Probing and modeling of transport properties of hydrogels (A03)

• Subject Area: Experimental and Theoretical Physics of Polymers
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431232613

Biological hydrogels such as mucus form diffusional barriers for infectious agents. Understanding the role of particle-hydrogel interactions and hydrogel properties on the barrier function requires systematic transport measurements of e.g. proteins, viruses and bacteria in hydrogels. We will develop a novel combined experimental/theoretical approach using advanced microscopy methods to track particle transport and to extract spatially resolved diffusivity and free-energy profiles, the two properties needed to accurately describe and predict particle transport. The interplay of individual hydrogel components on the barrier functionality will be addressed by a systematic variation of particle and hydrogel type.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1449: Dynamic Hydrogels at Biointerfaces
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Dr. Stephan Block; Professor Dr. Roland Netz