Research
Our research focuses on soft material systems with the goal to create the next generation of soft systems via advanced engineering fabrication methods, soft material manufacturing and bioinspired architectural designs. We envision our efforts tackling numerous long-standing challenges in human-machine interfaces and bringing new innovations to soft material science, healthcare, robotics and far beyond.
Research Focus
Soft material fabrication
With the aim to endow soft materials with unique functionalities for practical applications, we are developing / leveraging novel fabrication methods (e.g., 3D printing, direct ink writing, embedded printing, electrospinning, sacrificial porogens) to create soft material systems with hierarchical architecture that spans across multiple length scales.
Structural material designs
Many natural materials feature a unique combination of mechanical properties. We learn lessons from nature to create soft materials with unique mechanical properties that cannot be found in conventional man-made materials, in an effort to widen the applications of soft materials.
Soft and flexible devices
We aim to translate our research, enabling a solution for soft human-machine interfacing applications. Our lab is also collaborating with experts in flexible electronics for research translation.
Available projects for MSc in Electromechanical Engineering, MSc in Robotics and Autonomous systems
- Development of 3D printers for soft material fabrication
- 3D printing of eco-friendly cellulose-based inks with structural colour
- Fabrication of soft material constructs with tissue-like mechanical properties
Please contact Dr Iek Man Lei for more details.
Acknowledgments
We thank the support from University of Macau and the funding agencies listed below that make our research possible.
2024 - 2025
Multi-Year Research Grant, University of Macau (MOP 558,600)
2023 - 2026
General Scientific Research Funding, Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT), Macau (MOP 1,342,000)
2022 - 2025
Start-up Research Grant, University of Macau (MOP 150,000)
Soft Matter Engineering Laboratory
E11 - 2031
Faculty of Science and Technology
University of Macau
Avenida da Universidade
Taipa, Macau, China
Dr. Iek Man Lei
Email: ieklei@um.edu.mo
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