Biophysics and bio-polymers play a significant role in the study of soft matter physics, where the focus is on understanding the physical properties of materials that can easily deform under external forces. Biopolymers, such as proteins, DNA, and polysaccharides, exhibit complex behaviors due to their large molecular size, flexibility, and interactions with their environment. In biophysics, the study of these macromolecules involves investigating their mechanical properties, self-assembly processes, and response to stimuli, which are critical for understanding biological functions and designing biomimetic materials. Soft condensed matter physics provides the theoretical and experimental frameworks to explore phenomena such as gelation, phase transitions, and the dynamics of bio-polymer networks, contributing to advancements in fields like materials science, nanotechnology, and medicine.
Faculty involved: Dr. Prasanth P. Jose and Dr. Harsh Soni

Active granular systems, a fascinating aspect of soft matter physics, consist of particles that convert energy into motion, leading to non-equilibrium dynamics. Unlike passive granular materials, active particles exhibit persistent, self-driven movement, resulting in unique behaviors such as clustering and pattern formation. Studying these systems offers insights into non-equilibrium statistical mechanics and has applications in designing smart materials and understanding natural phenomena like cellular motility.
Faculty involved: Dr. Harsh Soni

Computational modeling of materials is a cornerstone of soft matter physics, providing a powerful tool to understand and predict the behavior of complex systems at the molecular level. Through computational simulations, researchers can explore the structural, mechanical, and dynamical properties of soft materials such as polymers, colloids, and biomolecules. These models often employ techniques from statistical mechanics and molecular dynamics to simulate the interactions between particles and their environment, allowing for the study of phenomena like self-assembly, phase transitions, and rheological behavior. Computational approaches also facilitate the design of novel materials with tailored properties for applications ranging from drug delivery and tissue engineering to energy storage and beyond.
Faculty involved: Dr. Prasanth P. Jose and Dr. Harsh Soni

Glass transition in low-density model systems is a critical area of study within soft matter physics, focusing on how dilute systems approach an amorphous solid state. In these systems, particles interact weakly, and the transition to a glassy state occurs at lower densities compared to traditional, denser materials. Research in this field explores the unique dynamics, such as how reduced particle interactions and increased free volume influence the slowing down of molecular motion and the eventual vitrification process. Understanding glass transition in low-density systems aids in developing theoretical models that can be applied to a broad range of materials, from colloidal suspensions to biological cells, providing insights into the fundamental nature of glassy states and their formation under varying conditions. This research also has implications for materials design, where controlling density and interaction strength can tailor the properties of soft materials for specific applications.
Faculty involved: Dr. Prasanth P. Jose