# Collaborative Research: Integrated Design Optimization for Multifunctional Hydrogel Synthesis and Additive Manufacturing

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Arizona State University (AZ) · $250,000

## Abstract

Hydrogels have great potential for applications in healthcare, robotics, and more. Additive manufacturing of hydrogel enables building 3D objects with sophisticated structures. However, a key challenge is the lack of cost-efficient methodologies for designing the hydrogel synthesis and printing processes together to achieve desired product performance. This award enables research in creating hydrogels with customized features tailored for distinct applications with lower cost, reducing the cost of additive-manufactured hydrogel products. If successful, the outcomes of this research are expected to shorten the design cycle of new materials and processes and facilitate wide utilization and rapid scale-up to industry.

This research aims to develop a unique analytical design framework, consisting of (a) interpretable and efficient uncertainty quantification models that adaptively accommodate the model complexity and (b) a unique decision algorithm for the multistage experiments that simultaneously decides the next experimental operation and the volume of material, in order to make diverse products achieving multiple targeted functionalities. Additionally, the experimental platform, dynamic-fluid-assisted micro-continuous liquid interface printing (DF-μCLIP), offers a dedicated “hardware in the loop” system that synergizes in-situ hydrogel synthesis and printing for implementing the design optimization procedure. The resulting integrated material discovery and manufacturing pla

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2501476
- **Awardee organization:** Arizona State University (AZ)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NTLHJXM55KZ6
- **PI:** Xiangfan Chen
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** MATERIALS DESIGN, SIMULATION MODELS, STATISTICS, Advanced Manufacturing
- **Estimated total:** $250,000
- **Funds obligated:** $250,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2501476

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2501476, Collaborative Research: Integrated Design Optimization for Multifunctional Hydrogel Synthesis and Additive Manufacturing. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2501476. Licensed CC0.

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