INS13-1199
Controlling Dynamic Bio-Interfaces via Supramolecular Photoswitching and Living Therapeutics for Precision Medicine
Topic
S13. Korea-Germany Polymer Symposium 2026: “Pioneering the Future of Polymeric Materials and Bridging Innovation in Sustainable Technologies”
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
15:25 - 15:50
Room 203
Session Chairs
Markus BIESALSKI
Presenter(s)
SEHOON KIM (Korea Institute of Science and Technology)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Biomaterials are evolving from static scaffolds toward dynamic, adaptive microenvironments. Current trends feature two separate paradigms: synthetic, stimuli-responsive supramolecular assemblies controlling cell-material interfaces, and engineered living bio-therapeutics autonomously navigating pathological tissues. These approaches overcome traditional trade-offs between delivery efficiency and microenvironmental command, pioneering next-generation autonomous medical systems.
The first part of this presentation details light-controlled supramolecular self-assemblies for cyclic microenvironmental manipulation. Integrating reversible photoisomerization switches within stabilized microgels enables on-demand volumetric inflation via near-infrared upconversion transduction. This dynamic ligand and topology control remotely orchestrates focal adhesion, mechanosensing, and stem cell differentiation while triggering therapeutic release. Replacing ultraviolet light with safer dual-wavelength irradiation advances cytocompatible tissue regeneration and smart drug delivery. The second part focuses on programmed living bacterial therapeutics serving as autonomous factories within tumor microenvironments. Through inducible in situ protein secretion, these attenuated vectors colonize tumors to capture administered targeting agents, bypassing systemic clearance and enhancing three-dimensional imaging contrast for surgical guidance. Synchronized with photodynamic interventions, this platform drives cancer ablation and immunogenic cell death, mobilizing cytotoxic T lymphocytes for complete, safe lesion regression.
In this presentation, I will discuss the mechanisms, design principles, and in vivo breakthroughs of programmable light-responsive materials and engineered living therapeutics, outlining their distinct translational potentials in precision medicine.
The first part of this presentation details light-controlled supramolecular self-assemblies for cyclic microenvironmental manipulation. Integrating reversible photoisomerization switches within stabilized microgels enables on-demand volumetric inflation via near-infrared upconversion transduction. This dynamic ligand and topology control remotely orchestrates focal adhesion, mechanosensing, and stem cell differentiation while triggering therapeutic release. Replacing ultraviolet light with safer dual-wavelength irradiation advances cytocompatible tissue regeneration and smart drug delivery. The second part focuses on programmed living bacterial therapeutics serving as autonomous factories within tumor microenvironments. Through inducible in situ protein secretion, these attenuated vectors colonize tumors to capture administered targeting agents, bypassing systemic clearance and enhancing three-dimensional imaging contrast for surgical guidance. Synchronized with photodynamic interventions, this platform drives cancer ablation and immunogenic cell death, mobilizing cytotoxic T lymphocytes for complete, safe lesion regression.
In this presentation, I will discuss the mechanisms, design principles, and in vivo breakthroughs of programmable light-responsive materials and engineered living therapeutics, outlining their distinct translational potentials in precision medicine.
