Colloidal molecules are a recent development in the field of physics, with specific tailoring towards certain properties such as directional bonding and flexibility. The advantage of using colloids...Show moreColloidal molecules are a recent development in the field of physics, with specific tailoring towards certain properties such as directional bonding and flexibility. The advantage of using colloids is that they provide an excellent starting point to understanding and emulating the dynamics of their molecular counterpart. These parallels can be drawn since colloidal molecules are still sensitive to thermal fluctuations and move much slower than molecules, meaning direct observations can be made. In this thesis, we explore building a ring-like structure out of spherical and cubic colloid supported lipid bilayers (CSLB). The unique aspect of this project, is that in this combined use there is both directional bonding, flexibility and constrained internal motion. The overarching aim is to understand the conformations of a 8 particle ring formed from alternating sphere and cube colloids, with the cubes being on the corners. To do this, we analyse individual angles to look at the conformations as well the structural changes, done using mode analysisShow less
Holographic microscopy is used as a new technique for measuring the 3D position of colloids. In this thesis the advantages and disadvantages of holographic microscopy are brought to light. The...Show moreHolographic microscopy is used as a new technique for measuring the 3D position of colloids. In this thesis the advantages and disadvantages of holographic microscopy are brought to light. The distance between passive colloids and a glass substrate is measured, in order to investigate how to use hologaphic microscopy to get a trustful result. The technology is not well established yet for a physical conclusion, nevertheless, this research was very helpful in understanding the technique.Show less
We use Inline Digital Holography to measure the diffusion coefficient of spherical colloids with a 1.06mm radius in the bulk of a liquid. We obtain a diffusion coefficient of 0.23 +/- 0.03mm2/s...Show moreWe use Inline Digital Holography to measure the diffusion coefficient of spherical colloids with a 1.06mm radius in the bulk of a liquid. We obtain a diffusion coefficient of 0.23 +/- 0.03mm2/s which is in good agreement with Stokes-Einstein theory. We attempt the measurements to active Janus colloid spheres and explore the possibilities and limitations of the technique. We use the Discrete Dipole Approximation to fit the holograms to the Lorenz-Mie theory and report on the viability of the computation. We discuss the minimum necessary requirements for performing a successful fitting and analysis of the motion of Janus colloid spheres, in the bulk of a medium, using inline holographyShow less
In this thesis, a state-of-the-art Nanoscribe 3D printer is used to fabricate micron-sized particles. These particles are then partly covered with platinum and suspended in hydrogen peroxide to...Show moreIn this thesis, a state-of-the-art Nanoscribe 3D printer is used to fabricate micron-sized particles. These particles are then partly covered with platinum and suspended in hydrogen peroxide to become chemically propelled, active particles. First, it is shown that 3D-printing can indeed be used to fabricate active particles, by fabricating some relatively simple 4 µm spheres. Subsequently, different helical particles are designed and fabricated to discover that some designs can be printed consistently with the same outcome and that some cannot. A consistently printed helical particle is then analyzed to investigate the relationships between its active motion and its helical shape.Show less
Colloidal particles at a liquid-liquid interface can order into interesting structures. In this work poly(methyl methacrylate) colloids with a core-shell structure have been synthesized and studied...Show moreColloidal particles at a liquid-liquid interface can order into interesting structures. In this work poly(methyl methacrylate) colloids with a core-shell structure have been synthesized and studied. They have been clustered to create anisotropic particles with regular shapes. Their structure is optimal for studies at water-oil interface with both bright field and confocal microscopy. The stability of the colloids has been tested in aqueous and organic media with single and clustered particles. Both single spherical particles and clusters have been observed at an water-oil interface. A computational project related to self-assembly problem in virus-like protein capsid is presented inShow less
We seek to study the in uence of substrate geometry on di usion of substrate attached particles by building a model system in which colloidal particles are attached to a supported lipid bilayer on...Show moreWe seek to study the in uence of substrate geometry on di usion of substrate attached particles by building a model system in which colloidal particles are attached to a supported lipid bilayer on TPA suitable material. We test a variety of lipid compositions and polyelectrolyte cushioning with respect to lipid mobility. Our experimental e orts show that DOPC/DOPE-PEG2000 uid lipid bilayers on glass and ORMOCER can be created. DNA linkers with cholesterol anchors are adsorbed in this bilayer and polystyrene colloids coated with complementary DNA linkers are coupled to the linkers in the bilayer. We show that the colloids di use in a two dimensional fashion on a glass substrate.Show less
