Coupled nonlinear processes in simple models for artificial cells

We are interested in understanding what kind of meta-dynamics are capable of describing the basic set of properties that characterize living systems. The objective is to integrate these findings into a descriptive model capable of reproducing these gross features both at the qualitative and quantitative levels. Our work makes use of non-equilibrium field theory and collective phenomena, and is closely connected with observations and experiments carried out by others in the group.

Chemo-Mechanical Coupling in a BZ Gel

We are looking at problems associated to chemomechanical-coupling effects in gels and exploring how this class of phenomena relate to the basic properties of a living system. We are doing phenomenological as well as experimental work trying to understand how the chemistry and many body theory affect each other.

Giant Vesicles as a "Bootable All-Purpose Chassis"

We are studying the design and construction of polymer based giant vesicles. We plan to use them as selectively permeable containers for the chemical subsystems which, collectively, give rise to the emergence and sustainable evolution of artificial protocells.

Additional Topics

In addition to the above, we are investigating the transfer and management of information on living and chemical systems, as well as the nature of self-organizied processes giving rise to the above and, finally, the decoupling of degrees of freedom in non-equilibrium diffusion/reaction systems.