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About

Cristina Lenardi is a leading researcher in the field of soft robotics and bioinspired materials, with a particular focus on developing advanced hydrogel-based actuators and nanocomposites for underwater applications. Her major contributions include pioneering low-voltage electrically driven homeostatic hydrogel actuators for underwater soft robotics, which have garnered significant attention with 77 citations. She has also made substantial advancements in hybrid nanocomposites combining electroactive hydrogels with cellulose nanocrystals, achieving high-sensitivity electromechanical underwater actuation at voltages below water electrolysis thresholds. Her work on tunable carbon nanotube alignment through robotic extrusion techniques and monolithic three-dimensionally functionally graded hydrogels has advanced the fabrication of bioinspired soft robots. Additionally, Lenardi has explored supersonic cluster beam fabrication of metal-ionogel nanocomposites and spring-like electroactive actuators based on paper/ionogel/metal systems. Her recent development of soft perfusable devices for culturing skeletal muscle 3D constructs demonstrates her commitment to bridging soft robotics with tissue engineering. With over 186 citations across her most influential works, Lenardi’s research continues to push boundaries in creating biomimetic, electrically responsive materials for next-generation soft robotic systems.