We have begun studying the self-assembly of fatty acids through molecular simulation and PEACH analysis, with particular emphasis on the influence of counter-ions on the size and charge distributions of micelles formed at high pH.  We will work with researchers in the laboratory of Prof. Marija Bešter Rogač of the University of Ljubljana, who have been using calorimetry and other experimental methods to investigate these systems.  Our goals are to use the experimental results to validate and refine the simulation models, to give microscopic explanations for experimental observations, and potentially to use insight from simulations to further develop the analyses used to interpret the enthalpy changes associated with micelle formation.  The Kindt group looks forward to hosting PhD student Žiga Medoš, whose visit to Emory in early 2019 will be funded by a collaobarative grant from the Slovenian Research Agency, ARRS.

Group members involved:  Xiaokun Zhang, Nancy Zhu