Sven Pattloch

Project

Theoretical modeling of non-equilibrium chemical fueling, self-regulation and adaptation of hydrogel-based materials
In my project, I will develop theoretical models and simulations to describe non-equilibrium states of hydrogel-based systems. This includes the chemical fueling of transient states and the assembly of hydrogels, as well as feedback and self-regulation in fueled hydrogels for signaling and path-dependent adaptation. Our models are based on bistable dynamically coupled modules (i.e., hysteretic networks), which we model using reaction-diffusion approaches. The latter lead to complex response behavior, i.e., memory or delay under the action of time-dependent multi-dimensional stimuli. Our models aim to a rational design of programmable materials in the livMats cluster to achieve a desired, time-dependent response by applying multi-stimuli protocols.

First supervisor

Prof. Dr. Joachim Dzubiella