Research

Research 1. High-throughput Screening using FADS system

Research 2. Microfluidic-Based Cell / Microdroplet Separation Technology

• Single Cell Analysis and Quantification: This theme focuses on precisely analyzing the molecular profile of genes, proteins, metabolites, etc., expressed in individual cells. Microfluidic devices are used to isolate single cells and quantitatively analyze their unique biological states and responses.

• High-Speed Cell Sorting and Selection: This theme concentrates on the technology for fast and accurate sorting and selection of various cell types. Using methods such as fluorescence labeling and label-free sorting, cells can be categorized based on their physical and chemical properties.

• Real-Time Cell Response Monitoring: Developing technologies to monitor and analyze cell responses in real-time using microfluidic platforms. This technology is valuable for understanding the dynamic characteristics of cellular responses to various chemical and physical stimuli.

• Applicable Research Areas: In stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, infectious disease diagnostics, and toxicity testing, rapid sorting of specific cell populations can help establish research or therapeutic strategies.

Research 3. Molecular biological modification of microalgae strains for enhanced function and newly produced useful compounds

• After obtaining random insertional microalgal mutant strains, we performed whole-genome resequencing (WGRS) to elucidate the gene function of mutants, which showed excellent photosynthetic performance.

• For the industrial application of cyanobacterial biodegradable plastic production from CO2, a novel polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)-producing cyanobacterial strain was developed by harnessing fast-growing cyanobacteria with the introduction of heterologous phaCAB genes.

• We can incorporate the CRISPR-Cas9 system to carry out a target-specific knockout of the microalgae gene, thereby inhibiting the unwanted metabolic pathways and promoting the production of value-added products.

Research 4. Assessment and development of the large-scale biological processes for commercialization of the algal industry

• We are trying to develop a highly efficient mass cultivation process for microalgae using a photobioreactor to improve economic viability and contribute to solving environmental and energy issues with the reduction of CO2.

• The scope of this study refers to the pilot scale research of the microalgal culture system which is a carbon-negative process to capture & convert CO2 into biomass including high-value products (i.e. astaxanthin, carbohydrate, and lipid). 

• Our goal is to develop and improve the whole photoautotrophic culture system to be cost-effective and automated by cooperating with various commercial companies for the commercialization of this process.

Research 5. Biomedical applications using light scattering of gold nanoparticles

• To prevent interhuman transmission of viruses, new mask types—claiming improved filtration—require careful performance characterization.

• A microfluidic spray device that can effectively simulate droplets emitted during coughing or sneezing was developed to spray droplets containing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) that mimic SARS-CoV-2 to overcome the shortcomings associated with using bio-samples.

• The light scattered by the AuNPs passing through the mask is successfully analyzed using an automated scattering light mapping system, thereby enabling high-throughput analysis of the filtering efficiency of various types of commercial masks.

• The differences in efficiency in terms of the same mask type from different manufacturers, double masking, and prolonged usage, which are challenging to analyze with conventional testing systems, can also be assessed.

• AuNP-mediated mask performance evaluation enables the rapid determination of mask efficiency according to particle size and can contribute to the rapid response to counter new emerging infectious biohazards.