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Tactoidal Nanoparticle condensates

Formation of tactoidal nanoparticle condensates via an aqueous liquid crystal

npj Soft Matter volume 2, Article number: 20 (2026) 

We report the formation of tactoidal nanoparticle condensates via a method that harnesses particle transport by moving soft phase boundaries between the isotropic and nematic phases of an aqueous liquid crystal. The nanoparticle-rich condensates form within negative tactoids in the biocompatible lyotropic liquid crystal disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) as initially fluidic droplets that subsequently stabilize and can be extracted and resuspended in water. Novel tripolar condensates are also formed and stabilized during the process. Finite element simulations capture the observed negative tactoid morphology and demonstrate the role of liquid crystal elasticity and size on their aspect ratio which we compare with experimental results. To the best of our knowledge, this work introduces the first 3D computational framework for negative tactoids, providing an advancement over previous 2D models to accurately describe the elastic energy landscape of these systems. Our approach establishes a new phase-transition-driven scalable method for generating stable biocompatable assemblies of nanoparticles with unique morphologies.

featured, frontpage, Soft Matter

Fundamentals of Soft matter science 2nd Ed – out now!

Summary

This revised edition continues to provide the most approachable introduction to the structure, characteristics, and everyday applications of soft matter. It begins with a substantially revised overview of the underlying physics and chemistry common to soft materials. Subsequent chapters comprehensively address the different classes of soft materials, from liquid crystals to surfactants, polymers, colloids, and biomaterials, with vivid, full-color illustrations throughout. There are new worked examples throughout, new problems, some deeper mathematical treatment, and new sections on key topics such as diffusion, active matter, liquid crystal defects, surfactant phases and more.

• Introduces the science of soft materials, experimental methods used in their study, and wide-ranging applications in everyday life.

• Provides brand new worked examples throughout, in addition to expanded chapter problem sets and an updated glossary.

• Includes expanded mathematical content and substantially revised introductory chapters.　

This book will provide a comprehensive introductory resource to both undergraduate and graduate students discovering soft materials for the first time and is aimed at students with an introductory college background in physics, chemistry or materials science.