S. Woutersen

Structural adaptability and surface activity oftardigrade-inspired peptides

This paper studies model peptides derived from tardigrade proteins to mimic their structural behavior under desiccation, finding they adopt helical structures similar to full proteins.

Elucidating the role of water in collagen self assembly by isotopically modulating collagen hydration

This study investigates how water isotopes affect collagen self-assembly by comparing D2O and H2O, finding faster assembly and thinner fibrils in D2O due to reduced hydration.

Labile assembly of a tardigrade protein induces biostasis

This study identifies a mechanism by which tardigrade CAHS D proteins form gels to protect cells during desiccation, showing that gelation reduces molecular motion and metabolic activity, with reversible effects.

Rheo-2DIR spectroscopy reveals strain-induced hydrogen-bond redistribution in polyurethane

This study uses rheo-2DIR spectroscopy to show how strain affects hydrogen-bond distribution in polyurethane, explaining its visco-elastic behavior and Mullins effect.

In situ identification of secondary structures in unpurified Bombyx mori silk fibrils using polarized two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy

This study uses polarized 2D infrared spectroscopy to identify secondary structures in Bombyx mori silk fibrils without peak fitting, showing hydration affects random-coil and -helix content but not beta-sheet content.

The giant staphylococcal protein Embp facilitates colonization of surfaces through Velcro-like attachment to fibrillated fibronectin

This paper identifies Embp as a key protein in S. epidermidis that enables surface colonization by specifically binding fibrillated fibronectin through multi-valent interactions.

The Ice Nucleating Protein InaZ is Activated by Low Temperature

This study investigates how the ice-nucleating protein InaZ from Pseudomonas syringae folds and interacts with water at low temperatures, revealing structural changes that enhance ice nucleation.