The MISE project develops a morphogenetic interfacing material platform based on liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) that can grow into new shapes on demand. These soft materials combine molecular alignment with dynamic bonding and use ring-opening polymerization to enable controlled growth and reprogrammable surface structures. Inspired by biological morphogenesis, the project translates growth principles from living systems into synthetic polymers. The goal is to enable sustainable fabrication of programmable 3D structures and adaptive tactile interfaces. These materials offer new possibilities for recyclable and reconfigurable systems beyond what conventional plastics allow. The research is carried out at Tampere University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, in the Smart Photonic Materials group.

2026

2030