Statistical physics of colloids
Colloidal spherical particles are often used in experiments to probe statistical physics because they are relatively simple systems that can be easily manipulated and observed. In these experiments, the particles are typically suspended in a fluid and subjected to various external forces or constraints. By measuring the positions and velocities of the particles over time, researchers can gain insights into the statistical properties of the system, such as the distribution of energy, the nature of the interactions between particles, and the role of thermal fluctuations. One of the key advantages of using colloidal particles in these experiments is that they are large enough to be easily imaged using microscopy techniques, allowing researchers to track their movements and study their behavior in detail. Additionally, the size and shape of the particles can be carefully controlled, allowing researchers to study the effects of different particle properties on the statistical properties of the system.
Liquid Crystal Colloids
Liquid crystal colloids are a type of colloidal suspension in which the dispersed particles exhibit liquid crystalline behavior. These systems have received significant attention in recent years due to their potential applications in a wide range of fields, including drug delivery, food science, and materials science. Research in this area typically involves the study of the structure, thermodynamics, and dynamics of these systems, as well as their response to external stimuli such as temperature, pressure, and electric and magnetic fields. By carefully controlling the size, shape, and surface properties of the dispersed particles, it is possible to tune the liquid crystalline behavior of the colloidal suspension and ultimately create novel materials with tunable optical, electrical, and mechanical properties. Overall, the research on liquid crystal colloids is important for advancing our understanding of the fundamental principles underlying these systems and for developing new technologies that make use of their unique properties.
Protein biophysics
The aggregation of therapeutic proteins into protein particles is a common problem in the biopharmaceutical industry, as it can affect the stability, safety, and effectiveness of these proteins as drugs. Protein aggregation can occur during the production, storage, and administration of biopharmaceuticals, and it is often caused by a variety of factors such as pH changes, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stress. The formation of protein particles can have a number of negative consequences, including the loss of biological activity, the formation of immunogenic aggregates, and the reduction of solubility. In order to overcome these challenges, a number of techniques have been developed to prevent or reduce protein aggregation in biopharmaceuticals. These techniques include the use of stabilizing excipients, formulation optimization, and the use of protective coatings or aggregates. Additionally, the development of new production technologies such as microfluidic systems has allowed for the production of highly homogenous protein particles with improved stability and functionality.
Microfluidics
Microfluidics is a field of research that focuses on the behavior of fluids at the microscale, typically involving the manipulation and control of fluids in channels and reservoirs with dimensions on the order of micrometers. This technology has a wide range of applications, including the production of small-scale devices for chemical and biological analysis, the development of new drug delivery systems, and the creation of microscale systems for environmental monitoring. In microfluidic devices, the small dimensions of the channels and reservoirs allow for precise control over the flow and mixing of fluids, as well as the ability to perform a variety of functions such as sorting, filtering, and mixing on a small scale. Additionally, microfluidic devices can often be fabricated using low-cost, scalable methods, making them attractive for a variety of commercial and industrial applications. Overall, microfluidics represents a rapidly growing area of research with the potential to revolutionize a wide range of fields through the development of innovative technologies that take advantage of the unique properties of fluids at the microscale.
High thermal gradients
High thermal gradients can be utilized in microfluidic systems to achieve a variety of functions, including the manipulation of heat-sensitive materials, the separation of materials based on their thermal properties, and the generation of local heating or cooling effects. One common use of high thermal gradients in microfluidics is in the separation of biological samples based on their thermal stability. By passing a sample through a microfluidic channel with a high thermal gradient, it is possible to selectively denature or aggregate certain proteins or other biomolecules based on their thermal stability. This technique has been used in a variety of applications, including the purification of proteins and the separation of different cell types. Additionally, high thermal gradients can be used to perform a range of chemical reactions in microfluidic systems, including polymerization, crystallization, and the synthesis of nanomaterials. Overall, the use of high thermal gradients in microfluidics provides a powerful tool for achieving a range of functions in a small, highly controllable system.