Objective I propose to use computer simulations to predict the thermodynamic stability and kinetics of formation of three-dimensional structures of DNA-linked colloids. I then aim to go beyond simple binary structures and use simulation to explore novel strategies to build multi-component three-dimensional colloidal structures. At present, the complexity of self-assembled colloidal crystals is limited: ordered structures with more than two distinct components are rare. To make more complex structures, particles should bind selectively to their designated neighbours. This may be achieved by coating colloids with single-stranded DNA that hybridises selectively with the complementary sequence on another colloid. However, there are many practical obstacles to go from there to the self assembly of multi-component structures. In order to make progress, we need to understand the factors that determine the thermodynamic stability and, even more importantly, the kinetics of formation of complex structures. Such a numerical study will require a wide range of numerical techniques, many of which do not yet exist. As I have played a key role in the development of the numerical methods to study both the stability and the kinetics of formation of simple colloidal crystals, I am well positioned to make a breakthrough that should have important implications for experimental work in this field. My research will focus on DNA-linked colloidal systems, as this is an active area of experimental research. However, I stress that many of the techniques that I aim to develop are general. During the project, I aim to study the factors that influence the equilibrium phase diagram and the kinetics of passive and active self-assembly of (multi-component) DNA-colloid systems During the project, I aim to study the factors that influence the equilibrium phase diagram and the kinetics of passive and active self-assembly of (multi-component) DNA-colloid systems Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAnatural sciencesphysical sciencesthermodynamicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencescondensed matter physicssoft matter physicsnatural sciencesmathematicsapplied mathematicsnumerical analysisnatural sciencesmathematicsapplied mathematicsmathematical model Keywords DNA-coated colloids Monte Carlo simulations free energy rare events Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-AG-PE3 - ERC Advanced Grant - Condensed matter physics Call for proposal ERC-2008-AdG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Host institution THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE EU contribution € 1 863 234,00 Address TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS CB2 1TN Cambridge United Kingdom See on map Region East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Daniel Frenkel (Prof.) Administrative Contact Renata Schaeffer (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE United Kingdom EU contribution € 1 863 234,00 Address TRINITY LANE THE OLD SCHOOLS CB2 1TN Cambridge See on map Region East of England East Anglia Cambridgeshire CC Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Daniel Frenkel (Prof.) Administrative Contact Renata Schaeffer (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
