Aggregation phenomena in lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals

We study the aggregation phenomenon in lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals as molecular concentration changes and condensing agents are added into system. Using properties of critical points Oseen-Frank energy a nematic crystal, combined with geometric constraints hexagonal columnar phases, we show that minimizers total topologically equivalent to tori, agreement available experimental evidence on DNA condensates, viral capsids well free solution. model system bi-phasic, consisting crystal molecules water, postulate sum Flory-Huggins mixing together bending surface tension contributions crystal. Two types problems considered, one related finding optimal shape torus, once phase separation has occurred, second models conditions leading aggregation. This work follows recent investigations, but without addressing topological toroidal nuclei observed focusing how order competes phenomenon.