INS4-1206
Bio-Interfacing Strategies for Plant–Hydrogel Engineered Living Materials
Topic
S4. Colloids, Interfaces, and Molecular Assemblies for Functional Soft Materials
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
11:35 - 11:50
Room 106
Session Chairs
Sangchul ROH
Presenter(s)
Jinhye Bae (Chung-Ang University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
The integration of synthetic polymers with plant systems requires overcoming interfacial challenges across diverse topologies and scales to create functional bio-hybrids. We present advanced interfacing strategies for creating responsive Engineered Living Materials (ELMs) by bridging functional hydrogels with decellularized plant scaffolds and living plants. To seamlessly interface synthetic materials with living plants, we developed a strong, reversible, and conformal adhesive gel composite. Consisting of a biopolymer capable of dynamic covalent bonding and an adaptable hydrogel network, this adhesive exhibits exceptional conformability and an order-of-magnitude higher adhesion strength on both hairy and non-hairy plant surfaces compared to conventional noninvasive alternatives. This transparent and biocompatible platform enables localized, sustained cargo delivery into plant tissues for precision treatment and facilitates stable electrical coupling for remote plant actuation and human–plant interactions.
