Research area
Liquid Crystals
Liquid Crystals (LCs) are the intermediate phase of matter between liquid and crystal, having properties of both fluidity and long-range molecular ordering. Due to unique combination of these properties, LCs are capable of atonomously sensing various stimuli and then changing their environments through pre-programmed functions (e.g., optical signal, actuation, drug release), making LCs to be extensively utilized to design Responsive Materials (also known as Smart or Functional Materials).
Research in Our Lab integrates theory, experiment, and simulation to understand how LCs can mediate interactions among molecules, particles, and interfaces. These insights guide the design of New Class of Smart Materials for a variety of applications including drug-delivery systems, sensors, actuators, micro-robot, AR/VR displays, cosmetics, and molecular/colloidal self-assembly.
Liquid Crystals
Liquid Crystals (LCs) are the intermediate phase of matter between liquid and crystal, having properties of both fluidity and long-range molecular ordering. Due to unique combination of these properties, LCs are capable of atonomously sensing various stimuli and then changing their environments through pre-programmed functions (e.g., optical signal, actuation, drug release), making LCs to be extensively utilized to design Responsive Materials (also known as Smart or Functional Materials).
Research in Our Lab integrates theory, experiment, and simulation to understand how LCs can mediate interactions among molecules, particles, and interfaces. These insights guide the design of New Class of Smart Materials for a variety of applications including drug-delivery systems, sensors, actuators, micro-robot, AR/VR displays, cosmetics, and molecular/colloidal self-assembly.
Liquid Crystals (LCs) are the intermediate phase of matter between liquid and crystal, having properties of both fluidity and long-range molecular ordering. Due to unique combination of these properties, LCs are capable of atonomously sensing various stimuli and then changing their environments through pre-programmed functions (e.g., optical signal, actuation, drug release), making LCs to be extensively utilized to design Responsive Materials (also known as Smart or Functional Materials).
Research in Our Lab integrates theory, experiment, and simulation to understand how LCs can mediate interactions among molecules, particles, and interfaces. These insights guide the design of New Class of Smart Materials for a variety of applications including drug-delivery systems, sensors, actuators, micro-robot, AR/VR displays, cosmetics, and molecular/colloidal self-assembly.
Drug Delivery System
Anisotropic Elasticity inherent to liquid crystals (LCs) allow micro-particles to be trapped within LCs without their coalesnce or diffusion into surrounding media. By leveraging this elastic sequestration of microparticles and the stimuli-responsive properties of LCs, we have engineered a new class of smart LC materials that not only sense and optically report specific stimuli but also transform their surroundings by releasing the sequestered microcargo (e.g., drug, antibacterial agent). For instance, we have developed the LC systems that can be activated by the touch of a human finger (temperature), introduction of chemical species, or the presence of motile bacteria. Most significantly, this smart LC material represents the first example of the system that responds directly to living cells, analogous to the human immune system. In this research project, we aim to explore how the self-reporting and self-regulating functions of the smart LC materials can be programmed through the interplay of intermolecular and interfacial forces in diverse geometries (NATURE, 557, 539 (2018)).
Anisotropic Elasticity inherent to liquid crystals (LCs) allow micro-particles to be trapped within LCs without their coalesnce or diffusion into surrounding media. By leveraging this elastic sequestration of microparticles and the stimuli-responsive properties of LCs, we have engineered a new class of smart LC materials that not only sense and optically report specific stimuli but also transform their surroundings by releasing the sequestered microcargo (e.g., drug, antibacterial agent). For instance, we have developed the LC systems that can be activated by the touch of a human finger (temperature), introduction of chemical species, or the presence of motile bacteria. Most significantly, this smart LC material represents the first example of the system that responds directly to living cells, analogous to the human immune system. In this research project, we aim to explore how the self-reporting and self-regulating functions of the smart LC materials can be programmed through the interplay of intermolecular and interfacial forces in diverse geometries (NATURE, 557, 539 (2018)).
Cosmetics
Liquid Crystals (LCs) have been widely used for Cosmetic applications due to their distinctive physicochemical properties and structural versatility. Their biocompatibility and ability to form lamellar phases analogous to the lipid bilayers of the stratum corneum render them suitable carriers for bioactive compounds such as ceramides, peptides, and antioxidants. The inherent elasticity of LCs facilitates the entrapment of functional molecules within the mesophase, allowing for sustained and localized delivery. Furthermore, certain actives exhibit spontaneous self-assembly at the interface of LC droplets, contributing to enhanced stability and skin affinity. Our research also investigates cholesteric LCs, which possess selective light-reflecting properties arising from their helical arrangement. These optical characteristics enable their utilization in color cosmetics and UV-protective formulations. Through systematic studies on phase behavior, molecular interactions, and interfacial phenomena, our laboratory aims to advance the development of functional and dermatologically compatible LC-based systems for cosmetic applications.
Liquid Crystals (LCs) have been widely used for Cosmetic applications due to their distinctive physicochemical properties and structural versatility. Their biocompatibility and ability to form lamellar phases analogous to the lipid bilayers of the stratum corneum render them suitable carriers for bioactive compounds such as ceramides, peptides, and antioxidants. The inherent elasticity of LCs facilitates the entrapment of functional molecules within the mesophase, allowing for sustained and localized delivery. Furthermore, certain actives exhibit spontaneous self-assembly at the interface of LC droplets, contributing to enhanced stability and skin affinity. Our research also investigates cholesteric LCs, which possess selective light-reflecting properties arising from their helical arrangement. These optical characteristics enable their utilization in color cosmetics and UV-protective formulations. Through systematic studies on phase behavior, molecular interactions, and interfacial phenomena, our laboratory aims to advance the development of functional and dermatologically compatible LC-based systems for cosmetic applications.
Bacteria
We investigate fundamental properties of Motile Bacteria (e.g., chemo-taxis, collective behavior) and combine them with the unique features of LCs to design new class of smart materials, such as self-powered micro-robot, drug-delivery system, sensors.
We investigate fundamental properties of Motile Bacteria (e.g., chemo-taxis, collective behavior) and combine them with the unique features of LCs to design new class of smart materials, such as self-powered micro-robot, drug-delivery system, sensors.
Soft-Robotics
Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs) are rubber-like materials with the long-range molecular ordering so that reorientations of internal LC molecules enable the materials to shrink, expand, twist, or bend in a programmed way. By patterning this alignment, therefore, LCEs can drive precise, reversible shape change in response to a certain stimuli (e.g., light, heat, chemical). Building on this, we are designing new class of Soft-Robot by integrating LCEs with advanced molecular switches to realize (1) self-bending and self-twisting elements that generate propulsion (self-propelling actuators), (2) stimulus-guided modules that sense and pursue targets (self-tracking actuators), and (3) multifunctional grippers that capture, transport, or release payloads. Importantly, these devices operate without embedded electronics, external power, or complex fabrication, enabling lightweight, wireless, and scalable actuation.
Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs) are rubber-like materials with the long-range molecular ordering so that reorientations of internal LC molecules enable the materials to shrink, expand, twist, or bend in a programmed way. By patterning this alignment, therefore, LCEs can drive precise, reversible shape change in response to a certain stimuli (e.g., light, heat, chemical). Building on this, we are designing new class of Soft-Robot by integrating LCEs with advanced molecular switches to realize (1) self-bending and self-twisting elements that generate propulsion (self-propelling actuators), (2) stimulus-guided modules that sense and pursue targets (self-tracking actuators), and (3) multifunctional grippers that capture, transport, or release payloads. Importantly, these devices operate without embedded electronics, external power, or complex fabrication, enabling lightweight, wireless, and scalable actuation.
Bio- & Chemical-Sensors
We design Advanced Bio- & Chemical-Sensors by leveraging the unique properties of LCs that can translate nanoscopic and molecular-scale stimuli into macroscopic optical signals. By collaborating with Korea government and industries (Samsung Electronics, COSMAX, and POSCO), we have been making significant advances in the design of Bio- & Chemical Sensors for identifying hydrogen gas, toxic gases, bacteria, viruses, biological molecules, interfacial phenomena, and intermolecular interactions.
We design Advanced Bio- & Chemical-Sensors by leveraging the unique properties of LCs that can translate nanoscopic and molecular-scale stimuli into macroscopic optical signals. By collaborating with Korea government and industries (Samsung Electronics, COSMAX, and POSCO), we have been making significant advances in the design of Bio- & Chemical Sensors for identifying hydrogen gas, toxic gases, bacteria, viruses, biological molecules, interfacial phenomena, and intermolecular interactions.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulation is a computational method used to quantitatively analyze the structure, dynamics, and thermodynamics of molecular systems based on underlying physical models.
By employing MD simulations, we investigate how LC molecules interact with other chemical and biological species to uncover various intermolecular phenomena that emerge at the molecular scale. Building on this knowledge, we aim to understand our experimental systems mediated by LCs and to design a new class of smart materials that can be used in diverse applications, including drug delivery and release systems, high-sensitivity sensors, soft actuators, microfluidics, and novel molecular/colloidal self-assembly platforms.
Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulation is a computational method used to quantitatively analyze the structure, dynamics, and thermodynamics of molecular systems based on underlying physical models.
By employing MD simulations, we investigate how LC molecules interact with other chemical and biological species to uncover various intermolecular phenomena that emerge at the molecular scale. Building on this knowledge, we aim to understand our experimental systems mediated by LCs and to design a new class of smart materials that can be used in diverse applications, including drug delivery and release systems, high-sensitivity sensors, soft actuators, microfluidics, and novel molecular/colloidal self-assembly platforms.
Self-Assembly
We utilize the LCs as a soft template to synthesize nano- & micro-scale materials with a high level of control over size, organization, 3D structure, and functionality.
We utilize the LCs as a soft template to synthesize nano- & micro-scale materials with a high level of control over size, organization, 3D structure, and functionality.
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