Our group works on building computational models for self-organization in biological systems across scales with a vision of writing down the design principles of functional biomaterials. We use multiple tools of engineering and applied physics as the problem in hand needs. The specific problem will be decided based on the mutual interest of the student and the PI. Some example problems currently our group is interested are:

(i) Developing a particle-based simulation framework to study three dimensional self-assembly of cells. 

Microfluidics provides a facile platform for generation of several biomaterials such as particles, capsules, microfibers, etc. The versatility of microfluidics based methods arises from the ability to control size, morphology, and composition of the generated entities. In this project the student will use microfluidic devices to generate drug and nanoparticle encapsulated microfibers for targeted drug delivery in pancreatic cancer. The encapsulated nanoparticles (iron oxide) will allow magnetic based controlled release of the drug to the targeted site.

With modern-day computers and several open-source CFD packages, it is today quite straightforward to simulate Newtonian flows. Even for turbulent flows, several well-tested and efficient algorithms are available, so that reasonably high-Re Newtonian turbulence can be simulated on a personal laptop. The situation is dramatically different for Non-Newtonian flows, however, and their accurate simulation, especially in turbulent settings, remains an outstanding challenge.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are crucial to support targets set by India’s Nationally Determined Contributions of about 50% from the non-fossil fuel based resources, particularly for the intermittently available renewable energy such as solar and wind power. The performance and lifespan of LIBs are limited by the irreversible degradation in the physical processes that undergo at the electrode level of each battery cell.  These are greatly influenced by the nature of charging (from renewable sources) and discharging (load demand) cycles.