Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering
Research Areas
Cell and Tissue Engineering
Research Interests
Based on the researches related with cell engineering, tissue engineering, gene delivery system, and biofunctional polymers (biodegradable polymers, hydrogels, and nanoparticles), our laboratory is focused on the regeneration of tissues and organs that were damaged by diseases or accidents. Starting from the basic studies investigating the interaction between various types of cells and synthetic polymers, we are trying to understand and utilize the biological, chemical, and physical factors that are critical for therapeutic applications. Our research fields involve interdisciplinary research tools and methodologies from medical science, chemical engineering, pharmaceutical science, and veterinary science.
CELL AND TISSUE ENGINEERING
In general, our laboratory is trying to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of adult stem cells that are transplanted to the wound site for tissue regeneration. To improve the therapeutic efficacy of the adult stem cells, we are focusing on the fundamental research topics and methodologies that can enhance the cell viability, cell differentiation mechanisms, cell differentiation efficacy, and mass production system. We apply the results obtained from the cell studies to the various types of animal model to confirm the therapeutic efficacy and safety for future clinical trials. The major categories that we are interested in are tissue regeneration related with skin, bone, cartilage, nerve, and heart. Our laboratory also performs the researches related with intractable diseases (cardiovascular system, nervous system, and diabetic), cancer therapy, and bioimaging.
BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS, ORGANIC AND INORGANIC NANOPARTICLES, CANCER THERAPY, BIOIMAGING
To improve the therapeutic efficacy of adult stem cells, we use various types of synthetic polymers, hydrogels, and nanoparticles for cell, drug, and gene delivery carriers. For synthetic polymer and hydrogel, we are focused on synthesizing novel biodegradable polymers and hydrogels that degrade after transplantation without cytotoxicity. We are also interested in both organic and inorganic nanoparticles with novel properties that can be applied to the tissue regeneration, cancer therapy, and bioimaging.
Selected Publications
1. Mesenchymal stem cells aggregate and deliver gold nanoparticles to tumors for photothermal therapy. ACS Nano 9(10): 9678-9690 (2015)
2. pH-triggered release of manganese from MnAu nanoparticles that enables cellular neuronal differentiation without cellular toxicity. Biomaterials 55: 33-43. (2015).
3. A dual delivery of substance P and bone morphogenetic protein-2 for mesenchymal stem cell recruitment and bone regeneration. Tissue Engineering 21(7-8):1275-87 (2015)
4. Dual roles of graphene oxide in chondrogenic differentiation of adult stem cells: cell-adhesion substrate and growth factor-delivery carrier. Advanced Functional Materials 24(41): 6455-6464 (2014).
5. Efficacious and clinically relevant conditioned-medium of human adipose-derived stem cells for therapeutic angiogenesis. Molecular Therapy 22(4):862-72 (2014).
6. Mutual effect of subcutaneously transplanted human adipose-derived stem cells and pancreatic islets within fibrin gel. Biomaterials 34(30):7247-56 (2013).
7. Enhanced hemangioblast generation and improved vascular repair and regeneration from embryonic stem cells by defined transcription factors. Stem cell reports 1(2):166-82 (2013).
8. Platelet-rich plasma enhances the dermal regeneration efficacy of adipose-derived stromal cells administrated to skin wounds. Cell Transplantation 22: 437-445 (2013).
9. A bioreducible polymer for efficient delivery of Fas-silencing siRNA into stem cell spheroids and enhanced therapeutic angiogenesis. Angewandte Chemie-International Edition 51(47): 11899-903 (2012).
10. Transplantation of cord blood mesenchymal stem cells as spheroids enhances vascularization. Tissue Engineering 18(19-20): 2138-2149 (2012).
11. Enhanced cartilage formation via-three-dimensional cell engineering of human adipose-derived stem cells. Tissue Engineering 18(19-20): 1949-1956 (2012).
12. Three-dimensional cell grafting enhances the angiogenic efficacy of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Tissue Engineering 18(3-4): 310-319 (2012).
13. Angiogenesis in ischemic tissue produced by spheroid grafting of human adipose-derived stromal cells. Biomaterials 32: 2734-2747 (2011).
14. Combined gene therapy with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and heme oxygenase-1 for therapeutic angiogenesis. Tissue Engineering 17(7-8): 915-926 (2011).
15. Delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor using heparin-conjugated fibrin for therapeutic angiogenesis. Tissue Engineering 16(6): 2113-2119 (2010).
16. Active blood vessel formation in the ischemic hindlimb mouse model by controlled and localized delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor using a microsphere/hydrogel combination system. Pharmaceutical Research 27(5): 767-774 (2010).
Professional Experience
– 국내 박사 후 연구원
(한양대학교 2008-2009, 서울대학교 2009-2011, 2013-2014)
– 국외 박사 후 연구원
(Washington University in St. Louis, 2012-2013, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2012-2013)
– BK21 조교수 (서울대학교, 공과대학 화학생물공학부)