Seminar Steven van Kesteren: Microscale self-assembly and its applications towards neuromorphic particle networks

Bottom-up assembly is the art of convincing microscopic building blocks to spontaneously organize into functional structures—a fundamentally different approach from traditional top-down fabrication that carves features from bulk materials. This reversible construction method opens new possibilities for neuromorphic computing, where networks can be dynamically rewired to achieve the topological plasticity that defines biological neural systems.

In this talk, Dr. van Kesteren will present his research journey exploring diverse bottom-up assembly strategies, from DNA-programmable interactions and capillary force-driven assembly to light-controlled electrostatic interactions. Think of it as learning different ways to teach tiny particles to build themselves into useful structures. Building on these foundational approaches, he will give an outlook towards the engineering of memristor-like colloidal building blocks and developing reversible self-assembly protocols for constructing reconfigurable neuromorphic networks. Hereby, he aims to bridge the gap between biological neural plasticity and artificial systems, providing a fundamental understanding of how these concepts can be engineered and adapted for future applications.

References:
Printing on Particles: Combining Two-Photon
Nanolithography and Capillary Assembly to Fabricate
Multimaterial Microstructures
Steven van Kesteren, Xueting Shen, Michele Aldeghi, and Lucio Isa