Self-assembly on elastic surfaces Angelo Cacciuto , Columbia University, DMR 0846426

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Self-assembly on elastic surfaces Angelo Cacciuto, Columbia University, DMR 0846426 The process of self-assembly of nano-particles into large, ordered aggregates holds promise for the fabrication of materials with novel functional, mechanical and optical properties. (1) We have found that systems of swimming bacteria (active particles), in the presence of small depletants, self-assemble into micro-rotors with angular velocity inversely proportional to their size. These micro-rotors constitute the first demonstration of the self- assembly of functional structures using active particles. (2) Surfaces can facilitate the process of self-assembly by reducing the dimensionality of the problem. We have shown that particles aggregating on the surface of fluid and biological membranes tend to form linear structures. When the binding energy between particles and membrane is sufficiently large, A. Cacciuto et. al., PNAS 109, 4052 (2012) A. Saric and A. Cacciuto., Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 118101 (2012 (1) (2) Experimental and numerical images of Micro-rotors formed by active particles Collidal particles forming linear aggregates on biological membranes

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Self-assembly on elastic surfaces Angelo Cacciuto , Columbia University, DMR 0846426. The process of self-assembly of nano -particles into large, ordered aggregates holds promise for the fabrication of materials with novel functional, mechanical and optical properties. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of Self-assembly on elastic surfaces Angelo Cacciuto , Columbia University, DMR 0846426

Self-assembly on elastic surfacesAngelo Cacciuto, Columbia University, DMR 0846426

The process of self-assembly of nano-particles into large, ordered aggregates holds promise for the fabrication of materials with novel functional, mechanical and optical properties. (1) We have found that systems of swimming bacteria (active particles), in the presence of small depletants, self-assemble into micro-rotors with angular velocity inversely proportional to their size. These micro-rotors constitute the first demonstration of the self-assembly of functional structures using active particles. (2) Surfaces can facilitate the process of self-assembly by reducing the dimensionality of the problem. We have shown that particles aggregating on the surface of fluid and biological membranes tend to form linear structures. When the binding energy between particles and membrane is sufficiently large, spontaneous tubulation of the membrane is induced by the anchoring particles. This phenomenon is important to understand the mechanisms of viral infection of cells.

A. Cacciuto et. al., PNAS 109, 4052 (2012)A. Saric and A. Cacciuto., Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 118101 (2012

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Experimental and numerical images of Micro-rotors formed by active particles

Collidal particles forming linear aggregates on biological membranes

Molecular AssemblyAngelo Cacciuto, Columbia University, DMR 0846426

I had the pleasure of mentoring five minority students in their research. One postdoc, one graduate, and three undergraduates students. The latter have been trained in basic C programming, computer simulations of soft-matter, and have actively participated in the ongoing research of my group.

We developed and made freely available an iPhone/iPad/iPod-Thouch educational tool on self-assembly of nanoparticles. The images at the bottom show some snapshots of molecular aggregates taken by users and posted online. The name of the application is “self_assembly” and can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple Store.

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a) Katherine Klymkob) Leo Pebenitoc) Andela Saricd) Behnaz Bozorguie) Vincent Nguyenf) Joe Napoli