Project Grant 2215605

This three-year, $1,031,012 National Science Foundation project grant supports research at the University of Chicago to develop active adaptive materials inspired by cell mechanics. The goal is to elucidate design principles for soft biomolecular materials whose actuation and shape are reprogrammable, similar to how actin cytoskeleton networks control cell shape and locomotion. Researchers will reconstitute cytoskeleton-like composite networks in vitro and optimize molecular engineering approaches to control their rheological response and force generation capabilities. Specific objectives include demonstrating control over "training rules" in active materials, realizing feedback between actuation and material response, and generating programmable morphogenetic materials. Findings could enable new soft materials with sensing, actuation and shape-shifting functions applicable to microscale soft robotics and biomedical areas. The research aligns with the goals of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program within the National Science Foundation to strengthen the scientific enterprise through increasing fundamental knowledge in these fields.