Steven O. Nielsen, Ph.D.
Computational/theoretical physical chemistry
Research Group
Education
B.S., Queens University (1996)
M.S., University of Toronto (1998): Chemistry
Ph.D., University of Toronto (2001): Chemistry
Advisor: Raymond E. Kapral
Postdoctoral Associate, University of Pennsylvania (2001–05)
Advisor: Michael L. Klein
Research Description
The stability and biocompatibility of nanoscale materials such as carbon nanotubes and quantum dots relies on the use of effective surfactants [Science, volume 298, page 1759, (2002)]. However, the structure of the resulting surfactant-coated nanoparticles is poorly understood [J. Am. Chem. Soc., volume 126, page 9902, (2004)]. My research is focused on developing theoretical tools to use in computer simulations of such systems. Specifically, I am combining existing techniques in colloidal modeling with coarse grained methods developed for surfactant modeling. My goal is to study the local self-assembly at the solid-liquid interface and the large-scale self-assembly of the stabilized nanoparticles. I am also working on a closely related project to study the poration of bilayer membranes for use in drug delivery.
Selected Publications
Chiu, C.-c.; Dieckmann, G.R.; Nielsen, S.O. "Role of peptide-peptide interactions in stabilizing peptide-wrapped single-walled carbon nanotubes: a molecular dynamics study", Biopolymers: Peptide Science (2009) 92: 156-163.
Kalescky, R.J.B.; Shinoda, W.; Moore, P.B.; Nielsen, S.O. "Area per ligand as a function of nanoparticle radius: a theoretical and computer simulation approach", Langmuir (2009) 25: 1352-1359.
Vázquez, U.O.M.; Shinoda, W.; Moore, P.B.; Chiu, C.-c.; Nielsen, S.O. "Calculating the surface tension between a flat solid and a liquid: a theoretical and computer simulation study of three topologically different methods", Journal of Mathematical Chemistry (2009) 45: 161-174.
Chiu, C.-c.; Dieckmann, G.R.; Nielsen, S.O. "Molecular dynamics study of a nanotube-binding amphiphilic helical peptide at different water/hydrophobic interfaces", Journal of Physical Chemistry B (2008) 112: 16326-16333.
- Updated: August 17, 2009
