Loo Say Chye Joachim

Professor Loo Say Chye Joachim is a distinguished academic at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, holding multiple appointments as Professor in the School of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE), and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMed). He currently serves as Associate Dean (Students) in the College of Engineering, overseeing student outreach, admissions, and student life.

His research spans multiple disciplines with a focus on designing encapsulation systems for controlled and targeted delivery applications across agri-food, biomedical, environmental, and pharmaceutical fields. His work integrates principles from Biomedical Engineering, Nutrition Science, Circular Economy, Food Technology, Polymer Science, Neuroscience, and Neurotechnology.

Prof. Loo's publication record includes over 220 journal papers (h-index: 69), three book chapters, and more than 20 patents (three licensed). His research demonstrates consistent innovation in drug delivery systems, with recent publications showing expertise in nanocellulose for fat absorption inhibition, Janus particles for dual-drug delivery, programmable lipid-polymer nanoparticles for biofilm treatment, and osmogen-mediated hollow microparticles for bioactive molecule delivery. His research trends indicate a strong focus on translating fundamental materials science into practical applications for health and environmental challenges.

• Nanyang Education Award (School) in 2011 and 2016
• Nanyang Education Award (College) in 2020
• Enterprise Singapore & Singapore Standards Council Commendation Award in 2021
• Singapore Food Agency (SFA) Science Excellence Award in 2022

Prof. Loo has successfully mentored numerous PhD and Master's students, with several receiving awards for their research. His educational impact extends beyond direct mentorship through his role as Associate Dean and his leadership in curriculum development. He has received the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant to develop delivery systems for nutraceuticals and has spun off two companies: LiberaTx for extended-release oral drug delivery systems and Dietrics for valorizing cellulose for fat absorption as a food ingredient.

He leads the Delivery and Controlled Release Technologies (DCRT) Laboratory, which focuses on developing innovative particulate systems including multi-layered particles, floatable microcapsules, and hydrophilic-hydrophobic core-shell particles for drug delivery applications. His research group collaborates with scientists and companies globally to translate cutting-edge technologies into commercial applications.