The Ke research group aims to mimic the design principles of natural materials and to develop the next generation of artificial materials that possess sophisticated molecular features and hierarchy, multifunctionality, and chemical/mechanical stimuli-responsiveness. My research program is subdivided into three major thrusts:
Thrust 1 centers on the integration of three-dimensional (3D)-printing techniques with molecular design to develop stimuli-responsive 3D-printing hydrogels for soft robotics and tissue regenerations.
Thrust 2 weds the concepts of supramolecular self-assembly with crystal engineering to design a new family of porous organic materials with unique elastic properties. These light-weight, durable, and porous scaffolds can be used for water purification and petrochemical separations.
Thrust 3 aims to develop a Ca2+-dependent carbohydrate binding protein analog (synthetic C-type lectins) to bind mono- and oligo-saccharides.