Professor Alexandridis' research aims to create and manipulate
molecular organization at the nano-scale and organization at the
micron-scale of nano-objects via (a) the self-assembly of
amphiphiles in a variety of conformations and length-scales, and/or
(b) the use of prescribed external fields to direct macromolecules,
assemblies, and/or particles.
Amphiphiles such as block copolymers, surfactants, lipids and
proteins, posses moieties with an affinity for different
environments. This molecular design enables amphiphiles to
spontaneously organize: self-assembly. Self-assembly is an
energy-efficient process that leads to functional, high value-added
products with desired compartmentalization, compatibilization,
rheological, and interfacial properties. Nano-scale objects
resulting from self-assembly or (bio)synthesis (e.g., cells,
nanoparticles) can be organized over larger length-scales, often in
a hierarchical fashion, via the application of external fields
(flow, electric): directed assembly.
According to the 2003 National Research Council report Beyond
the Molecular Frontier, the development of "self-assembly as a
useful approach to the synthesis and manufacturing of complex
systems and materials" is one of the "grand challenges" that
chemical engineers will face in the years to come.
Alexandridis' work impacts emerging paradigms of chemical
engineering on molecular engineering of materials and on product
design and development. In order for novel "smart", "nano", and
"bio" materials to benefit society, they have to be (i)
incorporated into products that meet customer needs and (ii)
manufactured in an efficient manner with respect to cost and
environment. Polymers, surfactants, proteins and nanoparticles,
essential "ingredients" of Alexandridis' research, organized via
self- and directed assembly methodologies, are well poised to meet
the objectives of efficiently designing and manufacturing
functional products.
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