SAFN Lab


The Self-Assembled Functional Nanomaterials (SAFN) group led by Prof. Mu-Ping Nieh focuses on the research to develop experimental approaches, e.g., scattering and microscopy, to probe nano- or micro-structures of the materials that have advanced, unique functions. Through these researches, we aim to (1) understand the structure-function relationships of functional materials, (2) predict the self-assembling morphology based on molecular architecture and properties, in collaboration with molecular dynamic simulations, and (3) apply the principles of self-assembly to construct advanced biomaterials, therapeutic/diagnostic delivery carriers, sensing and energy materials.

News

  • 2024
    Kamila Zygadlo, Chung-Hao Liu, Emmanuel Reynoso Bernardo, Huayue Ai, Mu-Ping Nieh, Lindsey A. Hanson. “Correlating structural changes in thermoresponsive hydrogels to the optical response of embedded plasmonic nanoparticles” Nanoscale Adv, 6, 146-154
    Posted on August 25, 2025
  • 2023
    Chung-Hao’s paper on “Synthesis of Polymer Nanoweb via a Lipid Template” is published in the ACS Macro Letters  (07/2023) The paper” Next-generation poly-L-histidine formulations for miRNA mimic delivery” in collaboration with Prof. Bahal is published in Molecular Therapy-Methods & Clinical Development (06/2023) Chung-Hao received the Pre-doctoral Travel Award from CBE in 2022-2023, congratulations! (05/2022) Donyeil […]
    Posted on June 6, 2023
  • Sep
    11
    Art by Dan Warren and Patricia Carrigan in Celeste LeWitt Gallery
    UConn Health
    ALL DAY

    View works by Connecticut artists, Dan Warren and Patricia Carrigan in Celeste LeWitt Gallery at UConn Health (North side of our main dining facility).

  • Sep
    11
    Hack For Humanity
    ALL DAY

    A one-day AI hackathon where multidisciplinary teams build working prototypes for real Connecticut civic challenges: things like local news deserts, food access, transit gaps, and cost of living. Teams get access to mentors, AI compute resources, and a full day of hands-on building, ending in five-minute presentations and audience voting.
    No prior hackathon experience is required. Beginners and ex

  • Sep
    11
    Hands-Only Free CPR Training Kiosk
    Student Union
    ALL DAY

    Through the month of September!!

  • Sep
    11
    Open Air 2026: Exhibition of Outdoor Sculpture and Installation
    ALL DAY

    Explore Open Air 2026, with seven new sculptures installed along the shoreline walkway of the UConn Avery Point campus.

Contact

Dr. Mu-Ping Nieh 

Email: mu-ping.nieh@uconn.edu

Phone: 860-486-8708

Address:

Polymer program, Institute of Materials Science

25 King Hill Road, MZ221

Storrs, CT 06269-3136