THE POWER OF SILK FIORENZO OMENETTO
Professor Omenetto runs the Silklab—an applied biomaterials science laboratory that builds on the world-class biomaterials expertise resident at Tufts. This laboratory has deep roots in photonics nanotechnology and materials science and is a highly interdisciplinary research space. The core goal of the laboratory’s activities is to provide innovation for new advanced material processing and manufacturing, based on sustainable carbon-neutral technologies like silk. These “living materials” will redefine applications in medicine, food safety, sustainable manufacturing and technology. The lab’s research has been covered in multiple media outlets worldwide with results encompassing edible electronics, implantable wireless therapy, bioinspired architectures, photonic chemotherapy, natural fuel cells, brain interfaces, and food preservation. The laboratory brings together researchers from multiple fields that share the common goal of making a difference.
DEVELOPING RECYCLABLE ELECTROLYTES FOR BATTERIES MATTHEW PANZER
Associate Professor, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering What do cell phones, hybrid/electric cars, and an increasing deployment of wind/solar electricity generation technologies have in common? They all highlight the critical need to develop reliable, safe, and efficient electrical energy storage devices across a wide range of sizes. Professor Panzer’s research group has been actively exploring the use of room temperature molten salts, also known as ionic liquids, to serve as safe, stable, and recyclable electrolytes for next-generation supercapacitors and batteries. They are currently focused on the development of leakproof gel electrolytes that feature ionic liquids, as well as understanding the various chemical interactions within these materials that may be used to enhance and tune their ionic transport properties.
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LAB PHOTO BY KATHLEEN DOOHER; ISLAM PHOTO BY KELVIN MA/TUFTS UNIVERSITY; DEBARI PHOTO BY ALONSO NICHOLS/TUFTS UNIVERSITY
Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Dean for Research, School of Engineering