We will develop shape-morphing materials with a hierarchical architecture of liquid crystal polymer shells that contain either a bubble of gas or a droplet of liquid, and that respond to light with complex shape transformation. The polymer shells will incorporate molecular motors or switches covalently in their design, as means to convert light into molecular movement and hence into deformation of the shells. Shape transformations of individual shells will be transmitted at a higher hierarchical level by promoting cohesion between the shells, while keeping an eye on their functional integrity. The cohesive networks that will be formed will display tissue-like shape-transformation in response to illumination. The specific goals of the research program are: i) To build a library of shape-shifting shells of liquid crystal polymers that respond to light with pre-programmed, anisotropic and reversible shape changes, because they incorporate molecular motors and switches in their design. These objects will be produced in microfluidic systems to optimize control over molecular orientation and to ensure low size dispersion. ii) To assemble the bubbles and shells into macroscopic architectures, in which inter-shell adhesion will be of primary importance to allow for amplification of a cohesive motion, from the shape-shifting units up to the whole material. We will use either entropic adhesion or multivalent interactions to promote adhesion between liquid crystal polymer networks. The research builds on the track record of Katsonis in designing molecular materials operated by the collective action of molecular motors and switches, including in droplets of liquid crystals – both considered as isolated units (Nature Commun. 2016) and after incorporation into networks (Sci. Rep. 2015). The proposal is further supported by active collaborations covering synthetic organic chemistry, multivalent interactions and non-conventional microfluidic systems. The shape-morphing materials developed in the course of this research will both embody and promote new engineering principles for adaptive matter. Ultimately, these tissue-like materials will also provide new insights into the interplay between cell shapes, cell deformation and emergent properties in tissues.

Removing layers such as coatings, graffities, or (bio)fouling from surfaces is challenging because these layers by design adhere well and withstand external stimuli. New (chemical) solutions for on-demand delamination of such layers would bring the coating industry closer to circularity and enable easy to clean and safer surfaces for public spaces as well as water and sewage systems.

Het doel van dit project is om de betrokkenheid en het leerproces van studenten in een inleidende scheikundecursus te verbeteren door twee verschillende groepsactiviteiten. Het maken van puzzels en het oplossen van complexe problemen in kleine studentengroepen wordt vergeleken over een periode van 8 weken. Verwachte resultaten zijn onder andere een verbeterde onderlinge betrokkenheid bij het maken van puzzels bij vergelijkbare eindexamencijfers. De studie gebruikt gemengde methoden en het onderwijzend personeel krijgt training om goede ondersteuning te garanderen. Het onderzoek zal waardevolle inzichten opleveren in het optimaliseren van de ervaringen van studenten in exacte vakken.

Identifying with course content requires students to feel engaged and represented. Traditional science curricula are too often not inclusive enough, discouraging students from contributing their diverse backgrounds to their learning environment. In this project, we create portraits of underrepresented chemists and combine them with diversified chemistry escape games in the context of a basic chemistry course. Inclusivity and learning are thus tackled synergistically, providing students a safe and playful environment to deepen their chemistry knowledge and identify with role models, while learning to work together and appreciate contributions from chemists of different (often neglected) backgrounds.

The origin of life is one of sciences greatest unsolved puzzles. Several theories exist, but there is no consensus. PRELIFE is built on an interdisciplinary approach in which astronomy, biology. chemistry, computer science, earth and planetary sciences, education science, mathematics, and physics work together on the question How and under what conditions did life arise on Earth, and how common are these conditions in the universe? We aim to involve everyone interested in our research through the development of a teaching methodology, lessons for primary and secondary schools, collaborations with artists and museums.