You-Lo Hsieh

Cellulose innovations: from nanoscale to novel functions   University of California, Davis, United States of America

Biography

You-Lo Hsieh is a Distinguished Professor at the University of California, Davis. Professor Hsieh’s research integrates polymer chemistry with materials engineering to develop sustainable strategies for generating bio-nanomaterials and to create 1D to 3D advanced functional materials, including hierarchical and hybrid nanofibers, micro-/meso-porous fibers, thin films, and network structures such as hydrogels, aerogels and membranes. These approaches expand soft material potentials to create novel structures, foundation nanomaterials and biological nanomaterial innovations. Professor Hsieh champions sustainable materials research and interdisciplinary initiatives and has promoted early outreach in the STEM fields, sponsored students in national and international competitions as well as initiated established international exchange programs. Professor Hsieh has mentored graduate students and researchers in disciplines and programs such as biotechnology, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, forensic science, and textiles as well as undergraduates across colleges. Professionally, Professor Hsieh has served on journal editorial boards, federal grant panels, and professional organizations, such as American Chemical Society, the Fiber Society, and international nanomaterials scientific communities as well as in leadership roles at the university.

Abstract

Biological materials are synthesized by living organisms in a variety of sophisticated structures for unique functions that has also served as inspirations for advanced materials. Material development and generation from biomass is envisioned to take advantages of these unique structural attributes while weighing in ways to overcome processing challenges. This paper highlights diverse green chemistry and engineering approaches to generate 1 D nanocelluloses to 3 D hierarchical functional materials from nature’s most abundant and renewable polymer. Biological nanomaterial innovations can offer versatile solutions to meet future demand in advanced fibrous and functional materials while reduce demand on fossil fuel resources and minimize negative environmental impact from our food and energy systems.