Fall 2007 Seminar Series

Treavor Kendall

Abstract

Central to the viability of terrestrial and marine systems are mineral surfaces in contact with aqueous solutions, biomolecules, and organics. The environmental implications are immense. The biological-mineral interface often controls solution conditions, element cycling, and the fate of contaminants. Biomolecules in contact with minerals are also key to biological function, particularly for nutrient acquisition directed by cellular exudates and biomineralization. This framework motivates our research which bridges length scales by connecting molecular-level phenomena to large-scale observations. For example, we use interfacial force techniques to provide novel insight into siderophore-mineral interaction, calcite surface reconstruction and biomineralization, and a bioelectric effect that could potentially be used to remotely sense bacteria in aqueous and porous media.