The spontaneous association of molecules, macromolecules, or particles in solution or at interfaces can create innovative materials with emergent chemical, physical, and biological properties. Self-assembly and soft matter research in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering aims to address fundamental challenges in the development of supramolecular, hydrogel and colloidal materials for medical, environmental, industrial, and energy-related applications. Our areas of interest include colloidal assembly, DNA origami and functional nanostructures, programmable hydrogels, active matter, self-folding and soft robotics, as well as supramolecular materials based on lipids, DNA, peptides, polymers and therapeutic agents.
We offer a broad range of elective courses, including Colloids and Nanoparticles, Engineering Principles in Drug Delivery, Micro and Nanotechnology, Supramolecular Materials and Nanomedicine, and Fundamental Physics and Chemistry of Nanomaterials, and more. We provide educational and training opportunities for students interested in fundamental research in molecular, hydrogel and colloidal assembly, and also for those wishing to participate in translational and collaborative research with industrial partners.
Primary Faculty
Michael Bevan
Paulette Clancy
Honggang Cui
David Gracias
Efie Kokkoli
Rebecca Schulman
Stavroula Sofou