Lujian Chen

Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen University

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About

Lujian Chen is pioneering the frontier of responsive biohybrid systems and bioinspired soft robotics, merging living cells with synthetic materials to create machines that mimic nature’s most dynamic behaviors. Their work centers on two transformative areas: living cell-laden hydrogels and light-driven liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuators. In their highly cited 2023 paper, “Living cell‐laden hydrogels,” Chen envisions cells as functional “bricks” for building biohybrid machines, addressing key limitations in artificial systems by leveraging the extracellular matrix’s adaptability—a contribution that has already garnered 34 citations. Chen’s impact extends to bioinspired actuation, demonstrated by a light-controlled soft jumping actuator modeled after the asphondylia insect (16 citations), and a folding LCE catapult that achieves rapid morphing velocities (10 citations). These innovations showcase how photo-mechanical coupling can unlock energy-efficient, high-speed movements for applications in terrain navigation and seed dispersal. By integrating living cells with responsive materials, Chen is redefining what soft robots can achieve, offering a blueprint for future systems that are both efficient and adaptive. Their work stands as a vital resource for researchers exploring the intersection of biology, materials science, and robotics.