Research
We are interested in an interdisciplinary field between systems engineering (especially robotics) and nano-bio engineering. Varieties of systems, from the nanoscale to macroscale, have been developed using DNA Nanoengineering and Molecular Programming as core technologies with a wide range of nano- and micro-scale technologies, such as microfluidics.
Machines & Robots
Meso-microscale: DNA-based machines powered by artificial metabolism [NEW]
Slime-like machines with emergent locomotion behaviors were created by artificial metabolism
The machines locomote and also perform "racing" by competing each other
The machines will be used as a platform of molecular robots with life-like characteristics
Material systems
Meso-microscale: Dynamic self-regenerating DNA material by artificial metabolism [NEW]
DNA-based material with artificial metabolism was developed by coupling synthesis of DNA and assembly of DNA into mesoscale patterns
Dynamic and autonomous generation and degeneration of patterns were achieved by the material
Applications, such as machines (see above), point-of-care (POC) pathogen detection platform, hybrid materials, biofunctional materials etc. were demonstrated
Macro (Bulk) scale: DNA hydrogels
Biofunctionalized material for architectural building blocks (Collaboration with Sabin Lab (Cornell))
Stimuli-responsive materials
Nanostructures/Nanosystems
T-motif: an "artificial" DNA junction for nanostructures
1-D and 2-D Nanostructures (Ladder, Planar, Rings)
Chemical self-replication system (self-replicating DNA rings) (Collaboration with Park Lab (SKKU))
Substrate-assisted self-assembly: scaling-up technology for DNA self-assembly
Fabrication of micron-scale 2-D crystals
DNA-origami-based polymorphic nanostructures
