C. Nadir Kaplan (Virginia Tech)

Date: Wed. October 21st, 2026, 4:30 pm-5:30 pm
Location: Foldy Room (Rockefeller 221)
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Biophysics Seminar

Beyond Biomimicry: Autonomous Soft Matter via Biophysical Feedback Cycles

C. Nadir Kaplan (Virginia Tech)

Abstract: Living systems self-regulate by operating at dynamic optima through feedback loops between mechanics and chemical kinetics, an ability largely missing in synthetic matter. Realizing next-generation materials with analogous capabilities requires exploring these feedback loops outside of purely biological settings. To motivate this core idea, I will first present an integrated theory of cell migration bridging force generation, mechanics, and biochemical signaling, revealing how the mechanics of filopodial protrusions regulates chemical polarization to sustain locomotion. I will then propose a passive physical feedback loop that utilizes the fluid mechanics of viscous flow vortices to design minimal artificial analogs of cell filopodia. Next, I will introduce theory and experiments on “hydrogel diffusiophoresis”, a soft deformation pathway driven by solute gradients discovered by my group. I will show how it can potentially close the chemomechanical feedback loop to enable truly active, tissue-like materials. Finally, I will present a first-principles geometric theory of elastic filaments constrained on curved surfaces in a frustrated state. Our solution to this problem paves the way for understanding chemomechanical coupling in biological systems like contractile actin rings on the cell membrane during cytokinesis.