Three‑dimensional (3D) in vitro model systems provide an opportunity to extend our physiological understanding using recapitulated tissues that mimic physiological characteristics of in vivo microenvironments. To satisfy the ever-increasing need for highly complex and sophisticated systems, many 3D in vitro models with advanced microengineering techniques have been developed to answer diverse physiological questions. Our group has studied strategies developing advanced in vitro model systems such as organoids and organ-on-a-chip and providing universal microfluidic-based platforms to recapitulate distinct 3D cellular structures and functions of diverse types of tissues and organs. 

Microfluidic devices can control the size and various shapes of microdroplets according to the channel design and are sufficiently attractive to accept new synthesis techniques. This could be due to the high costs associated with microfluidics, and the requirement for well-trained skillful labor. In this regard, our group has developed a novel method to generate functional materials using a modular microfluidic system. This strategy is not only useful to generate a complex functional material in a simple, fast, and reproducible manner, but can also yield scalable production. We envision that this universal strategy may serve as an on-demand platform for a wide range of real applications, especially for the development of advanced functional materials. 

With increasing demand for customized materials and the development of microfabrication technologies, there is a growing interest in smart materials, which can manifest diverse functionalities with only one particle. Therefore, our group has designed and synthesized multifunctional materials using various types of polymers such as natural and artificial hydrogels. We expect that the developed multifunctional materials could be used for advanced material development in a wide range of fields, particularly in biological and environmental applications. 

To facilitate the development of an on-site portable sensor device, our group has developed a colorimetric reusable sensor (CRS) technology using the color transition of a chemo-indicator with highly sensitive and selective signals. This technology is simple, rapid, low-cost, and portable using a naked-eye quantitative technique for the detection and real-time monitoring of environmental hazardous.