Research
Structure-Function Relationships in Biological Exoskeletons
Arthropod exoskeletons achieve exceptional combinations of strength, toughness, and adaptability. While hierarchical organization, Bouligand architectures, and compliant interfaces are known contributors, the structural and chemical strategies that resolve trade-offs between stiffness and toughness across scales remain poorly understood.
We investigate how structure and composition interact to govern mechanical behavior in these biological systems. We identify how architecture and chemistry contribute to damage resistance and mechanical efficiency by using multiscale mechanical testing, high-resolution imaging, and spectroscopy, among others.
To isolate and test these principles, we combine ex-vivo analysis of natural specimens with multiscale 3D printing of physical models. This integrated approach allows us to connect form and composition to function, advancing the understanding of biological toughening mechanisms and guiding the design of robust, bioinspired materials.
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Bioinspired Architected Materials
Biological materials achieve extraordinary multifunctionality through hierarchical organization, strategically combining architecture and composition across length scales. We utilize additive manufacturing as a high-resolution, bottom-up tool to investigate how these natural design motifs can be internalized within synthetic material systems. Our research focuses on the fundamental interplay between material chemistry, print-path topology, and geometric architecture to govern emergent mechanical behavior.
By developing multi-material printable composites, we explore the role of complex configurations—such as helicoidal patterns, gradient interfaces, and cellular lattices—in managing stress distribution and energy dissipation. We integrate advanced fabrication with in-situ characterization, including rheology, micromechanical testing, and high-resolution imaging, to decouple the effects of chemistry and architecture. This systematic approach allows us to decipher the underlying principles of structural efficiency and adaptability, providing a scientific framework for creating the next generation of robust, bio-analogous matter.
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Sustainable and Living Matter
Biological and bio-based materials offer unique opportunities for sustainable and adaptive material design. We investigate how composition, microstructure, and processing affect the mechanical and functional behavior of materials derived from biomass, including biopolymers, algae-based composites, and emerging living systems.
Our work focuses on understanding structure–property relationships in bio-based materials to enhance mechanical performance, biodegradability, and multifunctionality. We explore how molecular interactions, dehydration, and material geometry influence performance across scales.
To fabricate and evaluate these systems, we combine 3D printing with rheology, spectroscopy, microscopy, and thermal analysis. For structural living materials, we are developing printable platforms that integrate biological activity with material function. This line of research fundamentally expands the conceptual framework of bioinspired design, opening new avenues for understanding sustainable and dynamic material platforms.
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