Magnetic colloids & self-assembly
Field-driven synchronization, anisotropic interactions, phase behavior and programmable structures in magnetic particle systems.
Visiting Researcher · University of Latvia
Dr. Jorge Coelho
Computational soft matter, active systems and magnetic colloids
I investigate how microscopic interactions, particle geometry and external fields generate collective motion, structure and function in complex systems.
Research profile
From microscopic interactions to collective function
My work combines particle-based simulation, statistical physics and theory to identify the mechanisms that govern self-organization in soft and active matter. I am particularly interested in systems whose response can be programmed through geometry, confinement or time-dependent fields.
My current interests increasingly explore the bridge between soft matter and biology: how mechanics, geometry, interactions and transport organize living and bio-inspired systems across scales. At the University of Latvia, I worked on the EU-funded PattSpin project, completed in 2026, on pattern formation in magnetic spinners, alongside broader collaborations in colloids, active matter and molecular biophysics.
11Peer-reviewed articles
3Research themes
4International research environments
Research
A focused, interdisciplinary programme
The programme is organized around three connected questions: how particles assemble, how active systems transport and reorganize, and how computation can link microscopic mechanisms to measurable observables.
Active & nonequilibrium matter
Vortex formation, directed transport and the role of obstacles, disorder and confinement in active particle dynamics.
Computational biophysics
Molecular simulation and particle-based models that connect soft-matter principles with biological interactions, transport and organization in complex environments.
Research in motion
01 / 04Synchronization-driven structures
Pair correlations and representative swarms, nematic aggregates and nematic isotropic fluids formed by magnetic rods.
Domingos et al., Soft Matter 21, 488–498 (2025)Publications
Publications
Peer-reviewed work, ordered from most recent. Article titles link to the publisher or DOI record.
01
Advanced modeling methodologies for anisotropic magnetic colloids
Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science · 84, 102039
02
Controlling vortex rotation with obstacles in nonaligning dry active matter
Physical Review E · 113, 054119
03
Emergence of synchronization-induced patterns in two-dimensional magnetic rod systems under rotating magnetic fields
Soft Matter · 21, 488–498
04
Correlations between two vortices in dry active matter
Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications · 656, 130181
05
Lectin-carbohydrate analysis by molecular dynamics: Parkia lectins case study
Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências · 96 (Suppl. 3), e20230677
06
In depth analysis on the carbohydrate-binding properties of a vasorelaxant lectin from Dioclea lasiophylla Mart Ex. Benth seeds
Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics · 40, 6817–6830
07
Steady states of non-axial dipolar rods driven by rotating fields
Soft Matter · 16, 1201–1210
08
Controlling the transport of active matter in disordered lattices of asymmetrical obstacles
Physical Review E · 101, 022601
09
Molecular dynamics and binding energy analysis of Vatairea guianensis lectin: a new tool for cancer studies
Journal of Molecular Modeling · 26, 22
10
Self-assembly and clustering of magnetic peapod-like rods with tunable directional interaction
PLOS ONE · 13, e0195552
11
Self-assembly of rigid magnetic rods consisting of single dipolar beads in two dimensions
Physical Review E · 96, 012603
Courses
Soft NanomaterialsSupervision
Everton Almeida de Freitas
PhD thesis
Estudo de sistemas coloidais de partículas magnéticas conduzidas por campos oscilantesSoft Nanomaterials
FiziM052 · 3 ECTS · English
- Study Course Title
- Soft Nanomaterials
- Study Course Code
- FiziM052
- Branch of Science
- Physics and astronomy
- Credits (ECTS)
- 3
- Total Number of Contact Hours
- 32
- Number of Lecture Hours
- 28
- Number of Seminar and Practical Assignment Hours
- 4
- Number of Hours for Laboratory Assignments
- 0
- Independent Study Hours
- 43
- Language of Instruction
- English
- Course Approval Date
- 26.01.2026
- Responsible Unit
- Faculty of Science and Technology
Course Developer
PhD Programme(līm.), Jorge Luiz Coelho Domingos
Prerequisite Knowledge
Prerequisite knowledge required for the acquisition of the course corresponds to the study programme admission requirements and the general knowledge, skills and competences obtained at the previous level of education.
Study Course Abstract
The aim of the study course is to establish an understanding about different types of soft nanomaterials, their applications and related theoretical study methods.
Tasks of the course are to:
- Introduce the main classes of soft nanomaterials, their physical properties, and applications.
- Develop understanding of key theoretical concepts and scaling ideas used in soft matter physics.
- Train students in quantitative and conceptual problem-solving in soft matter topics (e.g., Brownian motion, diffusion, basic rheology).
- Develop the ability to read, interpret, and discuss scientific literature in soft matter.
Course Plan — Full-time Regular Studies
| No. | Topic | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction: aim and content of the course. What is soft matter? Types of soft nanomaterials | 3L |
| 2 | Scales in soft matter: energy, time, and length scales. Interactions in soft systems | 3L |
| 3 | Brownian motion and thermal fluctuations. Langevin equation (conceptual and quantitative) | 4L |
| 4 | Colloids: diffusion, Stokes law, stability and effective interactions | 3L |
| 5 | Liquid crystals: nematic order, order parameter, and basic phenomenology | 3L |
| 6 | Complex fluids and rheology: viscoelasticity and basic models | 3L |
| 7 | Microfluidics: low Reynolds number flows and applications | 3L |
| 8 | Magnetic soft matter: dipolar interactions and field-driven behavior | 3L |
| 9 | Active matter: basic concepts and examples (including magnetotactic bacteria) | 3L |
| 10 | Guided discussion of research papers and project preparation | 4S |
| Total | 28L · 4S | |
Characterization of Students' Independent Work Organization and Tasks
During this course students' work will involve:
- Studies of literature and study materials individually or in groups.
- Performing homework individually.
- Getting acquainted with, developing and presenting a project work in groups or individually.
At the beginning of the course students will be introduced to principles of preparing deliverables. Consultations (both remote and in person) will be available for unclear questions.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
- Identifies different types of soft nanomaterials and explains their key physical properties and applications.
Skills
- Applies basic theoretical models and scaling arguments to analyze soft matter systems.
- Solves quantitative and conceptual problems in soft matter topics (diffusion, Brownian motion, basic rheology).
Competence
- Critically reads and discusses research literature in soft matter and connects theoretical ideas with real systems.
Requirements for Awarding Credits
Students may take the final examination only if all interim assessments and other mandatory requirements have been successfully completed (where applicable).
Final grade consists of:
| Component | Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate tests | Homeworks | 50% |
| Final examination | Final project defense by oral presentation | 50% |
Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes
In accordance with Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia, at the end of the course, students' knowledge is evaluated according to the following criteria: the amount and the quality of the obtained knowledge, acquired skills and competence in compliance with the planned learning outcomes.
| Type of Assessment | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homeworks | — | + | + | — |
| Exam | + | — | — | + |
Compulsory Reading List
- Jones, R. A. L., Soft Condensed Matter, Oxford University Press, 2002.
- Doi, M., Soft Matter Physics, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2013.
Further Reading List
- J. K. G. Dhont, An Introduction to Dynamics of Colloids, 1996.
- Tierno, P., Recent advances with anisotropic magnetic colloids: realization, assembly and applications, https://doi.org/10.1039/C4CP03099K.
- Klapp, S. H. L., Collective dynamics of dipolar and active colloids: from passive to active systems, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cocis.2016.01.004.
Periodicals and Other Sources
- Distribution service and an open-access archive for scholarly articles: arXiv.org.
- European Physical Journal E.
- Physical Review E.
- Soft Matter (Royal Society of Chemistry).
Academic Integrity and Generative AI
Plagiarism and other academic misconducts are not permitted within the course; please refer to the Regulations for Academic Integrity at the University of Latvia. Within this course, the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools is allowed in exceptional cases, if it has been specified and authorised in writing by the instructor of this course. In all other cases, submission of materials generated by AI (text, images, audio, video, etc.) in independent and group assignments, test, examination or any other assessment is not permitted. Submission of this type of material will be considered an unauthorised use of aids.
Everton Almeida de FreitasEstudo de sistemas coloidais de partículas magnéticas conduzidas por campos oscilantes
Research projects & collaboration
Selected funded projects
The emphasis is on the scientific question, funding context and collaborative network of each project.
2024–202601
PattSpin
Pattern formation in systems of magnetic spinners
A completed EU-funded project investigating how anisotropy, synchronization and rotating magnetic fields select collective structures.
- Role
- ERA Fellow · Researcher
- Funding
- Horizon Europe · WIDERA
2023–202402
Magnetic spinner patterns
Structural pattern formation in driven magnetic systems
Computational research on emergent patterns and dynamical regimes in field-driven magnetic particle assemblies.
- Role
- Postdoctoral researcher
- Funding
- CNPq · FUNCAP
2019–202203
Multiphase flow in porous media
Numerical simulation of water invasion in production wells
Particle-based modelling of transport and interface dynamics in a project connecting fundamental simulation with an industrial problem.
- Role
- Postdoctoral researcher
- Funding
- PetroGal
Funding & institutional partners
Outreach
Making collective phenomena visible
Self-assembly is a direct way to show how simple microscopic rules can generate rich macroscopic behaviour. I use simulations, figures and accessible explanations to connect soft-matter concepts with materials, transport and living systems.
- Pattern formation
- Magnetic materials
- Active systems
- Scientific computing
Outreach video
What happens when magnetic fields make particles move in synchrony?
A visual introduction to collective organization and synchronization in magnetic particle systems.
Public talks
Space prepared for upcoming talks, lectures and community events.
Visual demonstrations
Space prepared for simulations, animations and hands-on demonstrations.
Open resources
Space prepared for accessible articles, media and teaching resources.
Contact
Research conversations are welcome
For collaborations, seminars, student projects or scientific exchange, contact me by email or through the profiles below.
University emailjorge.coelho@lu.lv
Alternative emailjorgecapuan@fisica.ufc.br
Affiliation
Faculty of Science and Technology · University of Latvia · Riga