In-Kyu Choi
Seoul National University · Engineering
About the Lab
Professor In-Kyu Choi's research lab specializes in fungal biotechnology and sustainable bioprocessing, focusing on the application of white rot fungi for environmental remediation and the biotransformation of natural compounds. The lab investigates lignin degradation and biomodification using ligninolytic enzymes, explores the biocatalytic conversion of terpenes into high-value chemicals, and evaluates natural products—particularly from *Chamaecyparis obtusa*—for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Additionally, the lab is advancing renewable biofuels, including high-energy-density bio-aviation fuels derived from terpenes via Diels–Alder chemistry and catalytic upgrading.
Research Overview
Research Output Trend
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Selected Papers
15In this study, white rot fungus, Polyporus brumalis, was applied to degrade dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a major environmental pollutant. The degradation potential and resulting products were evaluated with HPLC and GC/MS. As DBP concentration increased to 250, 750, and 1,250 microM, the mycelial growth of P. brumalis was inhibited. However, growth was still observed in the 1,250 microM concentration. DBP was nearly eliminated from culture medium of P. brumalis within 12 days, with 50% of DBP adsorb
Whole cells of the basidiomycete fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium (ATCC 20696) were applied to induce the biomodification of lignin in an in vivo system. Our results indicated that P. chrysosporium has a catabolic system that induces characteristic biomodifications of synthetic lignin through a series of redox reactions, leading not only to the degradation of lignin but also to its polymerization. The reducing agents ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol were used to stabilize the free radicals gener
Two white rot fungi, Ceriporia sp. ZLY-2010 (CER) and Stereum hirsutum (STH) were used as biocatalysts for the biotransformation of (-)-α-pinene. After 96 hr, CER converted the bicyclic monoterpene hydrocarbon (-)-α-pinene into α-terpineol (yield, 0.05 g/L), a monocyclic monoterpene alcohol, in addition to, other minor products. Using STH, verbenone was identified as the major biotransformed product, and minor products were myrtenol, camphor, and isopinocarveol. We did not observe any inhibitory
In this study, the antibacterial activity of essential oil from Chamaecyparis obtusa (Sieb. et Zucc) leaves and twigs was investigated. The test strains were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Legionella pneumophila, and Methicilline-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Antibacterial activity was estimated by measuring bacterial growth inhibition. Histopathological examination was also performed. C. obtusa oil distinctly in
Research Areas
Dive deeper into In-Kyu Choi's research on Nubint
Open this lab's papers in the app to read with AI, summarize, and cite in your writing.