The main research theme in my laboratory is focused on the development of lab-on-a-chip system with fundamental understanding of bio-molecular interactions and fluidic behavior in micro/nano scales and its smart implementation by utilizing basic engineering tools. Currently, three interconnected topics are being investigated.

First, we have strong interests and unique capability in development of Fully Integrated Lab-on-a-disc for Biomedical Applications. Even though “Lab-on-a-chip” has emerged as a distinct new field due to the numerous benefits such as reduced time, cost, and human interference and improved performance features, examples of fully integrated systems including sample preparation step have been rare. Using the unique phase change based active type of valve and centrifugal microfluidics, we have demonstrated fully integrated lab-on-a-disc for pathogen specific DNA extraction, immunoassay, and biochemical analysis starting from whole blood. We plan to further investigate to achieve in-depth understanding of the centrifugal microfluidic phenomena as well as to combine non-conventional force field on the spinning disc such as magnetic, electric, and acoustic field while continuing developing high-impact applications in biomedical diagnostic systems.

Second, we are broadly interested in Nano Sciences and Technology for Advanced Diagnostics and Environmental Monitoring. Our current work includes carbon MEMS; fabrication of bio-compatible carbon electrodes by using electro-spinning of photo-sensitive polymer and pyrolysis, 3D-Dielectrophoresis; nonconventional types of dielectrophoresis for cell manipulation, and nanochannels on plastic materials; fabrication and surface modification of plastic nanochannels and its novel applications in advanced bioanalysis.

Third, we are actively pursuing a highly interdisciplinary and emerging field of lab-on-a-chip, Novel Microfludic Tools for Cell Biology. Our current interests are in development of novel devices to enhance the fundamental knowledge on cell to cell communication in cancer, molecular interactions of dendritic cells and cancer cells, and stem cell biology. We micropattern the cells, control the microenvironment, and analyze the key molecular signals by combining novel microfluidic tools and nano-bio materials to elucidate the fundamental questions in cell biology.

Yoon-Kyoung Cho