BME Seminar with Dr. Hyun (Michel) Koo
Abstract
From Nano to Microrobots: Combating Biofilms Infections: The eradication of drug-resistant microbial biofilms remains an unresolved global health challenge. Small-scale robotics are providing innovative therapeutic and diagnostic approaches with high precision and efficacy. These approaches are rapidly moving from proof-of-concept studies to practical applications in biomedicine. This presentation discusses the fundamental and translational aspects of microrobotics for targeting infection sites to combat biofilms. Specifically, we focus on iron oxide nanoparticles as building blocks to create small-scale robots for automated biofilm disruption and removal. We demonstrate how the catalytic and magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles can be explored using robotics principles to develop different platforms to degrade biofilms, kill the embedded bacteria, and mechanically remove them from difficult to reach surfaces. Clinical translation challenges and future directions of microrobotics to combat biofilm infections in humans will be discussed.
Bio
Hyun (Michel) Koo is a dentist-scientist trained in food engineering, microbiology and cell biology, and an inventor with several US and international patents. He is a professor in the School of Dental Medicine and the co-founder of the Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry that bridges clinicians, scientists, and engineers to advance oral health innovations through research, training, and entrepreneurship. He is the co-director of an NIH training program at the interface of dental medicine and engineering to study disease mechanisms, develop affordable therapies and precision diagnostics for susceptible populations. His research focuses on understanding how microbial biofilms cause oral diseases and new therapeutic strategies by integrating nanotechnology, biomaterials, and robotics. He has published extensively in dental, biomedical, and multidisciplinary journals, including PNAS, Science, Science Robotics, Nature communications, as well as in Nature Reviews and Cell Press Trends. He is an elected AAAS fellow, the recipient of the IADR Distinguished Scientist and IADR Innovation in Oral Care Awards, and STAT nationwide finalist for Best Innovations in Science and Medicine.