Yonsei Advanced Science Institute

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Research Areas

Scheme and Tracking Image of adaptable nanomachines having energy harvest, engine, clutch, and propeller functions in nanoscale

Functional Nanorobots

The development of sophisticated machines at the nanoscale (< 500 nm) marks a critical advancement in modern science, including nanoscience, material sciences, and life sciences, offering new possibilities for the precise control and maneuvering of nanomaterials. To operate effectively in complex and dynamic biological systems, nanomachines must be endowed with autonomous, environmentally adaptive functionalities. These adaptive nanorobots are designed using functionally optimized and stimuli-responsive nanomaterials that can sense and respond to diverse physicochemical cues such as pH, temperature, or enzymatic environments.

Our research focuses on understanding of chemical processes below the nanoscale and nano-circumstances interfaces, essential to develop such adaptable nanomachines. Through this foundational understanding, we design and control nanorobots with optimized functional materials. With this foundation, such nanorobots capable of diagnosing and resolving challenges within biological environments are poised to become revolutionary, indispensable tools in future medicine. (Lin et al., Nat. Nanotechnol. 2024)

Soft-nanobio-robotics platforms for bioelectronic interfaces in in-vivo and in-vitro systems

Soft-NanoBio-Robotics

Our soft-nanobio-robotics is designed to effectively interface nanodevices with biological cells and organs, advancing digital healthcare applications. These systems integrate remote, ultra-flexible, autonomous, and programmable features, utilizing a range of nanomaterials and biomolecules. Beyond their core functionalities, these soft robots offer precise sensing capabilities—including electrical, electrochemical, and mechanical (e.g., pressure sensing)—which enable real-time monitoring of biological systems. Their motion can be remotely and precisely controlled via magnetic fields, improving the interaction between devices and biological targets. With enhanced sensing and control, these soft nanobio robots provide unparalleled precision in monitoring and manipulating cells, opening new avenues for targeted biomedical interventions and personalized treatments (Kim et al. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2023; Park et al. Nat. Comm. 2024).

NanoBio devices enabling precise magnetic manipulation studies in both in vitro and in vivo experimental setups.

NanoBio Device

Advanced nanobio devices are at the forefront of biomedical research, providing essential tools for precise manipulation and analysis of cellular mechanisms. We are pioneering the development of rotational magnetic force generators (MFGs), which utilize magnetic nanoparticles to transduce a rotating magnetic field into a precise mechanical torque force. This force is crucial in regulating mechano-sensitive ion channels, such as the Piezo-1 channel, enabling us to explore the mechanotransduction mechanisms at the cellular level. Beyond their application in cellular signaling, these MFGs are versatile, with the potential to drive nanomachines and control their motions in various research fields, such as targeted drug delivery or studying intracellular processes. The devices involve sophisticated engineering design to generate magnetic fields with various mechanisms depending on the research application. The development of these technologies underscores the interdisciplinary nature of our research, bridging mechanics, physics, electronics, engineering, and biomedical sciences. (Lee et al. Nat. Mater. 2021, Choi et al. Nat. Nanotech. 2024).