Soft Matter: from Nano to Microscales

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This proposal describes a comprehensive research program focused on the fundamental studies of soft matter at nano- and microscales. The unifying theme of three research directions described in the proposal is the structural anisotropy of nanoscale building blocks (metal nanorods, cellulose nanowiskers and biological filaments). These building blocks undergo hierarchical multi-scale organization in structures with coupled plasmonic properties, cholesteric liquid crystals with enhanced circular dichroism, and hydrogels with unique mechanical and transport properties. By developing understanding of the universal principles governing the organization of these building blocks on nano, micro- (and larger) length scales we will achieve the ability to control their properties and will design, conceptualize, synthesize and fabricate new materials with advanced applications in biosensing, heavy metal scavenging, opto-engineering, three-dimensional cell culture, drug delivery, and wound healing. The collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the proposed research will provide training of students and postdoctoral fellows with training in chemistry, physics, biology and engineering and will prepare them for future careers in Academia, Industry and Governmental Institutions.