A team from the Moore lab presents a systematic workflow aimed at facilitating the design and discovery of new mechanophores. By integrating the classic iso-metrical CoGEF approach with the iso-tensional Tension Model of Bond Activation (TMBA) simulation, the workflow enables comprehensive evaluation of mechanophore candidates prior to experimental implementation for efficient identification and filtering away of unexpected issues while providing insights for potential structural optimization. Article Link

A team from the Steinmetz lab developed a viral NanoSponge formulation that enables the noncovalent loading of agrochemicals but prevents premature release through metal–phenolic network (MPN) coatings. The NanoSponge platform represents a sustainable and effective strategy for precision farming, effectively addressing deep soil pests. Article Link

The NSF Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure has awarded Prof. Heather Kulik a new allocation for the project "Developing Accurate Materials Design Strategies Across Method- and Length-Scales". That project has been awarded an allocation on the following resources: SDSC Expanse Projects Storage: 27,000.0 GB SDSC Expanse GPU: 33,089.0 GPU Hours SDSC Expanse CPU: 7,000,000.0 Core-hours Based on cost estimates provided by the resource providers, the allocation of resources awarded to this project would represent approximately $53,658 in support. Congratulations Heather and good luck with the project!

A team from the Olsen and Rubinstein labs, in collaboration with others at University of Campinas and University of South Florida, extend BigSMILES to accommodate nonatomic particles, enabling it to represent coarse-grained models of polymers in a manner directly analogous to atomic structures. The new syntax coarse-grained BigSMILES (CG-BigSMILES) combines a layer-based annotation with linking to force field files to capture both chemical structures and interacting potentials. Article Link

A team from the Olvera de la Cruz and Campos labs develop a mean-field framework that connects microscopic bond reactions and molecular packing-induced conformational changes to macroscopic elastic behavior. The work provides a predictive platform for designing responsive and adaptive polymer networks with tailored properties. Article Link

A team from the Craig , Rubinstein , Sottos , and Gong labs report the impact of fused ring size in bicyclic cyclobutane mechanophores within the strands of polymer network gels. They observe the first evidence of covalent reactive strand extension (RSE) effects in a single-network gel, and strands with greater RSE lead to gels with greater stretchability and toughness. Article Link

A team from the Kulik and Craig labs report the computational, machine learning guided discovery of synthesizable ferrocene mechanophores. The work establishes a generalizable framework for the high-throughput discovery and rational design of mechanophores and offers insights into structure–activity relationships in mechanically responsive materials. Article Link

A team from the Kalow and Olvera de la Cruz labs establish rheological isotope effects (RIEs) as a new tool for studying dynamic covalent exchange in bulk networks. RIEs present new opportunities to study mechanisms of exchange in bulk networks, deconvolute modes of stress relaxation in complex CANs, and provide insight into the impact of defects on viscoelasticity. Article Link

Shixuan has successfully defended his thesis, "Visible-Light-Activated Photopolymerization and Dynamic Covalent Chemistry for Adaptive Materials". Congratulations Dr. Wei!

The GRFP provides stipend and tuition support for a three-year period to individuals who have demonstrated their potent Congratulations Jolly!

Grace has successfully defended her thesis, "Network Toughening Strategies: Interplay of Mechanophore Reactivity, Polymer Chemistry and Network Topology". Congratulations Dr. Yao!

MONET hosted an industry career with our trainees and industrial partners. Topics covered include: What does it take to bridge academic research and real-world impact? How are technical skills in academia translated into a rewarding industry career? What was the most significant change in the way you do research (academia vs. industry)? What was (or was not) effective in your job search process? How to maintain professional network connections beyond the initial meeting? How do you anticipate AI changing the field? How has your work-life balance changed from academia to industry?