https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/4342 2026-08-11T10:54:09Z https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/60506 Title: Interfacial Assembly of Microgels: From Granular Hydrogels to Programmable Materials Author(s): Hong, Seonki Abstract: Hydrogels assembled from microgels offer a modular alternative to conventional bulk polymer networks, enabling tunable structure and function through bottom-up design. Despite rapid progress in granular hydrogels, particle-particle interfaces are often treated primarily as means of stabilization rather than as programmable design elements. In this perspective, microgel interfaces are proposed as a central design space that governs the assembly, mechanics, and biological function of granular hydrogels. By reframing microgel assemblies through the lens of interfacial engineering, this highlights how control over interfacial interactions can be leveraged to design complex, multicomponent, and hierarchically organized materials. This perspective is intended to inspire new directions toward adaptive microgel-based systems with enhanced functionality. 2026-06-30T15:00:00Z https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/60041 Title: Polymerization-Assisted Signal Enhancement and Visual Readout Techniques in Bioassays: A Mini Review Author(s): Son, Nayoung; Sulipta, Jena Subhra; Hong, Seonki Abstract: Polymerization-based strategies have emerged as powerful tools for enhancing sensitivity and enabling user-friendly visual outputs in bioassays. Unlike conventional assays that rely on catalyst- or enzyme-mediated accumulation of molecular products for signal amplification, polymerization reactions produce material-level, macroscopic, or supramolecular structures-such as hydrogels, polymer films, or insoluble precipitates. This mini review highlights recent advances in polymerization-assisted signal amplification techniques, with a particular focus on detection strategies and polymerization chemistries. We first classify detection approaches according to their readout mechanisms, including direct visual detection and integration with electronic or optical transducers. We then examine representative polymerization reactions employed in bioassays, including enzyme-mediated hydrogelation, nucleic acid polymerization, conductive polymer formation, and controlled radical polymerization. Both enzyme-dependent and enzyme-free systems are discussed, reflecting the growing versatility of polymerization-based platforms for biosensor development. 2025-11-30T15:00:00Z https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/58688 Title: PLUS: Primary Layer for Universal Sensing Enabling Improved Immunocapture of Biomarkers in Clinical Scenarios Author(s): Son, Nayoung; Byeon, Chorok; Jeong, Haejin; Jang, Hyeonha; Park, Jun Seok; Hong, Seonki Abstract: The biofunctionalization of sensor surfaces to enable biorecognition capabilities remains a major challenge in developing diagnostic devices. However, efficient surface chemistries applicable to various sensor types remain elusive. In this study, Primary Layer for Universal Sensing (PLUS), a universal coating for bioprobe immobilization designed to enhance sensor functionality across diverse substrates, is introduced. Derived from the mussel-inspired, catechol-based adhesive polydopamine (pDA), PLUS ensures material-independent coating ability. Unlike conventional methods that involve secondary bioprobe immobilization onto a pre-formed pDA layer, PLUS is directly grown from dopamine (DA) and avidin proteins as co-polymerization precursors, resulting in a highly roughened surface with abundant biotin-binding sites. This strategy, combined with end-functionalization using biotinylated antibodies, significantly enhances immunocapture efficiency compared to traditional immunoassays. Furthermore, the PLUS layer interacts effectively with blocking proteins, preventing non-specific binding of unwanted molecules. This ensures reliable biomarker capture even in complex biological samples, such as 50% human serum and plasma. It is envisioned that this bioprobe immobilization technique will play a pivotal role in advancing high-performance sensor adaptability for molecular diagnostics. 2025-08-31T15:00:00Z https://scholar.dgist.ac.kr/handle/20.500.11750/58663 Title: Tailoring Biosensor Interfaces: Polydopamine-Assisted Surface Functionalization for Enabling Biorecognition Author(s): Son, Nayoung; Hong, Seonki Abstract: Polydopamine (pDA)–based surface engineering has garnered significant attention as a bioinspired and versatile strategy for enhancing the performance of biosensing platforms. Its strong adhesion to a wide range of substrates, combined with excellent biocompatibility, enables seamless integration into diverse sensing systems. This review summarizes recent advances in pDA-based coatings, with a particular focus on synthetic strategies, surface functionalization techniques, and their applications in biosensors for biomarker detection in biofluids. Special emphasis is placed on immobilization techniques for protein-based bioreceptors, nucleic acids, and blocking agents used to minimize nonspecific interactions. Furthermore, emerging applications of engineered pDA as synthetic receptors via molecular imprinting are discussed. Although current approaches remain largely limited to laboratory settings and require validation for scalable production, this review envisions the integration of molecular-level insights with practical design strategies to drive the development of next-generation pDA-enabled biosensing technologies. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd 2025-08-31T15:00:00Z