Abstract: The advent of programmable polymer self-assembly has unlocked new possibilities for engineering materials with unprecedented precision and functionality. In this seminar, I will present both my previous and ongoing research into developing methodologies for the programmable assembly of functional polymeric materials.

I will introduce a suite of polymer self-assembly techniques we developed to precisely engineer polymer nanoparticles, enabling the direct formation of 3D nanostructures in water. These nanostructures can be tailored with diverse morphologies and surface functionalities, offering a powerful and efficient approach to creating materials for various biological applications. This includes antiviral coatings effective against SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens, as well as nanoparticles designed for drug and vaccine delivery.

Furthermore, I will highlight a novel 3D printing method that merges self-assembly with additive manufacturing. This method allows for material programming at both the nano- and macro-scale, producing versatile nanostructured 3D printed objects. Applications of this technique range from multi-materials with enhanced mechanical properties and mechanically robust solid polymer electrolytes to customized nanoporous inorganic materials.