Artificial Actuators: Nature’s programmed self-assembly into hierarchic structures inspired us to explore genetic engineering to design, modify, and assemble artificial proteins as building blocks in constructing supramolecular structures. Designed proteins will be prepared by bacterial synthesis with artificial genes and modified with synthetic actuating groups. Directed assembly of the resulting functional units into ordered structures is the last step toward artificial muscle-like materials.
Biosensors: Sensitivity and selectivity are the most important parameters of a sensor. Nature provides high fidelity in biosynthesis. The unique combination of this specificity of the bio-system and the tunable properties of synthetic polymers would be a promising direction toward molecular sensors with high selectivity and sensitivity. We are developing molecular biosensors through bio-/synthetic hybrid systems.
Photovoltaic Cells: Much effort has been made to convert abundant solar energy into useful electricity. The solar cells made of inorganic semiconductors require stringent manufacturing processes and high cost that are not suitable for large area application. Conjugated polymer (CP)-based solar cells are attractive alternatives due to easy processibility and the tunable optoelectronic properties. Hybrid composites of conjugated block copolymers and inorganic nanoparticles are currently under investigation.