Ling Li , an assistant professor of mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering , has received a National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development CAREER award to support research to study the structural designs and formation mechanisms of biomineralized architected materials .
The $ 520,000 five-year award will support Li ’ s research of the design and formation of biomineralized starfish skeletons .
“ The internal microscopic structures of many biomineral-based structures found in organisms have extremely intricate 3D organizations ,” Li said . “ They show remarkable mechanical strength , durability , and efficiency , despite the fact that they are made of intrinsically brittle minerals and are often highly porous .”
Li ’ s research group focuses on the understanding the mechanical and multifunctional design of a variety of biological materials , such as low-density biological porous structures and tough biocomposites . His research also aims to develop new materials by utilizing the design strategies learned from biological material systems . For example , his group recently developed a chiton mollusk-inspired armor that provides simultaneous mechanical protection and flexibility .
“ Currently , we have limited knowledge in explaining how biominerals ’ complex 3D microstructures are controlled and how they are related to their mechanical properties . By using the biomineralized skeleton in a starfish as a model system , we aim to quantitatively characterize its 3D network-like microstructure , the underlying formation mechanisms as well as its mechanical significance ,” he said .
Ling Li holds a pencil sea urchin in the Laboratory of Biological and Bio-inspired Materials .
Starfish skeletons contain hundreds of millimeter-sized mineralized elements known as ossicles , which are embedded within the soft body of the starfish . This skeletal design allows the starfish to be flexible in motion and stiff when required .
“ Ossicles are characterized by their lattice-like porous microstructure , which is based on a single-crystalline calcite , which makes them lightweight , strong , and damage tolerant ,” Li said . “ The new knowledge gained from this study will provide us better understanding of the 3D structural evolution processes for echinoderms , or possibly even other invertebrate and vertebrate biomineralized tissues .”
Li said the work will provide lessons on the design and fabrication of synthetic low-density materials .
In addition to the CAREER Award , Li received the 2018 Air Force Office of Research Young Faculty Award , the 2019 MIT Technology Review TR35 China Award , and the 2019 College of Engineering Dean ’ s Award for Outstanding New Assistant Professor .
VIRGINIA TECH MECHANICAL ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT • 2019-2020 • SUPERLATIVES 59