Physical Chemistry at Mesoscale

We are dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in the fields of nanotechnology, bio-photonics, and virology.

Welcome!

In Dragnea Research Group we are interested in the physics and chemistry of mesoscale materials which have properties that are often very different from both bulk and single molecules due to the dominance of interfacial effects (e.g. changes in the bulk melting temperature in confinement conditions) and/or coordinated collective behavior (e.g. virus-like particles). We develop optical characterization methods and experimental models aimed at understanding phenomena in thermoplasmonics, room-temperature superradiance, and virus mechanics and self-assembly. We build instruments, break apart and rebuild viruses with new properties and are trying to make some truly exciting new measurements.

  • Tools and Methods Development – Photothermal Microscopy and
    Spherical Crystallography.
  • Fundamental Studies – Function and Mechanisms in Biological Nanoparticles.
  • Applications – Fabrication and Testing of Probes for Virus Trafficking.

Dragnea Research is at the forefront of multidisciplinary innovation, exploring the intersection of nanoscale optics, quantum photonics, physical virology, and bio-architected hybrid materials with 3D nanoscale order.

“It’s a noisy world. The scientific method is one noise cancelling device that you can trust to allow you to still hear the music.”

BOGDAN DRAGNEA, PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Acknowledging Our Supporters

We gratefully acknowledge the ongoing support from the following organizations, whose contributions have been vital to our research efforts: the DOE Basic Energy Sciences for funding fundamental research in nanotechnology and optics; the Army Research Office for advancing military applications of molecular self-assembly and bio-photonics; the Human Frontier Science Program for fostering innovative biological research; the NIH – NIGMS Program for supporting studies in molecular self-assembly and its biological implications; and the NSF – CHE, DMR, and CBET Programs for enabling research in chemistry, materials science, and bioengineering. Their partnership continues to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and innovation.

Physical Chemistry at Mesoscale

We are dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in the fields of nanotechnology, bio-photonics, and virology.