Soft Matter Physics

Scientific Activity

The research activities of the division are focused on fundamental and applied studies in the field of condensed matter physics and multifunctional materials.

These studies are aligned with current societal challenges outlined in the National Strategy for the Development of Scientific Research in the Republic of Bulgaria (NSDSR) for the period 2017–2030, including:

• Improving quality of life – food, health, and environmental protection
• Energy and energy efficiency – effective use of natural resources

Taking into account the need for a balance between fundamental and applied research, as emphasized in the NSDSR, the priority research areas include:

• Health and quality of life
• Environmental protection
• Ecological monitoring
• Valorization of raw materials and bioresources
• Materials science and nanotechnology

Scientific Research Focus

We conduct fundamental and applied research in the fields of condensed matter physics and multifunctional materials.
Our work includes the study of the structure and physical properties of novel liquid crystalline systems and composite materials, as well as the evaluation of their potential applications in photonics, energy storage, and biomedicine.

We apply a multidisciplinary approach, combined with modern methodologies and broad scientific expertise.

Main Research Topics

A major focus is placed on the interaction between lipid membrane models and various biologically active molecules, in order to determine their impact on key characteristics related to the structure and functionality of cell membranes.

We also develop and investigate nanostructured systems for electro-optical modulation and energy storage.

Application of Research

The scientific developments find applications in various high-tech fields, including:

• Biomedicine – development of complex biological systems for the transport and targeted delivery of drugs in the bloodstream, with potential for cancer diagnostics and therapy
• Photonics – use of photoinduced effects in liquid crystals
• Nano- and diafiltration – applications in purification and processing of products and separation of biologically active substances
• Environmental protection and energy efficiency – research into new materials for energy storage

Partnerships

International Scientific Collaboration

• In 2024, the “Liquid Crystals and Biomolecular Layers” Laboratory continued to expand its scientific collaboration with several research organizations abroad, including:
• Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences
• Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia
• Paris-VI University: Pierre and Marie Curie and Paris-VII University: Denis Diderot, France
• Slovenia: Prof. Natasa Poklar Ulrih, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
• India: Asist. Prof. Swathi Sudhakar, Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

COST Action CA22153 – European Curvature and Biology Network (EuroCurvoBioNet)
Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Viktoria Vitkova, Member of the Management Committee and Leader of Working Group 2 “Curvature of Cellular Membranes”
https://www.curvobio.com/people