Insights into the inner life of living cells: Exploring cellular biophysics by single-molecule methods

Single-Molecule Biophysics and Microbiology is an exciting interdisciplinary frontier in physics and biology. It applies tools and techniques of physics to understand how microbiological systems work, from the scales of single molecules to an entire living organism—and beyond. At the same time, the observed biological phenomena offer us unique opportunities to learn new physics on complex, non-equilibrium systems.

We are interested in

an in situ understanding of molecular processes in cells.

Our main techniques are

quantitative single-molecule tracking and structural super-resolution microscopy methods which we tailor for our biological research applications.

Latest news

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15. March, 2021 | 12:00

Human pathogens prevent "misfiring" of their type III secretion system by sensing pH

Under the lead of the Diepold group, we found a new mechanism on how human pathogenic bacteria prevent "misfiring" of their type III secretion system in the wrong environment and remain "silent" invaders until reaching the human intestines. One protein, anchored in the membrane, becomes more motile at low pH (e.g. in the human gut) which inactivates the secretion system. Our work is now published in Nature Communications.

27. December, 2020 | 12:00

Winter hike at Frick Park

Snow just after Christmas! Since we were all (yes, the whole group!) staying in Pittsburgh over Christmas break (all of our families are on the other side of the Atlantic - but Covid 19 travel restrictions kept us here), we explored snowy Pittsburgh - equipped with hot tea, lots of cookies, and warm cloths.

Our microscope is up and running again!

Our last "imported" team member is finally back on track: welcome back "Blinky"! Our customized microscope - which we brought with us all the way from Germany - is now single-molecule sharp again & ready for new adventures!