Research Focus
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Welcome to the Spatiotemporally Resolved Spectroscopic Imaging Lab at Westlake University. Our research focuses on understanding the ultrafast dynamics, molecular interactions and structural properties of complex systems. Such systems often exhibit microstructures — dynamic arrangements beyond the molecular scale, while undergoing phase transitions that affect their functions. Our research systems include but are not limited to: biological water and interfacial water, processes driven by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), lipid membranes, drug delivery systems, and reactive deep eutectic solvents (DES). Gaining an in-depth understanding of the molecular-scale properties of these systems is critical to unlocking their application potential.
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Interplay among Dynamics, Interactions and Structure
The properties and functions of these systems arise from a delicate balance among three factors: molecular dynamics (the motion and rearrangement of molecules), intermolecular interactions (attractive and repulsive forces between molecules), and structural organization (the time-dependent arrangement of molecules). One core focus of our research is hydrogen bond dynamics. The formation, breaking and reformation of hydrogen bonds underpin important phenomena such as solvation, biochemical reactions and energy transfer. The interplay between fast molecular motions (temporal dynamics) and the spatial heterogeneity of molecular environments governs how these systems operate. For instance, biological water exhibits properties drastically different from bulk water due to its interactions with proteins, membranes and interfaces, affecting processes including protein folding and cellular energy flow. Biomolecular condensates driven by liquid-liquid phase separation form and function relying on dynamic intermolecular interactions, offering new insights into cellular compartmentalization and disease mechanisms. -
Spectroscopic Methods
Probe the dynamics of solutions and interfaces with high resolution. In addition, we combine molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to help interpret experimental data and build molecular-level understanding. This interdisciplinary approach enables us to deeply unravel the complexity in biological systems. -
Current Research Projects
• Macromolecular Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS)
• Interfacial Properties of Functional Materials
• Hydrogen Bond Dynamics
• Chirality and the CISS Effect
