The unique structures and functions of biological materials arise from the unique processes of patterning and rearrangement they employ – namely morphogenesis. Esser-Kahn seeks to mimic the structures formed by biological systems by mimicking the process which forms them. He will detail his initial efforts to develop a simple synthetic morphogenetic system that repatterns microvascular materials using dynamic covalent chemistry of siloxanes.
One hallmark of morphogenetic systems is adaptation and improvement of the materials properties. Esser-Kahn will demonstrate that his synthetic system improves the function of materials by altering microstructure.