Active processes in crowded environments (A21)

• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: from 2017 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 178321814

Many biological systems, ranging from the cytoplasm to colonies of bacteria and biofilms, are both crowded and driven by active processes. To understand the interplay or competition of density and activity we will investigate the impact of active processes (e.g, self-propulsion, enhanced non-thermal fluctuations, particle synthesis/proliferation) on probes for crowding effects (tracer diffusion, reactions, and polymer configuration). In addition, we will study crowded systems of long, flexible chains of active particles as a model for the collective behavior of gliding cyanobacteria.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 937: Collective Behaviour of Soft and Biological Matter
• Applicant Institution: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Stefan Klumpp