What is biophysics?

Biophysics is an interdisciplinary science focused on application of physical principles, concepts and methods in life sciences. It transcends the traditional boundaries between disciplines and attracts students and post-docs willing to learn skills necessary for future careers in a world which increasingly values integrative approaches and perspectives. Today biophysics is one of the most vibrant interdisciplinary fields of science. The possibilities of utilizing physical methods and theories in studying the molecular basis of life are simply limitless, and biophysics today is passing through a period of major expansion.

An example of biophysical challenge offered from our laboratory in Split is gaining insight into physical and chemical reasons why new class of peptide antibiotics - the adepantins are so good against E. coli without being toxic to human cells. We constructed them in silico, predicted their high therapeutic index and confirmed that prediction in collaboration with the University of Trieste. An example of predicted 3D structure of adepantin 2 is given below: