Home | Translational Materials Innovation Group

WELCOME TO TMIG

Our team represents a diversity of backgrounds and experiences from around the world. Together we share a common vision to use engineering approaches to solve challenging biomedical problems and to combat infectious diseases. We place a strong emphasis on translational medicine including clinical diagnostics, functional characterization, and antiviral drug discovery and development.

THE TMIG MISSION

The Translational Materials Innovation Group (TMIG) has a common goal to develop innovative solutions for global health problems based on engineering strategies. Our team brings together expertise from engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, and medical science in order to understand emerging clinical problems at the molecular scale and to apply this knowledge to the creation of medical technologies that improve human health.

One of the most significant health problems driving the research at TMIG deals with infectious diseases for which time is limited and whose impact is global. Throughout history, infectious diseases have shaped population demographics, hindered economic potential, and most critically robbed far too many individuals of their lives. Despite advances in therapeutic drugs and tools, much work remains towards the eradication of infectious diseases.

Our research strategies are inspired by fundamental science and engineering approaches to combat infectious diseases by discovering new drug targets and creating more effective antiviral therapies. The rationale is simple and pragmatic. We embrace the scientific vision of bench to bedside and recognize the need to address critical health problems with solutions readily translatable to the real world.

NEWS HIGHLIGHT

In the quest for miniaturization across technical disciplines, microscale ceramic blocks emerge as pivotal components, with performance critically dependent on precise scales and intricate shapes. Sharp-edged ceramic microparticles, applied from micromachining to microelectronics, require innovative fabrication techniques for high-throughput production while maintaining structural complexity and mechanical integrity. This study introduces a “one-pot microfluidic fabrication” system incorporating two device fabrication strategies, “groove & tongue” and sliding assembling, achieving an unprecedented array of microparticles with diverse, complex shapes and refined precision, outperforming traditional methods in production rate and quality. Optimally designed sintering profiles based on derivative thermogravimetry enhance microparticles’ shape retention and structural strength. Compression and scratch tests validate the superiority of microparticles, suggesting their practicability for diverse applications, such as precise micromachining, sophisticated microrobotics and delicate microsurgical tools. This advancement marks a shift in microscale manufacturing, offering a scalable solution to meet the demanding specifications of miniaturized technology components.

NTU scientists revolutionize ceramic microparticle fabrication with ancient construction technique. Scientists at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore have harnessed an ancient East Asian building method to fabricate advanced ceramic microparticles measuring just slightly larger than the width of a human hair. This innovative technique, inspired by the traditional “tongue and groove” joinery, promises to reshape the micro-manufacturing landscape across various high-tech sectors. The new fabrication method has led to the developing of a microfluidic chip capable of producing and shaping ceramic microparticles with remarkable precision and complexity.

2024 World Economic Forum YGL

새내기 K스타트업 14곳 “싱가포르 찍고 해외 공략”

Korea Congress held the 2nd Microbiome Congressional Research Forum: Experts Discuss Microbiome's Role in Future Society and Environmental Innovations, wherein erudite experts engaged in discourse regarding the pivotal contributions of microbiomes to the trajectory of future societal advancement and the genesis of transformative environmental innovations.

The presentation titled "Preparing for tomorrow with materials today" put significance on the research concept of Cross Economy (Cho, N. J. (2022). Preparing for tomorrow with materials today. Materials Today, 61, 1-3., https://lnkd.in/gRHT7Wzr)

"Beyond Circular Economy: Preparing tomorrow with materials"

Korean Congress convened the Second Congressional Research Forum on Microbiome, wherein erudite scholars deliberated upon the pivotal role of the microbiome in forthcoming societal paradigms and the consequential prospects it holds for environmental innovations.

I would like to share my research achievement about "Cross Economy" that would contribute to Korean Microbiome development and future here (Cho, N. J. (2022). Preparing for tomorrow with materials today. Materials Today, 61, 1-3., https://lnkd.in/gRHT7Wzr).

https://lnkd.in/gg2kGT4X

On May 25th, 23 years ago, Professor Cho Nam-Joon of Nanyang Technological University delivered a presentation at the '21st Microbiome National Assembly Research Meeting' on the topic of "Microbiome and the Future Society." The content of his presentation was about the development of environmentally friendly materials, such as paper or sponges, using eco-friendly resources available in the natural environment to achieve carbon neutrality, known as the "Cross Economy."
(Cho, N. J. (2022). Preparing for tomorrow with materials today. Materials Today, 61, 1-3., https://lnkd.in/gRHT7Wzr)

Nanyang Technological University Prof. Cho Nam Joon moderated the session titled "Nurturing Innovation and Facilitating Collaborative Endeavors: Illuminations Derived from Esteemed Pioneers in the Field of Biotechnology" with prominent scholars and practitioners from the world, including Roland Illing, the Chief Medical Officer and Director of International Public Sector Healthcare at AWS, Mark Coe, Dean of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois and Wuji Soh, the CEO of Alpha Tau Medical. The Seoul Forum 2023 transpired between May 31st and June 1st, 2023, within the opulent confines of the Grand & Vista Walkerhill Seoul.

Eminent scholars of global stature engaged in a profound discourse on the subject matter of "Advancing Sustainable Industries via the Synergy of Green and White Biotechnologies" during the convocation of the Seoul Forum 2023. Prof Cho moderated the session with Paul L. Ryan, Deputy Director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health, Sean Patel, Entrepreneur and co-founder of React Neuro, Gerret Storms, Professor at Utrecht University, Tilburg University, and the National University of Singapore, and Mordechai Sheves, the Former Vice President of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel and Chairman of YEDA and others.

Professor Cho Nam Joon from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, an esteemed scholar, led a special discussion on the topic 'Pioneering the Advanced Bio Era: The Core of Healthcare, Economy, and Security.' He will offer advice from experts abroad on how South Korea can take a leap as a leader in the advanced bio field. The special discussion included not only keynote speakers but also distinguished participants such as Roland Illing, Chief Medical Officer and Director of International Public Sector Health at AWS; Mark Koen, Dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine; and Wu Ji Soofer, CEO of Alpha Tau Medical in Israel and others.

"The key lies in convergence. With a well-established ecosystem of collaboration between academia, industry, and research, a completely new advanced bio-market can be cultivated. Government leadership is of paramount importance. It should be dedicated to fostering talent, strengthening research and development (R&D), and guiding the collaborative efforts between academia and industry.”

Global experts involving Prof Cho Nam joon from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore had pre-meeting to contemplate the requisite socio-cultural milieu that South Korea needs to cultivate should it aspire to create its own equivalent of Novo Nordisk.

“Redefinition of WASTE, Material innovation from mere stone to economic gold.”
In the Seoul Forum of 2023, Professor Cho Nam-Joon from Nanyang Technical University elucidated the prospective solutions for the future environmentally sustainable food industry under the concept of the "Cross Economy.”
(Cho, N. J. (2022). Preparing for tomorrow with materials today. Materials Today, 61, 1-3., https://lnkd.in/gRHT7Wzr), with Prof Lee Kiwon from Seoul National University and Ruoff Rodney S from UNIST.

In the 2023 Seoul Forum, Professor Cho Nam-Joon, affiliated with Nanyang Technical University, presented forward-looking strategies for achieving a sustainable future in the food industry through the concept of the 'Cross Economy,' which entails redefining waste and fostering material innovation, transforming what was once considered mere stone into valuable economic resources
(Reference: Cho, N. J. (2022). Preparing for the Future with Today's Materials. Materials Today, 61, 1-3., https://lnkd.in/gRHT7Wzr).

“Preparing for tomorrow with materials today: Cross Economy, https://lnkd.in/gRHT7Wzr”

Under the topic of Healthcare, Economy, and Security: Pioneering the Era of Advanced Biotechnology, click the link to watch the video of Seoul Forum 2023, featuring Professor Cho Nam Joon from Nanyang Technological University and other eminent global experts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Y4KSHKVqyI&list=PLd0XUWR7qNi6JiO3IU5Ub8OuM3eJAO81k&ab_channel=%EC%84%9C%EC%9A%B8%EA%B2%BD%EC%A0%9C

“Korean universities must address their sense of crisis and undertake systemic improvements.”

On July 4th, 2023, the inaugural "The 1st World Congress of Korean Scientist & Engineers," held in Gangnam, Seoul, Nanyang Technological University Prof Cho Nam Joon addressed the significance of A society where adequate rewards are provided to scientists and technologists. This important event gathered more than 1,000 accomplished Korean scientists and engineers who excel in diverse fields of science and technology.

The 1st World Congress of Korean Scientist & Engineers is expected to provide an opportunity to harness the essential human resources necessary for enhancing Korea’s international scientific and technological capabilities. Additionally, eminent scholars including NTU prof Cho Nam Joon, Chicago Uni. Prof Kim Yoenggi, King's College Prof K Cho and Tsinghua Uni. Prof Kim Kihwan shared knowledge to formulate national strategies to secure the science and technology designated as Korean strategic technologies in South Korea.

This conference originated from a promise made by President Yoon Suk-yeol during his visit to the United States in September of last year, where he held a meeting with Korean-American scientists and engineers. The event saw participation from both overseas Korean scientists and engineers, including Professor Cho Nam-joon from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, as well as domestic scientists and engineers, with over 300 international participants and more than 700 domestic participants. The 1st World Congress of Korean Scientist & Engineers served as an engaging platform for discussions and collaboration opportunities.

"If the South Korean education system remains complacent, all universities may eventually sink together like passengers on the Titanic."
The Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies organized a Science Talk during the 1st World Congress of Korean Scientist & Engineers, featuring numerous global scholars, including NTU prof Cho Nam Joon, Chicago Uni. Prof Kim Yoenggi, King's College Prof K Cho, Standford Uni. Prof Lee Jinhyung and Tsinghua Uni. Prof Kim Kihwan.

President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized the importance of 'global' efforts and explicitly stated that supporting worldwide research is a national obligation. He fulfilled his promise made in the United States by organizing the 1st World Congress of Korean Scientist & Engineers, where global Korean scientists highlighted the importance of nurturing talents for a sustainable future society. Nanyang technological University Prof Cho Nam Joon stressed the demand for the long-term nurturing strategy of talents at the conference.

The 1st World Congress of Korean Scientist & Engineers is anticipated to offer an opportunity to mobilize the critical human resources required for bolstering South Korea's global scientific and technological prowess. Distinguished scholars, such as Professor Cho Nam Joon from NTU, Professor Kim Yoenggi from the University of Chicago, Professor K. Cho from King's College, and Professor Kim Kihwan from Tsinghua University, have collaborated to exchange knowledge and develop national strategies aimed at securing scientific and technological advancements designated as key strategic priorities for South Korea.

President Yoon Suk-yeol underscored the significance of 'global' endeavors and explicitly articulated that endorsing research on a global scale is a national duty. He fulfilled his commitment made in the United States by hosting the 1st World Congress of Korean Scientist & Engineers, during which Korean scientists worldwide emphasized the significance of cultivating talent for the sustainability of future societies. Professor Cho Nam Joon from Nanyang Technological University raised the fundamental issues of Korean education system.

Overseas Korean scholars have identified a solution to the issue of "medical school overcrowding." NTU prof Cho Nam Joon, Chicago Uni. Prof Kim Yoenggi, King's College Prof K Cho, Standford Uni. Prof Lee Jinhyung and Tsinghua Uni. Prof Kim Kihwan advise that the problem should be addressed by finding ways to support engineers and professionals in solving real-world problems that have a direct impact on people's lives during the Science Talk Concert at The 1st World Congress of Korean Scientist & Engineers.

“Leading nations do not use science as a political tool.”

Over 1,000 Korean scientists, including prominent figures like Professor NTU prof Cho Nam Joon, Chicago Uni. Prof Kim Yoenggi, King's College Prof K Cho, Standford Uni. Prof Lee Jinhyung and Tsinghua Uni. Prof Kim Kihwan, who are making significant contributions worldwide, gathered in one place. The 1st World Congress of Korean Scientist & Engineers was held in Gangnam.

The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT successfully organized the inaugural The 1st World Congress of Korean Scientist & Engineers, bringing together Korean science and technology experts from around the world, including Nanyang Technological Uni. prof Cho Nam Joon, Uni. Of Chicago. Prof Kim Yoenggi, King's College Prof K Cho, Standford Uni. Prof Lee Jinhyung and Tsinghua Uni. Prof Kim Kihwan in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul.