Biological membranes form the interface between cells and their environment and are crucial for cell homeostasis and survival. By serving as a selective barrier to the passage of molecules, membranes determine the volume and composition of inner compartments, control the flow of information between cells and thus play an active role in life.

Our group has been dedicated to the study of water and ion transport in several biological systems, including animal cells and epithelial tissues, cultured cell lines, membrane vesicles, plant protoplasts and yeasts. We use biochemical and biophysical techniques such as light scatter and fluorescence stopped-flow, patch-clamp, fluorescence microscopy and dynamic light scatter, and develop comprehensive mathematical models describing the behavior of cell systems.  

The Biological Transport Group is part of the Biochemistry/Biophysics at Requimte (www.requimte.pt), Faculty of Sciences and Technology, New University of Lisbon.