As emerging interdisciplinary fields, mechanochemistry and mechanobiology aim to elucidate mechanical force-mediated chemical transformations and life regulation mechanisms. Distinct from traditional energy forms (thermal, optical, electrical) and reaction conditions, mechanical forces leverage their vectorial characteristics and dynamically tunable nature to precisely control reaction pathways, kinetics, and product selectivity. In living systems, mechanical forces drive conformational changes in biomacromolecules and mechanochemical-biological reactions, orchestrating core cellular activities—including differentiation, migration, and proliferation—thereby serving as a key physical driver that "sculpts life." Aiming to address the fundamental question of "how cells sense mechanical forces (mechanosensing), transduce force signals (mechanotransduction), and adapt to mechanical microenvironments to remodel cells and tissues (mechanoresponse)", our laboratory focuses on developing multiscale (single molecule-single cell-tissue), dynamic in-situ, and spatiotemporally resolved mechanical measurement and manipulation technologies. These advancements enable systematic investigation of the physicochemical mechanisms underlying mechanobiology, unraveling the intrinsic principles of "how forces sculpt life." Building on this foundation, we integrate AI-driven prediction models, protein design, and force-responsive polymeric materials to pioneer mechanical programming strategies for molecules, cells, and tissue-engineered constructs.

Speaker

A/Prof. Wenmao Huang

School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, SJTU

Time

 2025.4.30 12:00-13:30