Seunghyun Sim

Seunghyun Sim is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), leading the Sim Lab. His research focuses on interdisciplinary materials science, biotechnology, and polymer chemistry, with an emphasis on creating biohybrid systems, programmable materials, and catalytic platforms using engineered bacterial spores and synthetic polymers. Key areas include supramolecular hydrogels, stress-tolerant biocatalysts, and dissipative living materials driven by chemical fuels. His work bridges synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and soft matter physics to design adaptive and responsive materials with applications in healthcare, environmental sustainability, and industrial biocatalysis.

Dr. Sim’s lab develops innovative materials through dynamic covalent chemistry and protein engineering, such as coiled-coil protein interactions for macroscopic assembly and Janus GroEL systems for sequence-controlled polymerization. His research also explores underwater adhesives, 3D-printable cellular composites, and nanoantibiotics leveraging orthogonal binding motifs. These projects highlight a commitment to creating sustainable, recyclable, and autonomously renewable materials.

His publications span topics from bacterial spore-programmed polymer degradation to elastic droplet networks, demonstrating a focus on both fundamental material science and practical applications. While no specific awards or grants are listed, his work reflects active engagement in high-impact, cross-disciplinary research.