Research

The controlled self-assembly of anisotropic supramolecular aggregates is a powerful approach to produce sophisticated materials with precise spatial arrangement of functional groups. In research area B, we propose to combine synthesis with structural and dynamic characterization, and theoretical modeling to understand how experimental conditions such as temperature and pH influence the kinetic pathways and resulting structures of surface-directed supramolecular self-assembly.

When liquids with dispersed colloids evaporate, the colloids left behind can form complex structures. These structures are important in many natural phenomena and technical applications. Therefore, it is desirable to better understand evaporation of suspensions. Through combined experiments and simulations the aim of this research area is to gain an understanding of structure formation in evaporating drops using suspensions on superamphiphobic surfaces.

Thermo-sensitive gels can undergo swelling–deswelling transitions upon change of temperature, accompanied by significant changes of their elastic and Young’s moduli. This change is beneficial for applications in elasticity-switchable cell substrates. However, the change of the gel elasticity is associated with changes in their adhesiveness, which would cause problems in applications. To tackle this challenge, we propose to design micrometer-sized gels with core–shell architecture.

All major classes of biopolymers contain acidic and basic functional groups which are responsible for intermolecular interactions and drive biological structure and function. While the regulatory impact of pH in metabolic pathways and protein function are well described, the role of proton gradients and dynamic variations on lipid bilayer structure formation are less understood. The project area combines expertise on the synthesis and modelling of supramolecular polymerisation to investigate pH- and charge-regulated assemblies at complex interfaces.

When drops slide over surfaces, dissolved molecules or dispersed colloids can be deposited on the solid. In this project area we aim to use slide electrification and moving water drops over insulating surfaces, to deposit charged molecules, polyelectrolytes and colloidal particles. The goal of the joined theoretical and experimental effort is to use and model the spontaneous charging of moving water drops and related pathways in the material deposition on hydrophobic polymer and glass surfaces.

Signal transmission across lipid bilayers is of fundamental importance in biology, as it allows cells to respond to their environment and to communicate among them. In this project we aim to investigate transmembrane signalling in synthetic cells. The goal is to understand how DNA-based receptors can be designed with high flexibility, how they can be organised into controlled clusters using external signals, and how information transmission for downstream functions can occur. This toolbox will provide options in the field of biosensing and therapeutic artificial cells.

In many processes related to soft matter, water acts as solvent. The structure of water, however, changes with temperature and in contact with solutes or interfaces. In this project area we explore how water self-organizes in the presence of nanoparticles, polymers and interfaces. Our project also investigates emerging implications on nucleation and phase behavior at low temperatures.

Controlling the formation of intermediate states in the self-assembly of molecular amphiphiles remains a challenge, which affects the final structure and properties of the assembled material. By combining experimental and simulation techniques, we explore the use of liquid-liquid interfaces to manipulate supramolecular polymerisation. Elucidation of competing pathways, the impact of the interface on structure formation will be evaluated using chemical and physical stimulants to manipulate the energy landscape of nucleated self-assembly in water.