Nano/Bio Systems and Soft Condensed Matter Group investigates biological systems such as viruses and pollen grains, hybrid nano/bio systems including nanopores and self-assembled monolayers, as well as soft systems such as nano- and microcolloids and extremely deformed shells. In addition, the research encompasses systems at the boundary between chemistry, biology, and condensed matter physics, such as molecular crystals and semiconducting biomaterials.
Research Areas and Techniques
The research is guided by concepts of bio-inspired functionality, biomimetics, evolution of form and function, and spontaneous self-assembly.
Electronic Dynamics in Biological and Organic Systems
Studies focus on linear and nonlinear optical properties, exciton dynamics, and relaxation processes in molecular crystals and semiconducting biomaterials, down to the femtosecond timescale.
Extreme Deformations in Soft Systems
Biological systems often function thanks to extreme, reversible deformations observed on both microscopic and macroscopic scales. The group has developed theoretical methods for studying biomechanical processes in biological systems and their potential applications in bio-inspired soft materials.
Nanopores and Molecular Transport
Research includes the study of molecular transport and diffusion in nanopores, optical and electrical detection, as well as the design and modification of nanopores with the aim of optimizing transport properties and detection methods.
Physical Virology
Investigations focus on the physical conditions determining virus stability, the process of their self-assembly, and the role of protein and RNA/DNA interactions in these processes.
Group members:
dr. sc. Antonio Šiber, group leader, permanent senior scientist
dr. sc. Goran Zgrablić, senior research associate
dr. sc. Tomislav Vuletić, senior research associate
Davor Čapeta, dipl. ing., senior expert associate
