Biological systems operate under out-of-equilibrium conditions, where homeostatic environment and feedback controls facilitate complex responses. Despite recent progresses in bio-inspired artificial systems, there generally lacks engineered complex feedback mechanisms to allow versatile responses. Herein, I propose constructing new types of feedback networks by engineering the properties of hydrogels. The research will synthesize new types of hydrogels, develop optically driven feedback networks, and carry out numerical simulations at Aalto University in Finland. Realization of the project objectives will narrow the knowledge gap between biological and artificial systems and pave the way for the next generation of adaptive, self-regulated, and autonomous materials.

2024

2025