Colloquium with Paul Jansen from ASML Research and Zainab Rashid, Physics of Living Syste ms, VU Amsterdam
12:30 - 12:50 Zainab Rashid, Post Doc, Physics of Living Systems, VU Amsterdam
T itle: TAV2b Peptide Derivatives Underwind and Stabilize Double- Stran ded RNA upon Binding
Abstract: Double -stranded RNA (dsRNA) has become an essential tool to understand biol ogical processes with promising therapeutic implications. However, it s usage is often limited due to poor cellular uptake and instability in biological settings. Peptidic dsRNA binders, inspired by natural R NA-binding proteins, have emerged as promising tools to address these limitations. However, it remains unclear how these peptides recogniz e RNA and impact its mechanical properties. Here we employed single-m olecule magnetic tweezers to investigate TAV2b-derived peptidic dsRNA binders. We showed that these peptides underwind dsRNA upon binding and stabilize the resulting dsRNA conformation. Additionally, the wil d-type peptide increases the dsRNA contour length while significantly lowering the persistence length. In contrast, a high-affinity homodi meric derivative condenses the dsRNA tether at forces below 1 pN.
Furthermore, real-time experiments performed to understand the bin ding mechanism of TAV2b-derived peptides showed that the wild-type de rivative is in dynamic association with dsRNA, whereas the homodimeri c version forms a stable complex with dsRNA. Based on these findings, we propose a two-step equilibrium model where the RNA fluctuates bet ween double-stranded and melted conformations, followed by peptide bi nding, which results in plectonemes. Our approach can inform the desi gn of more potent and effective dsRNA binders for therapeutic and dia gnostic applications.
12:50 -13:45 Paul Jansen fr om ASML Research, Veldhoven
Title: Plasm a Interactions in EUV Lithography Machines
Abs tract: EUV scanners operate in a low‑pressure hydroge n environment in which each exposure pulse generates a short‑lived EUV‑induced plasma. While this plasma helps mitigate carbon contami nation, it simultaneously drives a range of surface, chemical, and ch arging phenomena that influence material durability and particulate c ontamination (defectivity).
In this colloquium, I will examine how EUV‑induced hydrogen plasmas form and evolve, how they interact with materials, and how they affect particulate charging and release . I will show that this plasma acts as a double‑edged sword: on one hand its properties are deliberately exploited to keep optical surfa ces clean and to manage charge accumulation, while on the other hand it introduces mechanisms that complicate reliable high‑volume manuf acturing.
The aim is to provide a physics‑based perspective o n how transient EUV‑driven plasmas shape scanner performance throug h their impact on materials and reticles, and why understanding these interactions – both in laboratory setups and in situ - is essential for robust next‑generation chip production.
DESCRIPTION: Colloquium with Paul Jansen from ASML Research and Zainab Rashid, Physics of Living Systems, VU Amsterdam 12:30 - 12:5 0 Zainab Rashid, PostDoc, Physics of Living Systems, VU AmsterdamTitle: TAV2b Peptide Derivatives Underwind and Stabilize Double- Stranded RNA upon BindingAbstract: Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has become an essential tool to understa nd biological processes with promising therapeutic implications. Howe ver, its usage is often limited due to poor cellular uptake and insta bility in biological settings. Peptidic dsRNA binders, inspired by na tural RNA-binding proteins, have emerged as promising tools to addres s these limitations. However, it remains unclear how these peptides r ecognize RNA and impact its mechanical properties. Here we employed s ingle-molecule magnetic tweezers to investigate TAV2b-derived peptidi c dsRNA binders. We showed that these peptides underwind dsRNA upon b inding and stabilize the resulting dsRNA conformation. Additionally, the wild-type peptide increases the dsRNA contour length while signif icantly lowering the persistence length. In contrast, a high-affinity homodimeric derivative condenses the dsRNA tether at forces below 1 pN.Furthermore, real-time experiments performed to understand the bin ding mechanism of TAV2b-derived peptides showed that the wild-type de rivative is in dynamic association with dsRNA, whereas the homodimeri c version forms a stable complex with dsRNA. Based on these findings, we propose a two-step equilibrium model where the RNA fluctuates bet ween double-stranded and melted conformations, followed by peptide bi nding, which results in plectonemes. Our approach can inform the desi gn of more potent and effective dsRNA binders for therapeutic and dia gnostic applications.12:50 -13:45 Paul Jansen from ASML Research, VeldhovenTitle: Plasma Interactions in EUV Lithography MachinesAbstract: EUV scanners operate in a low‑pressure hydrogen environment in whic h each exposure pulse generates a short‑lived EUV‑induced plasma. While this plasma helps mitigate carbon contamination, it simultaneo usly drives a range of surface, chemical, and charging phenomena that influence material durability and particulate contamination (defecti vity).In this colloquium, I will examine how EUV‑induced hydrogen p lasmas form and evolve, how they interact with materials, and how the y affect particulate charging and release. I will show that this plas ma acts as a double‑edged sword: on one hand its properties are del iberately exploited to keep optical surfaces clean and to manage char ge accumulation, while on the other hand it introduces mechanisms tha t complicate reliable high‑volume manufacturing.The aim is to provi de a physics‑based perspective on how transient EUV‑driven plasma s shape scanner performance through their impact on materials and ret icles, and why understanding these interactions – both in laborator y setups and in situ - is essential for robust nex t‑generation chip production. END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR