Research

Primary Goal

The goal of Global Science Research Center for Systems Chemistry (GCSC) is to achieve a comprehensive, quantitative understanding of the dynamic behaviors and functions of living systems and complex materials in terms of their networks of chemical reactions and molecular transport processes. To achieve this, our center focuses on three research topics:

A. Chemical Dynamics of Complex Networks in Living Cells
This topic explores the dynamics of biochemical reactions, gene expression, and signal transduction pathways that collectively regulate various cell functions. By developing models that effectively account for the time-dependent fluctuation in rate coefficients and the hierarchical structures of intracellular networks, we aim to quantitatively understand and predict dynamic cell responses to external signals and stresses.

Due to the inherently small and dynamically heterogeneous environments within cells, it is challenging to describe the stochastic dynamics of reaction networks in living cells using classical chemical dynamics. We focus on developing new types of chemical dynamics models and theories that provide efficient quantitative descriptions of complex reaction network dynamics in living systems. (e.g., Park et al.,  The Chemical Fluctuation Theorem governing gene expression, Nat. Commun. 2018)

B. Dynamics of Molecular Transport and Transport-coupled Reaction Networks in Complex Materials

In complex materials, the interplay between molecular transport and chemical reactions plays a crucial role in determining overall material properties and functions. We will investigate how molecules, ions, and nanoparticles move through complex media and how these transport processes are coupled with chemical dynamics and time-evolutions of the material's structure and functions. (e.g., Song et al.,  Transport Dynamics in Complex Fluids, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 2019; Real-space imaging of nanoparticle transport and interaction dynamics by graphene liquid cell TEM, Sci. Adv. 2021) 

C. Dynamics and Thermodynamics of Supersaturation, Nucleation, and Phase Transition of Small Systems

Many small systems of interest in modern science undergo nucleation and phase transitions in regimes where traditional thermodynamics for macroscopic systems is not directly applicable. To address this issue, we develop Statistical Thermodynamics of Mesoscopic Systems. By combining this state-of-the-art statistical thermodynamics with advanced computational methods, we can construct quantitative models that accurately predict the size distributions of nuclei, their size dependent properties and their phase transition conditions. (e.g., Kim et la., Multiphasic Size-Dependent Growth Dynamics of Nanoparticle Ensembles, (under review)). This work is expected to pave the way for the controlled synthesis and manipulation of nanomaterials and biological condensates.

Strategy, Method and Framework of GCSC’s R&D projects

To achieve our goal, we employ a multidisciplinary collaboration strategy that integrates theoretical innovation, cutting-edge experimental techniques, and advanced computational sciences including artificial intelligence. Our center comprises experts from various disciplines including chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and computational sciences. Their multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges in the three research topics of our center. Our center also fosters active collaborations with leading research institutions worldwide. These international partnerships provide access to state-of-the-art facilities and a global pool of expertise, both of which are essential for developing and establishing Systems Chemistry.