Abstract

Designer Microstructures by Assembly at Aqueous Phase-Separating Interfaces

Anderson Shum, Associate Professor, University of Hong Kong

Aqueous phase separation gives rise to a variety of structures in aqueous multi-component systems. The dynamic interplay between phase separation and interfacial phenomena are delicately determined by the molecular interactions of the underlying components with each other, as well as with the solvent phases and the interfaces formed. Hence, formation and assembly of microstructures can by manipulated by designing the molecular arrangements of the components and solvents, as well as adjusting the phase behaviors and interfacial properties. The relationship between the properties and the molecular arrangements is intriguing but remains inadequately investigated. The level of complexity and hierarchical that can be involved calls for systematic investigation across multiple scales ranging from microscale to molecular scale. A thorough understanding of these will not only enable the bottom-up design of new materials, but may also shed light on how biological systems, such as biomolecular condensates, operate. In this talk, I will share some of our findings in conducting experiments in assembling material structures at aqueous phase-separating interfaces.