the kinematics of protein structures, and in particular the freedom of shape of the alpha-helix, one of the basic protein structures.
• The cytoskeleton
  The cytoskeleton is the protein scaffolding that gives cells their mechanical properties. This scaffolding has clear links with my work on lattice structures. Work is continuing.
• Biomimetics
  Much can be gained through looking to nature to inspire new folding schemes for deployable structures.

See also

Last updated on the 28th of September, 2004