Research Areas

The overarching goal of the Kim research group is to develop functional bio-polymer materials for targeted applications in healthcare, environmental safety, and national defense.

Based on his diverse research experiences in the areas of bio-polymer design and synthesis, polymer physics, macromolecular self-assembly, biomolecular engineering, and soft materials, his group is currently developing:

(a) Mechanically responsive soft materials that capture performances of living materials (e.g. reversible deformability red blood cells, and strength and toughness of muscle)

(b) Biopolymer materials to mitigate various microbial infections and promote wound healing 

(c) Bioinspired low-reflectance materials for defense and energy applications

(d) Environmentally friendly polymeric materials for dust control

Characterization and control of bio-polymer sequences, topologies, and their self-assembly processes will enable the Kim research group to establish structure-property relationships of nanostructured polymeric materials at multiple length scales for optimal mechanical, chemical, and biological performance.

The research platform addressed in the Kim research group will contribute to the areas of polymer science, soft materials, and biotechnology, driving progress toward next-generation polymeric materials with translation into industry and clinic for advanced solutions to issues in environmental safety, national defense, and healthcare.