Research
My current research includes Casimir interactions, polydisperse colloids, and neural interface modeling.
Physics of Colloids and Bio-colloids
My research, in its broadest sense, focuses on the fundamental physics of colloidal interactions. Colloids are systems in which small particles, ranging from nanometers to micrometers, are dispersed in a surrounding medium whether liquid, gas or solid. Well-known examples of colloids are milk, ink, aerosols, and biological fluids. Colloids are of special interest because they are big enough to interact through physical forces, yet small enough to be strongly affected by thermal fluctuations. This makes colloids a good system for studying fundamental interactions and collective behavior in soft matter.
Bio-colloids are colloidal systems of biological origin, such as proteins, viruses, bacteria, lipid bilayers, and cellular components. Interaction between bio-colloids drives many underlying processes in biology, notably self-assembly, molecular recognition, and structural organization of cells. Studying these interactions extends our knowledge of soft matter physics throughout the body, but also links physics to biological function and helps form a science that connects physics and biophysics.
back to topPhysics of Cell Membranes
Biological cells are enclosed by lipid membranes that serve as selective barriers as well as offer a dynamic platform for many biological processes. Biological membranes contain a variety of inclusions (proteins, channels, other macromolecules) that are part of the lipid bilayer and the interactions between the inclusions are mediated by the membrane itself during processes such as signaling, transport, and organizing structure. In theoretical physics, the study of these types of systems gives us further insight into how microscopic forces combine to produce the collective behavior of biological membranes, as well as the detailed action of living cells.
back to topPhysics of Neurons and Neural Interfaces
Neurons are a type of cell that sends the electrical signal across the nervous system. Neuronal membranes contain a complex microenvironment that include a host of ion channels, receptors, and proteins that control the propagation of signals and communication. The communication among such components is also critical for reliable signaling and the stability of neural networks.
From a physics perspective, these systems highlight how microscopic forces and fluctuations shape biological function at the cellular level. In addition, understanding these principles is essential in the context of neural interfaces, where artificial devices such as electrodes or bio-compatible chips are designed to communicate with neurons. Progress in this area relies on a deep knowledge of how physical interactions influence the coupling between living tissue and engineered systems.
back to topCasimir Interactions: a Force from Nothing!
Casimir interactions are a fascinating phenomenon in which two neutral, uncharged objects experience a force due to fluctuations of the electromagnetic field in empty space. Even without any classical field or direct contact, these constant quantum fluctuations generate measurable forces between objects. At finite temperatures, thermal fluctuations—for example, fluctuations of fluid interfaces—can also lead to similar Casimir-like interactions in soft matter systems. These are often referred to as thermal fluctuation-induced forces. In other words, both quantum and thermal fluctuations—two seemingly “invisible” sources—can produce real, measurable effects. In my research, I investigate how Casimir interactions arise between colloidal particles at soft interfaces. The geometry, material properties, and thermal environment all strongly influence the magnitude and nature of these forces. Understanding these interactions provides insight into soft matter physics and may also have applications in nanotechnology, material design, and biological systems.