(5cy) Reaction-Diffusion: From Molecular to Macroscopic Length Scales

Reaction-diffusion (RD) processes can occur on many length scales, and create natural structures ranging from the size of raidiolarians (~10^-5 m) to the patterns on zebras (~10^-1 m). Using these natural structures as inspiration, I have studied RD systems on several length scales ? from molecular to macroscopic ? to not only better understand the limitations of these systems but also to develop more technologically relevant RD processes.

On the molecular scale, I have used a lattice-gas model to predict the smallest size feature that can be produced using RD, and also present a nanoparticle based electronic memory device which relies on the diffusion of counterions to store information. Similarly on the macromolecular length scale, I have developed a method to measure protein-ligand dissociation constants that does not rely on any specific ?signature? from the protein or ligand, shown that a RD process limits the resolution of a nanoparticle based self-erasing ?ink,? and also used RD to fabricate three dimensional core and shell particles where the core and shell do not necessarily display the same symmetry. On the macroscopic length scale, I have used RD to guide the motion of chemotactic droplets so that a droplet of oil may be used to solve a maze.