Research

This research program places strong emphasis on developing portable, wearable, and point-of-care biosensing systems that can deliver diagnostic-grade test results outside centralized laboratories. By combining nanobiosensors, microelectronics, and machine-learning–based data analysis, we have created handheld and wearable devices capable of sensitive biomarker detection for heart failure management (BNP/NT-proBNP), real-time lactate monitoring, and non-perishable nanozyme-based sweat sensors. These technologies aim to support telemedicine and virtual care by providing lab-quality results through minimally invasive sampling – such as fingerprick blood, sweat, or transdermal sensing – making them highly suitable for remote patient monitoring and enabling more equitable access to healthcare in underserved regions.

This research area focuses on transforming how microfluidic devices are made by moving beyond the limitations of traditional soft-lithography techniques. Using high-resolution additive manufacturing, we directly print complex channel architectures—such as Y- and T-junctions, serpentine mixers, concentration-gradient generators, deterministic lateral displacement structures, and fully embedded flow networks—into complete, ready-to-use microfluidic systems. By integrating innovative materials, advanced 3D-printing processes, and AI-guided design optimization, these platforms support a wide range of applications, including drug synthesis and screening, cell manufacturing, materials development, and chemical and biological assays. This one-step printing approach enables rapid prototyping, scalable production, and highly customizable device designs that accelerate the real-world deployment of microfluidic technologies.

A major research focus of our lab is the 3D printing and bioprinting of biomimetic tissue models and organ phantoms that closely replicate the structural, mechanical, and functional properties of human tissues. We have developed advanced multi-material and photocurable hydrogel systems to create liver lobule–mimetic constructs, colorectal tumor models, vascular phantoms with pathological features, and soft tissue analogs such as articular cartilage. These engineered tissues and tissue mimetics enable in-vitro disease modeling, drug testing, and realistic surgical or therapy planning. Our recent work expands into printing elastic, multi-material organ phantoms derived from patient medical images, overcoming the limitations of conventional rigid models. These next-generation phantoms capture soft-tissue deformation and enhance accuracy in therapy planning while providing high-fidelity platforms for training in surgical and other treatment protocols.