Research

Research Focus Areas

A primary focus of the lab is regenerative treatments of central nervous system (CNS) disease and musculoskeletal diseorders (MSDs), including spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, and osteoporosis.
SCI, TBI, IVD degeneration, and osteoporosis are main spinal problems which induce severe disability.
We have carried out pre-clinical and clinical trials to develop new therapeutics using new therapeutic materials.
We are also working to develop stem cell based treatments and to find new safe and effective methods to improve stem cell functions for patients with intractable spinal diseases.
Our expertise in developing new therapeutics allows us to contribute to a large number of domestic and international collaboration.

Spinal Cord Regeneraion

Spinal cord injury often results in permanent loss of motor and sensory function due to the central nervous system’s limited regenerative capacity. Our research aims to develop advanced biomaterials and cell-based therapies that restore connectivity across the injured site, reduce secondary damage, and promote functional recovery.

Key Paper

Multimodal therapy strategy based on a bioactive hydrogel for repair of spinal cord injury

Biomaterials, Volume 299, August 2023, 122160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122160

Brain Regeneraion

Traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases lead to irreversible neuronal loss and impaired brain function. We focus on creating innovative regenerative strategies to protect neural tissue, stimulate repair, and rebuild neural circuits, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Key Paper

Advanced Biomaterial Delivery of Hypoxia-Conditioned Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) as a Therapeutic Platform for Traumatic Brain Injury

Advanced Science, 2025 Sep 8:e04147. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202504147

Intervertebral Disc Regeneration

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc is a major cause of chronic back pain and disability. Our research explores biological and biomaterial-based approaches to restore disc structure and function by promoting regeneration of nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus tissues, thereby alleviating pain and preventing further spinal deterioration.

Key Paper

Effective Modulation of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress for Enhanced Regeneration of Intervertebral Discs Using 3D Porous Hybrid Protein Nanoscaffold

Advanced Materials, Volume35, Issue41, October 12 2023, 2303021. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202303021

Bone Regeneration

Bone defects caused by trauma, tumor resection, or degenerative conditions often fail to heal naturally. We investigate scaffold systems, stem cells, and bioactive molecules that can accelerate bone repair and remodeling, offering effective solutions for complex skeletal injuries.

Key Paper

Bone tissue engineering via application of a collagen/hydroxyapatite 4D-printed biomimetic scaffold for spinal fusion

Applied Physics Reviews, Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2021. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0035601

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