Research

People envisions the future as a world of hyper-connectivity. In the era where the boundaries between two seemingly different entities are being broken down and creating new value from that, the importance of "interfacing technology" responsible for connection and communication is growing.

Our laboratory is dedicated to developing next-generation interface technology that connects living beings (humans, organs, cells, plants) and non-living beings (machines, computers, clothing) more naturally and accurately. For example, through a convergent and creative approaches such as enabling communication between the brain and computers, monitoring the health status of humans and organs/cells in real-time through smart devices/clothing, and creating new functional plants for advancing environment and agriculture, our laboratory aims to create a world where humanity can live healthier, happier, and more conveniently.

* If you want more specific explanation, please see the below videos:

or below interviews:

1) https://bioeng.kaist.ac.kr/index.php?document_srl=12485&mid=bio_05_04 (KAIST Interview)

2) https://url.kr/cwq9qu (SNU Interview: search for 디지털헬스케어전공 박성준 교수)

3) https://on.dile.or.kr/course/course_view.jsp?id=979& (인공감각시스템 강의)

<Specific Research Topics>

Next-Generation Brain-Machine/Computer Interface (BMI/BCI)

Recently, interest in BMI/BCI has greatly increased due to changes like Neuralink. A brain-machine interface refers to a device that assists, enhances, or heals humans through a direct connection and communication between the brain and machines. In relation to this, our laboratory is developing various technologies to monitor brain activity more accurately and safely, and to control the connectivity and function of brain circuits through cell type-specific stimulation (optogenetics, etc.). Through these efforts, we expect to lead changes in the world through innovations such as brain mapping, treatment of neurological diseases, and enhanced human-machine interaction.

Development of minimally invasive neural implants based on fibers/soft materials (hydrogels, carbon nanotubes, etc.) for brain mapping, exploration, and treatment of neurological diseases (multifunctional flexible neural probes, stealth electroceuticals, etc.)
Non-invasive and precise brain/neural signal measurement and stimulation technologies (next-generation EEG, temporal interference stimulation (TIS), ultrasound brain stimulation, nanomaterial neural modulation, etc.)
AI-based brain/neural signal decoding and brain-computer interface application technologies (e.g., prosthetic hand project for amputees, brain-computer interaction application technologies, etc.)
Research on bio-computing through measurement and decoding of signals from brain organoids (artificial brains) and neuron cultures (living computers-organoid intelligence, next-generation neuromorphic semiconductors, brain-mimicking artificial intelligence, etc.)

- Related articles: Selected publication 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 11

Smart Clothing & Wearable Devices for Digital Healthcare

Digital healthcare refers to changes that enable personalized health management, disease prevention, and even treatment through the use of IT technology. Among the various developments in biomedical technology for this purpose, wearable devices that measure various signals (ECG, blood sugar, oxygen saturation, brain waves, etc.) from human body are becoming increasingly important. Our laboratory develops various healthcare devices using new materials, devices, signal processing, and AI technology. Next-generation smart clothing and skin-attachable (tattoo-type) devices equipped with sensors, actuators, displays, and electronic systems are expected to have a huge impact on the world not only in the healthcare field but also in various areas such as communication, metaverse, fashion, and entertainment.

Smart clothing or skin/tissue-attachable healthcare devices for medical data collection based on soft materials (liquid metal, conductive polymers, etc.) and novel manufacturing processes (thermal drawing process, 3d printing, etc.)
Digital systems for rehabilitation/metaverse applications based on fiber-type displacement/strain sensors with AI technologies
Development of next-generation fiber-type energy devices and electronic communications systems for wireless healthcare devices operation

- Related articles: Selected publication 8, 9, 12

Advanced Tissue Engineering & Biomaterials-related Technologies

Tissue engineering is a field exploring ways to restore/improve damaged tissues or organs in vivo or in vitro. Our laboratory is developing various technologies with advanced biomaterials and functional devices for tissue reconstruction, recovery, and artificial organ development. At the same time, we aim to find a way to achieve more natural interaction between biological and artificial systems.

Research on tissue regeneration and artificial organ (organoid) development based on stem cells and multifunctional fiber scaffolds
Development of biosensor (screening platform) and bioimplants with concept of tissue-machine interfacing
Advanced medical products with novel biomaterials and manufacturing (bio-adhesives, smart sutures, etc.)

- Related articles: Selected publication 4, 7, 13, 15

New Attempts to Change the Interfacing World

We are exploring various possibilities in the interface/healthcare/biomedical fields through new applications of our laboratory's unique technologies such as thermal drawing process (TDP), flexible composite material synthesis, and 3D printing.

Development of multifunctional artificial plants through plant-machine interfacing: Smart agriculture and future infrastructure technology
Next-generation medical devices for restoring sensory and motor functions for overcoming disabilities (electronic skin, neural prosthetics, artificial vision devices, rehabilitation devices, etc.)
Artificial muscle and micro-robot fabrication technology based on multifunctional fibers and 3D printing

- Related articles: Selected publication 6, 14

RESEARCH: Research