(7m) Creating Rechargeable Antithrombotic Surfaces for Medical Devices

My research focuses on developing new synthetic biomaterials and bio-conjugation strategies to induce specific biological responses and enhance the performances of diagnostic or medical devices. My PhD research focused on developing surface modification strategies by utilizing a mussel-mimetic catecholamine polymer as well as glycopeptide-mimetic polymers to create non-fouling surfaces. During postdoctoral training, my research interests are extended to develop a system for creating rechargeable surfaces to reduce thrombosis on the blood contacting medical devices. My goal is to run a multidisciplinary research program that focuses on 1) developing multifunctional biomaterials / bioactive coatings that can deliver therapeutics with a spatial and temporal control, and 2) designing glycopeptide-mimetics for cardiovascular applications. I envision that students within this research program will have strong collaborative interactions with other scientists, engineers, and clinicians, which will further enrich this training environment.

Teaching Interests:

I have established a strong foundation of knowledge in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and in the field of biomaterials, molecular and cardiovascular tissue engineering. At this interface between chemistry/ materials, and bioengineering, my research leverages many disciplines including biomaterials design and synthesis, surface characterization techniques, and molecular/ protein engineering. The experience noted above will allow me to teach courses like Biomaterials, Biointerfaces, and Tissue Engineering. I would also be pleased to develop new interdisciplinary courses to contribute to the current department curriculum.

Selected Publications:

1. Hyun Ok Ham, Zheng Qu, Carolyn A. Haller, Brent M. Dorr, Erbin Dai, Wookhyun Kim, David R. Liu and Elliot L. Chaikof. In situ regeneration of bioactive coatings enabled by directed evolution of Staphylococcus Aureus sortase A, Nat. Comm., 2016; 7: 11140

2. Brent M. Dorr, Hyun Ok Ham, Chihui An, Elliot L. Chaikof, David R. Liu. Reprogramming the specificity of sortase enzymes. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2014; 111 (47): 13343–13348.

3. Hyun Ok Ham, Sung Hyun Park, Josh W. Kurutz, Igal G. Szleifer, and Phillip B. Messersmith. Antifouling glycocalyx-mimetic peptoids. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2013; 135 (35): 13015-13022.

4. Hye Sung Kim, Hyun Ok Ham, Young Ju Son, Phillip B. Messersmith, and Hyuk Sang Yoo. Electrospun catechol-modified poly(ethyleneglycol) nanofibrous mesh for anti-fouling properties. J. Mater. Chem. B., 2013; 1: 3940–3949.

5. Hyun Ok Ham, Zhongqiang Liu, K. H. Aaron Lau, Haeshin Lee, and Phillip B. Messersmith. Facile DNA immobilization on surface via catecholamine polymer. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed., 2011; 123(3): 758–762.