Seminar Valeria Rondelli (University of Milan)

Exploring Soft Interfaces and Biomimetic Membranes with Neutrons and X-rays

Valeria Rondelli (Dept of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy)

Biological membranes are among the most fascinating examples of soft interfaces, where molecular organization governs interactions with proteins, polymers, nanoparticles, and extracellular vesicles. To disentangle the complexity of these systems, biomimetic membrane models provide versatile platforms in which specific structural and interfacial features can be isolated and investigated under controlled conditions.

Neutron and X-ray scattering and reflectometry, combined with complementary biophysical techniques, offer unique opportunities to probe soft interfaces across multiple length scales. Examples include membrane asymmetry and lateral organization, interactions with surfactants and biomacromolecules, mucus-inspired interfaces, and extracellular vesicle recognition at model cell membranes. These studies illustrate how structural information obtained at the nanoscale can help elucidate the mechanisms governing nano–bio interactions, transport, and delivery processes at complex biological interfaces.

Beyond their biological relevance, these systems provide a rich playground for investigating fundamental questions in soft matter and interfacial physics, highlighting the power of scattering methods to connect molecular organization with emergent structure and function.