The Polymer Physics and Complex Fluids Group actively develops novel methods for investigating the equilibrium and non-equilibrium properties of complex particles and complex fluids. We develop and employ cutting-edge theoretical and computational tools to understand the complex interplays within complex fluids, including polymer and biopolymer solutions, extra- and intra-celluar dynamics, and highly confined polyelectrolyte systems.

Currently, advanced simulation models are able to capture the thermodynamics and dynamics of molecules on the nanoscale, while continuum models have been successful in describing material mechanics on the bulk scale. However, a bridge linking the nanoscale to the bulk properties is direly needed. Our group aims to develop multi-spatial/temporal scale methods that seek to link nanoscale properties to microscale mechanics, and microscale mechanics to macroscale phenomena.

Here is a live demo for a semi-flexible polymer in a nanoparticle solut ion confined between two walls. You can try to change the parameters to condense the polymer into a globule, adsorb polymer to th e wall, or expand the polymer size.