Overview

This laboratory develops advanced biomedical materials (such as scaffolds and implants) with enhanced functionalities for the effective reconstruction and regeneration of damaged human tissues. In particular, it actively conducts research on cutting-edge biomedical 3D printing technologies capable of fabricating intelligent scaffolds and implants with patient-specific 3D structures and biological functions. In addition, the lab focuses on the development of multiscale bio-inspired materials that precisely mimic human tissues at macro, micro, and nano levels, as well as various surface modification technologies to significantly improve implant performance.

Main Research Areas

• Biomedical 3D Printing Techniques
• Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration
• Bio-inspired Materials
• Implants with Surface Modification

Overview

This laboratory brings together students from diverse fields such as materials science, chemistry, mechanical engineering, electronics, and bioengineering to address societal challenges including disease and aging. The lab develops skin-attachable healthcare sensors that enable accurate diagnosis and treatment. It also focuses on creating therapeutic medical devices using biodegradable advanced materials. Ultimately, the lab aims to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable society through the application of biomedical engineering technologies.

Main Research Areas

• Epidermal Bio-sensors
• Implantable Medical Therapy
• Electrical Stimulation for Regeneration

Overview

This laboratory focuses on the integrated computational analysis of various medical imaging modalities used for diagnosing and analyzing brain diseases, including structural MRI, functional MRI, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). By leveraging the unique characteristics of each imaging type, the lab conducts curvature-based analysis, structural analysis, and network analysis to better understand brain structure and function.

Main Research Areas

• Cortical Sulci and folding patterns analysis
• Spectral-based shape analysis
• Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis
• Brain network analysis based on DTI
• Dimension reduction in high-dimentional data
• Group analysis between normal control and dementia patients
• Shape-based subcortical analysis
• Development of shape analysis methods

Overview

Medical imaging diagnosis is a technology that non-invasively visualizes the inside of the human body to provide essential information for disease diagnosis. Molecular imaging, a subfield of medical imaging, focuses on identifying and quantifying characteristics at the cellular and subcellular levels, with nuclear medicine being a representative clinical application. This laboratory focuses on developing new medical imaging devices and improving the performance of existing systems, particularly in radiation-based imaging technologies such as X-ray, CT, and nuclear medicine.

Main Research Areas

• Design, simulation, and development of radiation detectors and imaging systems, including advanced X-ray and PET (Positron Emission Tomography)
• Design and fabrication of front-end circuits and ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) for radiation detectors
• Development of medical radiation imaging systems
• Research and development of medical probes for nuclear medicine
• Multimodal imaging system integration (e.g., PET-MR, PET-optical)
• Exploration of innovative medical imaging techniques

Overview

Our laboratory explores novel nano/bio phenomena at the intersection of various research fields, including nanotechnology, biotechnology, optoelectronics, and semiconductor engineering, to observe and analyze effects unattainable with conventional systems. By integrating NT, BT, IT, and the increasingly vital ET (Environmental Technology), we design and fabricate biochips capable of addressing global challenges in disease, environment, and safety. Under the keyword "Convergence," we utilize nano-bio fabrication to develop ultra-high-sensitivity sensors and optoelectronic devices. Our goal is to pioneer new research frontiers and develop cutting-edge technologies that overcome the limitations of existing methods. Students from biomedical engineering, biotechnology, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, and materials science work together to conquer the unresolved problems of humanity.

Main Research Areas

• Development of ultra-high-sensitivity nano-biosensor chips for molecular detection
• Development of technology for capturing and detecting ultra-small/trace amounts of nanoparticles
• Development of optoelectronic device technology based on cell lipid membranes
• Analysis of lipid lesions in brain cells and identification of pathogenesis mechanisms
• Development of gas-detecting nano-chip technology

Overview

The Nano-Biosystem Laboratory aims to uncover the fundamental principles of biological phenomena and disease-related mechanisms at molecular and atomic levels found in nature. To achieve this, the lab employs interdisciplinary approaches based on nanobiotechnology. Research includes studying various biochemical interactions using atomic force microscopy (AFM), developing nano-biosensors for investigating disease mechanisms, understanding biomolecular interactions at the single-molecule level, and developing as well as applying biocompatible nanobiomaterials.

Main Research Areas

• Investigation of biomolecular interactions related to diseases using atomic force microscopy (AFM)
• Cantilever-based nano-biosensors for disease diagnosis
• Drug delivery systems based on biocompatible nanoparticles
• Synthesis and biomedical applications of nanobiomaterials
• Nanobio-based understanding of diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease

Overview

The Bio-Medical Physics Laboratory develops advanced cancer treatment technologies using various physical principles such as radiation, electric fields, magnetic fields, and heat. In radiation therapy, the lab focuses on developing software and hardware systems that can verify radiation dose and distribution in real time, as well as external audit systems for radiation therapy equipment. In addition, the lab researches electric field-based cancer treatment, an emerging therapy with fewer side effects compared to conventional methods. It aims to establish this approach as a fourth major cancer treatment modality alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy by investigating its physical and biological mechanisms and developing treatment planning systems and electric field generation devices.

Main Research Areas

• Estimation of secondary cancer risk during patient treatment
• Development of proton measurement devices using Cherenkov radiation
• Real-time patient dose monitoring systems using transmission dose
• Development of electric field-based cancer treatment technologies
• External audit systems for radiation therapy equipment

Overview

This laboratory conducts interdisciplinary research combining nanostructure fabrication (materials science) and the study of intracellular signaling mechanisms on these nanostructures (life sciences). It operates through two main research categories, with ideas and processes developed through active interaction between them. The lab focuses on two core themes: the fabrication of nanostructures with diverse structures and functionalities, and the analysis of changes in cellular behavior under external stimuli.

Main Research Areas

• Fabrication of nanostructures using anodized aluminum oxide
• Fabrication of nanostructures using nanoparticles
• Development of 2D gradient substrates using nanostructures and functional molecules
• Exploration of conditions for maintaining stem cell pluripotency
• Protein and cytokine analysis for studying intracellular signaling mechanisms

Overview

The Medical Information Processing Laboratory (MIPL) focuses on research and development of medical diagnostic devices that provide clinically useful information. The lab conducts advanced research on both hardware and software technologies required for medical imaging systems, including semiconductor sensor-based high-resolution gamma imaging detectors and high-performance 3D image reconstruction algorithms. In addition, it applies its expertise in medical imaging to other fields such as disaster monitoring systems and industrial non-destructive testing devices for security and industrial applications.

Main Research Areas

• High-resolution SPECT using variable pinhole collimators
• Positioning algorithms for CZT virtual Frisch-grid detectors
• Multi-purpose super-resolution gamma detectors
• High-energy collimator design for I-131
• Multi-pinhole SPECT systems
• Image registration for breast cancer studies
• Plasma display panel-based X-ray detectors (PXD)
• Patient dose analysis and image quality assessment in CT fluoroscopy
• Image quality evaluation for OSEM(DB) reconstruction

Overview

The Biomicrofluidics Laboratory studies fluid flow, phenomena, and mechanisms at the microscale where inertial effects are significant. Based on these principles, the lab develops biochips for biomedical applications such as cancer and disease diagnosis, as well as drug delivery. It also integrates optics with fluidics to develop optofluidic devices, enabling applications such as 3D microparticle fabrication, biosensing, and tissue engineering.

Main Research Areas

• Microfluidics
• Biomicrofluidics
• Inertial microfluidics
• Optofluidics
• Lab-on-a-Chip
• Biomicrofluidics
• BioMEMS
• Bio Chips
• Cell mechanics

Overview

This laboratory aims to develop next-generation medical device systems that go beyond the limitations of conventional medical technologies. The research focuses on ultra-compact wearable multimodal wireless sensors for disease diagnosis and monitoring, electronic medicine technologies using optical and electrical stimulation for treatment, and implantable medical robots integrated with augmented reality (AR) for advanced surgical applications. These technologies integrate biomedical sensing, wireless communication and power systems, flexible materials and mechanical engineering, and artificial intelligence (AI). Ultimately, the lab seeks to address diverse clinical needs ranging from premature infants and pregnant women to cancer patients and the elderly, contributing to improved healthcare for humanity.

Main Research Areas

• Bio-integrated wireless multimodal sensing platforms (from conception to birth and aging)
• AI-enabled electronic medicine for monitoring and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders
• Closed-loop in-vivo medical robots for sensing and surgery with augmented reality (AR)

Overview

This laboratory aims to contribute to society by advancing new analytical systems and diagnostic tools through the creative integration of electrical engineering, analytical chemistry, optics, and biomedical engineering. The lab focuses on developing cutting-edge diagnostic platforms and bioanalytical technologies, with an emphasis on high-throughput, high-efficiency biomedical systems.

Main Research Areas

• High-efficiency DNA synthesis and applications in synthetic biology, biofoundries, and data storage
• DNA sequencing technologies
• High-throughput single-cell transcriptomics
• High-efficiency large-scale exosome separation
• Biochip-based drug screening using minimal sample volumes
• Micro/nanofluidics based on semiconductor process technology
• Instrumentation development

Overview

The NanoBioPhotonics Laboratory at Korea University conducts broad interdisciplinary research combining nanotechnology, biology, and optical engineering. The lab focuses on molecular detection based on surface plasmon phenomena, development of nanostructures for disease diagnosis, and generation of induced pluripotent stem cells using nanotechnology. It aims to establish foundational technologies that can create new paradigms in nanobiotechnology and basic medical science.

Main Research Areas

• Cancer diagnosis using exosome detection based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)
• Self-amplifying Raman spectroscopy based on plasmonic trapping effects
• pH sensing in biological systems using plasmon resonance energy transfer (PRET)
• Fabrication of omniphobic nanostructures for medical device applications
• Quantitative delivery of reprogramming factors for stem cell generation via cellular reprogramming techniques

Overview

The Biophotonics Imaging Laboratory develops advanced optical imaging systems and novel microscopy techniques based on cutting-edge technologies. The lab focuses on holographic imaging-based high-sensitivity phase microscopy, deep imaging techniques using digital aberration correction and image analysis, ultra-miniature endoscopy using single optical fibers, and machine learning-based image reconstruction methods. It also develops diagnostic protocols for disease detection through biological tissue imaging.

Main Research Areas

• Development of high-resolution and high-sensitivity phase microscopy
• Deep imaging techniques using digital image analysis and aberration correction
• Disease diagnosis protocols based on biological tissue and cell imaging analysis
• Development of ultra-miniature endoscopic imaging systems

Overview

Our laboratory synthesizes organic and inorganic nanomaterials and designs them to interact with the human body and human-derived biological substances. We also enhance the functionality of nanomaterials by incorporating various surface modification technologies (proteins, genes, polymers, etc.).
We develop a variety of biosensors, including in-vitro diagnostic sensors, high-sensitivity multi-omics detection sensors, wearable sensors, and environmental sensors, by synthesizing functional nanomaterials. Furthermore, we aim to utilize nanohybrid materials, polymers, metals, and semiconductor materials not only for disease diagnosis but also for the future development of regenerative medicine and therapeutics.
Our laboratory performs research to distinguish between healthy individuals and patients through AI analysis of multi-omics targets present in biological samples and conducts studies to discover new biomarkers by applying mathematical modeling. Through the analysis of chemical and biological signals, we realize early diagnosis, staging, and prediction of diseases.

Main Research Areas

• Development of medical disease diagnosis sensors using nano-bio materials
• Development of high-depth imaging technology through digital image analysis
• Development of AI-based disease diagnosis platforms and biomarker discovery
• Development of theragnostic nanomaterials and devices