Physical Modes of Action of Membrane‐Active Compounds

The 807th WE-Heraeus-Seminar on the "Physical Modes of Action of Membrane‐Active Compounds" will be organized by Professor Dr. Heiko Heerklotz (U Freiburg). The seminar will take place from April 07-10, 2024, in Bad Honnef, Germany.

For more information, please visit the Conference homepage.

Abstract

Lipid bilayers are formed by spontaneous self‐assembly of amphiphilic lipid molecules. They represent the structure‐giving matrix and hydrophobic barrier of cell membranes and other biological membranes. Technically, they may form, for example, liposomes that are being used as smart drug delivery systems.

The seminar aims at discussing the physical effects of amphiphilic or lipophilic peptides, drugs, and other membrane‐interacting solutes of natural or synthetic origin on the key properties of lipid membranes. Such key properties are named integrity, permeability, heterogeneity, order‐dynamics‐hydration, and curvature, which are addressed by respective sessions. It turns out, however, that these properties are closely related to each other and membrane‐active substances typically affect several of them. It is one main aim of the seminar to better connect these phenomena and catalyze communication and collaboration between the research communities who study them.

Wilhelm und Else Heraeus-Stiftung

The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation is a private institution that supports scientific research and education with an emphasis on physics. The foundation is best known for organizing and funding a variety of events dedicated to the discussion of research results and the training of young scientists.

Organizing WE-Heraeus Seminars is the most important and oldest funding activity of the foundation. The topics cover cutting-edge research in both physics and neighboring fields. Trademark of these meetings is an informal atmosphere with plenty of opportunity for personal contacts. The conference venue is usually the physics centre („Physikzentrum“) in Bad Honnef.