Overview

The Biomaterials research area designs and synthesizes biocompatible and biodegradable materials that function in harmony with the human body, and applies them to drug delivery as well as artificial organs and implantable systems. We develop advanced polymer-based formulations—including micro- and nanoparticles, hydrogels, and microneedles—for effective drug and vaccine delivery through routes such as transdermal patches and iontophoresis, and we engineer nano-, micro-, and macro-scale platforms for long-acting therapies. Leveraging 3D printing and flexible polymer processing, we further create implantable devices that release drugs with precision without electronics or batteries, along with soft robotic bioimplants and artificial-organ materials that support critical organ functions. Ultimately, this research area aims to improve therapeutic efficacy and safety through the convergence of materials science and biomedical engineering, contributing to precision medicine and next-generation implantable and regenerative medical technologies.