Yaqing Tu

State Council of the People's Republic of China, East China Normal University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Yaqing Tu is a pioneering researcher in the field of advanced soft materials, with a primary focus on the design and fabrication of stimuli-responsive hydrogels and polymer actuators for biomedical and soft robotic applications. Her major contributions include the development of innovative microfluidic methods to create hollow hydrogel microfibers, such as microscopic springs, necklaces, and ladders, which hold transformative potential as tubular vascular scavengers for clearing blockages in blood vessels. Notably, her work on antifreezing, heat-resistant hollow hydrogel tubes (39 citations) demonstrates robust structural integrity across extreme temperatures, enabling use in biomedical scaffolds and soft robotics under harsh conditions. Tu also engineered a highly stretchable, tough polymer actuator driven by acetone vapors, capable of elongating to 600% of its original length—a breakthrough for wearable electronics and sensors. With her most-cited paper (43 citations) showcasing a non-coaxial microfluidic approach, Tu’s research bridges materials science and bioengineering, offering scalable solutions for next-generation medical devices and adaptive soft robots. Her achievements highlight a commitment to creating durable, multifunctional materials that operate reliably in challenging environments.