SOFT MATTER × PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

생체분자·연성물질화학 연구실

Biomolecules · Polymers · Phase Transitions · Self-Organization · Functions

How do molecules organize themselves into functional structures?

We investigate how molecular interactions drive phase transitions, self-organization, and collective behavior in biomolecular and soft matter systems. By combining physical chemistry with quantitative imaging and model systems, we seek to uncover the molecular principles that govern the organization and dynamics of complex matter. We develop synthetic systems inspired by biological organization using soft materials such as polymers, peptides, and biomolecules. By understanding how molecules undergo phase transitions and organize into collective structures, we seek to uncover fundamental principles underlying life-like functions and translate them into new synthetic systems.

Our research encompasses three major areas:

1. Molecular Organization in Soft Matter: Polyelectrolytes, peptides, oligonucleotides & coacervates

2. Biomolecular Condensates: Protein/RNA phase separation & molecular organization

3. Biomimetic Systems: Synthetic compartments inspired by biological organization

    We are actively seeking motivated graduate students and postdocs!