Dr. Piotr Marszalek

Biography

Piotr Marszalek's research focuses on investigating the relationships between structural and mechanical properties of biopolymers (such as polysaccharides, DNA, and proteins) at the single-molecule level. His primary methodologies include experimental scanning probe microscopy techniques and computational methods involving Molecular Dynamics simulations and ab initio quantum mechanical calculations. The ultimate goal of his research is to deepen the understanding of these relationships at the atomic level, with applications aimed at elucidating the basic phenomena of molecular recognition that mediates interactions between proteins and sugars, as well as the mechanotransduction underlying mechanical sensing in hearing organisms and protein folding in fundamental biology. Marszalek's DNA research specifically aims to exploit atomic force microscopy techniques to develop new ultra-sensitive assays for detecting and examining DNA damage, the processes underlying carcinogenesis, and enhancing the mechanistic understanding of DNA damage repair processes. Through his innovative approaches, his research lays the foundation for future applications of AFM technologies in nanoscale DNA diagnostics, which have the potential to directly benefit human health.

Research Interests

Courses