Research area B: Adaptive soft materials
B01
** PhD position available **
B01 Towards intelligent light-propelled nano- and microsystems
Prof. Dr. Cornelia Denz - Institute of Applied Physics
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Marcel Rey- Institute of Physical Chemistry
Jun.-Prof. Dr. Raphael Wittkowski - Institute of Theoretical PhysicsProject description
In this project, we have demonstrated in simulations and experiments the viability of active microparticles solely propelled by light refraction without the need for any external fuel and shown adaptivity of this active matter system. In the second funding period, our goal is to proceed from adaptive to intelligent active particle systems. To achieve this, we will employ the method of physical reservoir computing to construct an optical setup with a system of light-driven microparticles at its core. This setup will be capable of solving complex classification tasks, thus showcasing the emergence of intelligence in this class of materials.
Matthias Rüschenbaum Propulsion of Light-Responsive Nano- and Microsystems | Denz
Julian Jeggle Towards Intelligent Light-Propelled Nano- and Microsystems (Theory) | Wittkowski
B02
B02 Adaptive polymer morphologies through reversible block fragmentation - ending in 2024
Prof. Dr. Andre Gröschel - Institute of Physical Chemistry
Prof. Dr. Bart Jan Ravoo - Organic Chemistry InstituteProject description
We will develop dissipative block copolymer nanostructures and explore their potential as sensors, actuators, and memory in adaptive systems and intelligent matter. We will design block copolymers able to dynamically alter their composition through energy-driven supramolecular fragmentation. Multivalency and orthogonality of the reversible host-guest interactions will allow us to tune the composition, stability, lifetime and self-assembly behavior of the block copolymers in aqueous solution. We develop out-of-equilibrium morphologies (micelles, vesicles, cubosomes) with tunable lifetimes that only exists as long as sufficient energy is provided. Intrinsic feedback will stabilize steady states by regulating the energy feed. In the long term we aim to implement these dissipative block copolymer morphologies into nanophotonic neural networks.
Yorick Post Adaptive Polymer Morphologies Through Reversible Block Fragmentation | Gröschel
B03
** PhD position available **
B03 Molecular control of adaptive interfaces and hierarchical soft matter
Prof. Dr. Björn Braunschweig - Institute of Physical Chemistry
Prof. Dr. Andreas Heuer - Institute of Physical ChemistryProject description
The aim of this project is to prepare and understand adaptive aqueous interfaces and to transfer this adaptivity to larger length scales within the network of thin films and bubbles of aqueous foam. For that purpose, we will investigate supramolecular structures at the water-vapor interface which are not only demonstrating responsive behaviour, but show responses that depend on the sample’s history. We will combine experiments with simulations to obtain a molecular level understanding of the dynamic changes and adaptivity at interfaces and nanoscopic thin films.
H. Gökberg Özçelik Simulation of Photoswitchable Molecules at Interface | Heuer
Michael Hardt Molecular Control of Adaptive Interfaces with Photo- switchable Surfactants and Polymers | Braunschweig
B04
B04 Multistimuli sensing with memory and feedback function using photoswitchable proteins
Prof. Dr. Seraphine Wegner - Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry
Project description
Our goal is to harness a molecular toolbox of different light-responsive proteins and their photoactivation with in situ generated light for integrating these proteins into reaction networks, creating systems that demonstrate adaptive and pulsatile responses. As demonstrators, we plan to incorporate the photoswitchable proteins into diverse soft material systems including protein aggregates, supported lipid bilayers and giant unilamellar vesicles. The project will revolve around reaction networks with light responsive elements that can be fueled externally as well as in situ by chemiluminescence and bioluminescence reactions. Moreover, we aim to produce systems with transient pulsatile responses to changes in illumination.
Johanna Bergmann - Development of Photoswitchable Properties of Synthetic Cells
Alice Casadidio Multistimuli Sensing with Memory and Feedback Function using Photoswitchable Proteins and Coordination Chemistry
Tarek Elsayed - Multistimuli Sensing with Memory and Feedback Function using Photoswitchable Proteins and Coordination Chemistry
Saskia Frank Multistimuli Sensing with Memory and Feedback Function using Photoswitchable Proteins and Coordination Chemistry
Yanjun Zheng Multistimuli Sensing with Memory and Feedback Function using Photoswitchable Proteins and Coordination Chemistry
Xiaoran Zheng - Bi-Direction Communication between Materials and Living Organisms
B05
B05 Adaptive cell-matrix nanosystems - ending in 2024
Prof. Dr. Carsten Grashoff - Institute of Molecular Cell Biology
Prof. Dr. Cristian A. Strassert - Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry
Dr. Britta Trappmann - MPI Molecular BiomedicineProject description
This interdisciplinary project aims at the generation of a biosynthetic material, in which mammalian cells are utilized as information-processing elements that sense, integrate, and feedback on physiological stimuli. Using the expertise of three laboratories specialized in cell biology/biophysics, biomaterial science, and coordination chemistry, 3D hydrogels harbouring mesenchymal stem cells and novel metal-organic based tension sensors, will be generated. The resulting hybrid nanosystem should sense and adapt to various stimuli including mechanical forces, biochemical signals, and light.
Theresa Mösser Investigating Molecular Forces in Focal Adhesions, Hemidesmosomes and Adaptive Hydrogels | Grashoff
Tobias Rex Design and Synthesis of Functional Ligands for Photoactive Coordination Complexes | Strassert
Inka Schröter Role of Cellular Mechanotransduction in Cell Adhesion and Migration | Trappmann
B06
** PhD positions available **
B06 Development of intelligent soft actuators based on hybrid materials - starting in 2025
Prof. Dr. Christian Nijhuis - MESA+ Institute (University of Twente) and Center for Soft Nanoscience
Prof. Dr. Bart Jan Ravoo - Organic Chemistry InstituteProject description
Intelligent matter can make a profound impact on the emerging area of soft robotics. In this project, we will develop electrically powered soft actuators, incorporating hybrid materials that enable an internal feedback mechanism for adaptivity and learning. We envision soft actuators where the electrode material is a malleable metal polymer composite and the filler material (which is typically water or air) is a gel or block copolymer composite. The hybrid material is compatible with 2D and 3D printing techniques suitable for soft actuator fabrication. Once feedback-controlled actuation has been realized, we will demonstrate a self-learning soft gripper.
B07
**PhD positions available**
B07 Self-regulating soft materials: Feedback mechanisms for coupling photochemical reactivity and thermoresponsive properties - starting in 2025
Prof. Dr. Björn Braunschweig - Institute of Physical Chemistry
Dr. Line Næsborg - Organic Chemistry InstituteProject description
This project is inspired by homeostasis of living systems. We aim to establish a tunable soft matter system that self-regulates its properties such that it becomes resistant to perturbations. To reach this goal, we propose to couple photochemical and thermoresponsive soft matter systems, where exothermic, light triggered reactions in micelles or polymer colloids generate heat that increases the systems temperature above the lower critical solution temperature of a thermoresponsive polymer. We aim to establish a negative feedback mechanism between thermoresponsive and photochemical systems which can self-regulate their temperature.