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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Orientational Transition in a Liquid Crystal Triggered by the Thermodynamic Growth of Interfacial Wetting Sheets

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Published on: May 15, 2017

Liquid-induced topological transformations of cellular microstructures.

Shucong Li¹, Bolei Deng², Alison Grinthal²

¹Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.

|April 15, 2021

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a new method to reversibly transform cellular material topology using liquids. This technique enables dynamic control over material properties and applications like information encryption and selective particle trapping.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Soft Matter Physics
Engineering

Background:

Cellular material topology significantly impacts physical and transport properties.
Existing methods alter shape but not fundamental connectivity.
Topological transformation requires complex material reorganization, especially at nodes.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce a novel strategy for reversible topological transformation in cellular microstructures.
To enable systematic changes in connectivity across diverse materials and geometries.
To develop dynamic cellular structures with tunable properties and functionalities.

Main Methods:

A two-tiered dynamic strategy involving liquid infiltration and capillary forces.
Material plasticization at the molecular scale followed by architectural-scale reorganization.
Controlled evaporation and re-application of liquids for reversibility and temporal control.

Main Results:

Demonstrated systematic reversible topological transformations in various lattice geometries and responsive materials.
Developed a generalized theoretical model linking geometry, stiffness, and capillary forces.
Created active surfaces for information encryption, particle trapping, and bubble release.

Conclusions:

The proposed method allows for unprecedented control over cellular material topology.
Dynamic topologies offer new avenues for designing materials with tunable mechanical, chemical, and acoustic properties.
This approach has potential applications in advanced manufacturing and functional surfaces.