Topological transformation of cellular microstructures

Last updated on Jun 12, 2026
Image credit: Nature

Cellular microstructures can undergo large, reversible topological transformations when coupled with liquid-mediated mechanical instabilities. This project explores how surface forces, geometry, and elastic deformation can be harnessed to reconfigure microscale architectures in response to environmental cues.

By programming the geometry and interactions of cellular structures, liquid-induced transformations provide a route toward adaptive materials with switchable porosity, tunable mechanics, and reconfigurable surface properties.

cellular microstructures topological transformation responsive materials soft materials
Soft Responsive Materials Laboratory (SRM-Lab)

My research focuses on developing new stimuli-responsive polymeric microstructured surfaces and microactuators—leveraging fundamental principles of polymer science, chemical synthesis, mechanics, and advanced nano/microfabrication techniques—for applications in miniaturized soft robotics as well as optical and mechanical meta-devices.