Fraden Group
Overview
We study a broad range of topics in Soft Matter utilizing a variety of methods spanning experiment, theory, and simulation. Current research thrusts are in active matter, colloidal self-assembly of DNA origami, non-linear chemical dynamics, chemical networks, chemomechanics, soft robotics, protein crystallization, and microfluidics. As our research interests lie at the intersection of physics, chemistry, biology, materials science and engineering, we are interdisciplinary, but as these projects are large and challenging, we collaborate in multi-investigator projects.
Experiments and simulations from the lab
Three minute video showing a range of icosahedral capsids self-assembled from origami colloids on the nanoscale with high yield. The video features high resolution cryo electron microscopy 3D images. This is data, not computer simulation! These triangular building blocks are a realization of a generic patchy colloid that has been a long sought-after Holy Grail in the field of colloidal assembly. We've achieved this goal using DNA origami to control the valency, dihedral angle and interaction strength at will.
Brandeis Bioinspired Soft Materials MRSEC
Miles O'Brien features active matter research from the Brandeis Bioinspired Soft Materials MRSEC on NSF's Science Nation.
Experiments and simulations from the lab
Press
- Letter to the editor (pdf) of the NYRB about Buckminster Fuller (pdf) and DNA origami.
- PBS radio interview on morphogenesis.
- Soft Robotics selected for cover of Lab Chip, highlighted by the Army.
- Recruiting Rwandan physics grad students.
- Our work exploring flows in confined 3D active fluids was published in Science and highlighted in Perspective and Physics World. Download the 2017 paper and the perspective.
Press
Brandeis Bioinspired Soft Materials MRSEC featured on PBS Newshour.
Funding
