Minisymposium on single-molecule visualization, design and engineering

Minisymposium, 3 September 2026, Lundmarksalen

14.00  Lisanne Spenkelink, University of Wollongong, Australia

Single-molecule visualisation of dynamics in complex biological systems.

My lab develops and applies single-molecule fluorescence methods to investigate biological processes and to build highly sensitive biosensors. In this seminar, I will give an overview of our recent work, spanning DNA replication and genome maintenance, protein evolution, and single-molecule approaches for biomarker detection.

14.45  Jonathan Bath, Oxford University, UK

Molecular machines for sequence-controlled polymer synthesis.

I will describe molecular machines built from DNA that are designed to catalyse stepwise synthesis of sequence-controlled polymers. Initial designs use a molecular motor to visit monomers laid out linear tracks in a controlled sequence with coupling chemistry catalysed by proximity. Later designs incorporate mechanisms to coordinate stepwise movement with the coupling chemistry. Progress has been slow because the coupling chemistry requires a careful balance between reactivity and inactivation by hydrolysis. I will end by describing a strategy for combinatorial non-covalent assembly.

15.15  Timothy Jenkins, DTU, Denmark

From Months to Minutes: How Generative AI is Rewriting the Rules of Protein Discovery

Generative AI is shifting biology from analysing natural proteins to designing entirely new ones with bespoke functions. Drawing on recent case studies, including protein binders for snakebite therapeutics and engineered binders targeting peptide–MHC complexes for cancer immunotherapy, I will show how this approach can dramatically accelerate discovery. As these tools mature, they signal a paradigm shift for biotechnology with clear implications across medicine and beyond.

16.00 End