Multidimentional Nanospectroscopy Laboratory
中文

Research Focuses


At the Multidimensional Nanospectroscopy Laboratory, our research focuses on understanding the ultrafast dynamics, molecular interactions, and structural properties of complex liquids. These systems often exhibit mesoscopic structures—dynamic arrangements extending beyond the immediate molecular scale—and undergo phase transitions that impact their functions.

Examples of our study subjects include: Biological water and interfacial water, Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS)-driven processes, Lipid membranes, Drug-delivery systems, Reactive deep eutectic solvents (DES). These systems represent a fascinating intersection of chemistry, biology, and materials science, where understanding their molecular-scale properties is key to unlocking their potential.


The Interplay of Dynamics, Interactions, and Structure

In all these systems, the properties and functions arise from the delicate interplay between molecular dynamics (how molecules move), intermolecular interactions (how they attract or repel each other), and structural organization (how molecules arrange themselves over time).

A central feature of our research is the study of hydrogen bonding. The dynamics of hydrogen bonds—how they form, break, and reform—are fundamental to processes like solvation, biochemical reactions, and energy transport. The interplay between fast molecular motions (temporal dynamics) and the spatial heterogeneity of molecular environments is particularly critical for understanding how these systems operate.

For example, biological water behaves differently from bulk water due to interactions with proteins, membranes, and interfaces, influencing processes like protein folding and cellular energy flow. Similarly, LLPS-driven biomolecular condensates rely on dynamic intermolecular interactions to form and function, offering insights into cellular compartmentalization and disease mechanisms.


pectroscopic Approach

To achieve these research  goals, the You group pioneers in advanced time-resolved and sub-diffraction-limit spectroscopic techniques, such as 2D Infrared Spectroscopy (2DIR), Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS), Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscopy (s-SNOM). These methods allow us to probe solution and interface dynamics  with high spatial and temporal resolution. Our experiments are complemented by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which help us interpret experimental data and develop a molecular-level understanding. This intrdisciplinary approach enhances our ability to unravel the complexities of hydrogen bonding in biological systems.


Ongoing Research Projects

· Macromolecular Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS)

Investigating the molecular mechanisms behind protein phase separation and the formation of biomolecular condensates, providing insights into cellular compartmentalization and disease mechanisms.

· Functional Materials Interfaces

Studying the surface and interface properties of functional materials, focusing on nanoscale structures, heterogeneity, and interactions that determine material performance.

· Hydrogen Bond Dynamics

Exploring the dynamics of hydrogen bonding in liquid systems, including biological water, interfacial water, and reactive solvents, to understand processes like solvation, energy transport, and biochemical reactions.

· Chirality and CISS Effect

Examining the interactions between chiral molecules and magnetic materials to study the Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) effect. This phenomenon, where electron spin polarization is influenced by molecular chirality, offers exciting possibilities for spintronics, quantum computing, and novel sensing applications.