Younsoo Bae

Dr. Younsoo Bae is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Kentucky’s College of Pharmacy. His research focuses on drug and gene delivery systems, with expertise in nanoparticle-based therapies, cancer treatment, and materials science. He holds a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Tokyo (2005) and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Pharmacy.

Dr. Bae’s work emphasizes innovative drug delivery strategies, including pH-sensitive polymers, cross-linked nanoassemblies, and targeted delivery for cancer and cardiac therapies. His lab develops nanocarriers for anticancer agents like carfilzomib and explores extracellular vesicles for neuroprotection and diagnostic applications. Recent studies investigate mitochondrial EVs in brain injury and polymer-drug nanoparticles for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Key research themes include tumor microenvironment targeting, nanoparticle stability optimization, and combining therapies with TGF-β inhibitors. His interdisciplinary approach bridges materials engineering and pharmacology, aiming to improve treatment efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity. Ongoing efforts focus on translational applications of nanomedicine for unmet clinical needs in oncology and regenerative medicine.