(#First author, †Corresponding author)
2025
Mechanically-compliant magnetoelectric sutures for spatiotemporally programmable wound management
Yi Yang, Ping Wen, Xingmei Chen, Yafei Wang, Shenglong Zhu, Zhipeng Ni, Lingfeng Yuan, Liangjie Shan, Pei Zhang, Pujing Shi, Boyuan Huang, Wenwen Liu, Yuewen Zhang, Ziyi Yu, Ji Liu
Advanced Functional Materials, 2025, 2510353 Journal
We developed magnetoelectric sutures by embedding core-shell magnetoelectric nanoparticles in a piezoelectric P(VDF-TrFE) matrix, enabling on-demand wireless electrical stimulation via magnetic fields. The polyzwitterionic hydrogel coating ensures mechanical compliance (Young’s modulus ≈2.1 kPa, matching human skin) while the magneto-mechano-electric cascade generates programmable electric outputs (peak ≈4.8 V/cm). In vivo tests demonstrate a 40% faster wound closure versus conventional sutures.
Conductive hydrogels with topographical geometry and mechanical robustness for enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration
Yinghui Feng, Liangjie Shan, Yafei Wang, Xingmei Chen, Chang Wang, Ji Liu
ACS Nano, 2025, 19(4), 1234-1245 Journal
Fatigue-resistant conductive hydrogel nerve conduits (PVA/PEDOT:PSS) combine topological alignment (>500 S/m conductivity), mechanical robustness (500 J/m² fatigue threshold), and enhanced bioelectrical transmission for peripheral nerve regeneration, achieving 89% functional recovery in rat sciatic nerve models.
Towards ultrastretchability, multimodal instability, and static nonreciprocity in kirigami metamaterials
Yafei Wang, Mingchao Liu, Pooya Sareh, Ji Liu, Weicheng Huang
Soft Science, 2025, 5(2): 19 Journal
Kirigami metamaterials, known for their softness, lightness, and stretchability, face challenges in mechanical modeling due to instability and the failure of rigid-body assumptions. This review highlights the need for flexible tensile models and high-curvature designs, and introduces static nonreciprocity as a promising framework to capture their nonlinear, multistable, and asymmetric behavior, paving the way for applications in soft robotics and flexible electronics.
Coupled magneto-mechanical growth in hyperelastic materials：Surface patterns modulation and shape control in bio-inspired structures
Zhanfeng Li, Yafei Wang, Zuodong Wang, Chennakesava Kadapa, Mokarram Hossain, Xiaohu Yao, Jiong Wang
Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 2024, 200, 106089 Journal
This paper explores coupled magneto-mechanical growth in hyperelastic materials, focusing on surface pattern modulation and shape control for bio-inspired structures with potential applications in adaptive materials and structures.
Conducting hydrogel-based neural biointerfacing technologies
Pei Zhang, Yifan Yang, Zhaobo Li, Yu Xue, Fucheng Wang, Liangjie Shan, Yafei Wang, Xuetao Shi, Kai Wu, Ji Liu
Advanced Functional Materials, 2025, 2422869 Journal
This paper discusses conducting hydrogel-based neural biointerfacing technologies, focusing on their potential applications and challenges in neuroscience and biomedical fields.
Dynamic instability in curved beams
Yafei Wang, Wei Zhao, Yunce Zhang, Yangkun Du, Qiang Tao, Changguo Wang
Chinese Journal of Applied Mechanics, 2025, 42(1), 17-28 Journal
This study shows that dynamic instability and strength degradation in curved beams are mainly influenced by initial height and lateral pulse velocity, with minimal impact from viscous damping.
Biodegradable power sources for transient bioelectronics
Li Dong, Liangjie Shan, Yafei Wang, Ji Liu
Supramolecular Materials, 2024, 4(1), 100082 Journal
Biodegradable power sources provide temporary energy for implantable bioelectronics through storage, harvesting, and transfer, with future research focusing on improving biocompatibility, energy density, and degradation control.
2024
Electroactive differential growth and delayed instability in accelerated healing tissues
Yafei Wang, Zhanfeng Li, Xingmei Chen, Yun Tan, Fucheng Wang, Yangkun Du, Yunce Zhang, Yipin Su, Fan Xu, Changguo Wang, Weiqiu Chen, Ji Liu
Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 2024, 105867 Journal
This paper explores electroactive differential growth and delayed instability in accelerated healing tissues, with an emphasis on their mechanical and biological implications in tissue engineering.
Bioinspired multiscale regulation for hydrogels with superior mechanics
Yinghui Feng, Yafei Wang, Chaoji Chen, Zhaohui Wang, Ji Liu
The Innovation Materials, 2024, 100105 Journal
This paper investigates bioinspired multiscale regulation techniques for hydrogels, focusing on their superior mechanical properties and potential applications in material science and engineering.
Hierarchically-structured and mechanically-robust hydrogel electrolytes for flexible zinc-iodine batteries
Yun Tan, Ruixi Liao, Yongbiao Mu, Li Dong, Xingmei Chen, Yu Xue, Ziman Zheng, Fucheng Wang, Zhipeng Ni, Jin Guo, Huicun Gu, Yafei Wang, Zongbao Wang, Lin Zeng†, Ji Liu
Advanced Functional Materials, 2024, 2470265 Journal
This paper presents a study on hierarchically-structured and mechanically-robust hydrogel electrolytes, aimed at improving the performance of flexible zinc-iodine batteries, with potential applications in energy storage systems.
Polyurethane vitrimers engineered with nitrogen-coordinating cyclic-boronic-diester bonds for sustainable bioelectronics
Yue Tao, Yu Xue, Fucheng Wang, Liangjie Shan, Zhipeng Ni, Yunting Lan, Pei Zhang, Yafei Wang, Ji Liu
Small, 2024, 2408557 Journal
This paper reports the design of recyclable polyurethane vitrimers engineered with internal nitrogen-coordinating cyclic-boronic-diester bonds, demonstrating their performance as sustainable flexible bioelectronics substrates and their closed-loop recyclability.
Sustainable three-dimensional printing of waste paper-based functional materials and constructs
Chengcheng Cai, Pei Zhang, Yafei Wang, Yun Tan, Iek Man Lei, Ben Bin Xu, Ji Liu
Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials, 2024, 7(5), 156 Journal
We present a low-cost strategy harnessing waste paper as feedstock to develop sustainable 3D printing inks that offer remarkable printability, circular utilization of biodegradable wastes to produce mechanically robust constructs, and efficient recyclability for reprinting.
Self-growing hydrogel bioadhesives for chronic wound management
Ziman Zheng#, Xingmei Chen#, Yafei Wang#, Ping Wen, Qingfang Duan, Pei Zhang, Liangjie Shan, Zhipeng Ni, Yinghui Feng, Yu Xue, Xing Li, Lin Zhang, Ji Liu
Advanced Materials, 2024, 36(41), e2408538 Journal
We developed a self-growing hydrogel bioadhesive patch that instantaneously adheres to biological tissues and progressively strengthens over 120 h to mechanically contract chronic wounds and enhance healing efficacy.
Wireless bioelectronics for in vivo pressure monitoring with mechanically-compliant hydrogel biointerfaces
Jingsen Lin, Xingmei Chen, Pei Zhang, Yu Xue, Yinghui Feng, Zhipeng Ni, Yue Tao, Yafei Wang, Ji Liu
Advanced Materials, 2024, 36(26), e2400181 Journal
We developed a wireless hydrogel biointerface enabling in vivo pressure monitoring via inductively powered sensors, demonstrating stable adhesion and accurate intracranial pressure measurements in rats.
Deep learning of buckling instability in geometrically symmetry-breaking kirigami
Yunce Zhang, Yafei Wang†, Qiang Tao, Yuanpeng Liu, Changguo Wang
International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2024, 280, 109331 Journal
This paper investigates deep learning approaches to characterize buckling instability in geometrically symmetry-breaking kirigami, employing neural networks to classify buckling modes and predict instability thresholds accurately.
2023
Strain stiffening retards growth instability in residually stressed biological tissues
Yafei Wang, Yangkun Du, Fan Xu
Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, 2023, 178, 105360 Journal
This study examines how strain-stiffening in biological tissues influences growth and remodeling, particularly in airways. Using a growing tubular structure with collagen-induced strain-stiffening, the research incorporates the nonlinear hyperelastic Gent model and initial stress symmetry theory. Results show that strain-stiffening delays growth instability at moderate strains and prevents it at low strains, maintaining stable epithelial tissue. These findings suggest that strain-stiffening can slow instability in biological growth and remodeling, with implications for clinical interventions in chronic inflammatory airway diseases.
Substantial curvature effects on compliant serpentine mechanics
Yafei Wang, Wei Zhao, Yangkun Du, Zhijun Dai, Yanju Liu, Fan Xu
Mechanics of Materials, 2023, 184, 104732 Journal
We present a novel large-curvature beam model for non-buckling serpentine interconnects, derive analytical solutions, and validate them experimentally and numerically to elucidate how geometry regulates stretchability and identify arc angles causing abnormal mechanical behavior.
Smart helical swimmer：Nested and uncoiled designs
Zeyi Zhang, Zhibo Song, Yafei Wang, Changguo Wang
International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2023, 242, 107996 Journal
We design smart helical swimmers with nested and uncoiled temperature-sensitive geometries to regulate propulsion velocity at low Reynolds number, validated through theoretical modeling and experiments for biomedical applications.
2022
Anomalous wrinkle propagation in polycrystalline graphene with tilt grain boundaries
Zihui Zhao#, Yafei Wang#, Changguo Wang
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2023, 25, 3681-3694 Journal
We perform molecular dynamics simulations on polycrystalline graphene with tilt grain boundaries to uncover how misorientation angle and wrinkle parameters govern anomalous wrinkle propagation and energy conversion.
Flexible kirigami with local cylindrical shell design for stretchable microstrip antenna
Ji Zhang, Lamei Zhang, Yafei Wang, Youshan Wang, Changguo Wang
Composite Structures, 2022, 296, 115879 Journal
We propose a flexible kirigami structure integrating rotating rigid squares with local cylindrical shells to enhance deployable microstrip antenna flexibility and induce snap-through instability, modeled via a rotational spring system calibrated by finite element analysis and validated experimentally.
Helical micro-swimmer：Hierarchical tail design and propulsive motility
Zeyi Zhang, Yafei Wang, Jingtian Kang, Xinghan Qiu, Changguo Wang
Soft Matter, 2022, 18(33), 6148-6156 Journal
We present a hierarchical tail design for helical micro-swimmers that enhances propulsion at low Reynolds numbers, validated through resistive force theory, modeling, and experiments.
Mechanics of strain-limiting wrinkled kirigami for flexible devices：High flexibility, stretchability and compressibility
Yafei Wang, Changguo Wang
International Journal of Solids and Structures, 2022, 238, 111382 Journal
We develop a theoretical framework for strain-limiting wrinkled kirigami that enables flexible devices to achieve high flexibility, stretchability, and compressibility through parameterized geometric designs validated by analytical modeling.
Lateral constrained wrinkling of the film with partial contact
Mengxiong Liu, Zhiming Xue, Yafei Wang, Xide Li, Changguo Wang
International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2022, 217, 107022 Journal
We develop three analytical models—bonded, sliding, and lateral constrained types—to reveal how partial contact and lateral constraints govern film wrinkling behavior, supported by numerical simulations and experimental validation.
2021
A theoretical study of wrinkle propagation in graphene with flower-like grain boundaries
Zihui Zhao#, Yafei Wang#, Changguo Wang
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 2021, 23(20), 11917–11930 Journal
This work investigates wrinkle propagation across flower-like grain boundaries in graphene through theoretical modeling and atomistic simulations. A defect shielding effect is revealed, showing how wrinkle behavior varies with GB curvature. The study provides insight into designing graphene-based nanomechanical devices.
Buckling of ultrastretchable kirigami metastructures for mechanical programmability and energy harvesting
Yafei Wang, Changguo Wang
International Journal of Solids and Structures, 2021, 213, 93–102 Journal
We develop a theoretical framework to describe the buckling behavior of ultrastretchable kirigami metastructures, validated through experiments and simulations for applications in stretchable electronics and energy harvesting.
2020
Light weight optimization of stratospheric airship envelope based on reliability analysis
Yunce Zhang, Yafei Wang, Changguo Wang
Chinese Journal of Aeronautics, 2020, 33(10), 2670–2678 Journal
This paper develops a reliability-based lightweight optimization method for stratospheric airship envelopes, considering three failure modes—bending wrinkling, hoop tearing, and bending kink. The proposed design approach incorporates multidisciplinary analysis and shows how geometry and loading conditions affect failure mechanisms and structural efficiency.
Self-assembly of graphene sheets actuated by surface topological defects：Toward the fabrication of novel nanostructures and drug delivery devices
Yafei Wang, Changguo Wang
Applied Surface Science, 2020, 505, 144008 Journal
This study investigates the self-assembly behaviors of graphene sheets induced by surface topological defects using atomistic simulations. A systematic simulation approach reveals four distinct dynamic modes—polygon nanoscroll, polygon nanotube, breathing oscillation, and damping vibration—each modulated by geometric design parameters. The work proposes a reverse design paradigm to achieve targeted nanostructures for applications such as drug delivery.
Analysis and Verification of an Optimal Design Solution for Rubble Mound Breakwaters Considering Interactions of Failure Modes
Yunce Zhang, Zongmin Liu, Yafei Wang, Changguo Wang
Journal of Waterway, Port, Coastal, and Ocean Engineering, 2020, 146(2), 04020001 Journal
This paper proposes and verifies an optimal design approach for rubble mound breakwaters by accounting for the interactions of multiple failure modes, including overtopping, armor instability, and crown wall sliding. The model integrates construction and repair costs, with an auxiliary coefficient to quantify the impact of each failure mode on overall reliability and cost.
Effect of temperature difference on the mechanical responses of ribbon kirigami：Toward the highly stretchable conductors
Yafei Wang, Changguo Wang
International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 2020, 168, 105301 Journal
This work develops a thermal-mechanical model to study how temperature differences affect the stretchability of ribbon kirigami conductors. Theoretical predictions are validated by simulations and experiments, offering insights for wearable and stretchable electronics.
Geometry-dependent stretchability and stiffness of ribbon kirigami based on large curvature curved beam model
Yafei Wang, Changguo Wang, Huifeng Tan
International Journal of Solids and Structures, 2020, 182: 236–253 Journal
A dimensionless analytical model based on the large curvature curved beam theory is proposed to predict the normalized stiffness and stretchability of ribbon kirigami. Theoretical predictions are validated by experiments and simulations, offering design insights for kirigami-based structures.
2019
Vibration frequency analysis of rippled single-layered graphene sheet：Toward the nano resonant devices design
Zeyi Zhang, Lan Lan, Yafei Wang, Changguo Wang
Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures, 2019, 114: 113580 Journal
This work presents an analytical model for predicting vibration frequency shifts in rippled single-layer graphene sheets using improved continuum mechanics. The effects of surface wrinkles, functional groups, and structural defects on vibration behavior are explored, guiding future nanoresonator design.
Intrinsic edge warping of graphene nanoribbon boost molecular directional motion：Toward the novel nanodevices
Yafei Wang, Changguo Wang, Huifeng Tan
Physics Letters A, 2019, 383(13): 1473–1477 Journal
This study reveals how intrinsic edge warping of graphene nanoribbons enables directional molecular motion through theoretical analysis and molecular dynamics simulations. The findings demonstrate that fullerene motion prefers the +z-warping edge direction, providing inspiration for designing nanodevices based on curvature-induced actuation.
Graphene kirigami as reinforcement and interfacial bonding effect for toughness and strength of silicon-based nanocomposites
Yafei Wang, Changguo Wang, Yunce Zhang, Huifeng Tan
Computational Materials Science, 2019, 159: 306–315 Journal
This study reveals how graphene kirigami enhances the strength and toughness of silicon-based nanocomposites, highlighting the roles of interfacial bonding and structural geometry.
Dimensional variation of reconfigurable serpentine graphene nanoribbon under tension
Yafei Wang, Changguo Wang, Yunce Zhang, Jiaming Guo, Huifeng Tan
Journal of Applied Physics, 2019, 125(8) Journal
This study investigates dimensional transitions in serpentine graphene nanoribbons under tension, combining simulations and experiments. Results reveal a counterintuitive deformation mechanism with potential for tunable device applications.
2018
The mechanical design of a hybrid intelligent hinge with shape memory polymer and spring sheet
Changguo Wang, Yafei Wang
Composites Part B: Engineering, 2018, 134: 1–8 Journal
This study proposes a hybrid intelligent hinge combining shape memory polymers and a spring sheet, demonstrating controllable recovery behavior through theoretical modeling, simulations, and experiments to guide the design of deployable structures.