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Kyung Woo Lee

Yonsei University · Medicine

About the Lab

Professor Kyung Woo Lee's research lab specializes in the development of advanced nanomaterials and nanostructured systems for targeted cancer therapy, with a strong focus on photodynamic therapy (PDT) and combined photothermal/photodynamic therapy. The lab designs biocompatible nanocarriers—such as solid lipid nanoparticles, nano-transfersomes, and polymer-stabilized gold nanorod complexes—to enhance the solubility, stability, and cellular delivery of photosensitizers. Key research directions include improving the photophysical properties and tumor selectivity of photosensitizers through supramolecular engineering and surface functionalization, as well as exploring the synergistic effects of hyperthermia and reactive oxygen species generation for enhanced anticancer efficacy. The lab also investigates the clinical implications of tumor characteristics in thyroid cancer, integrating nanomedicine with translational oncology.

photodynamic therapynanocarriersphotosensitizersgold nanorodssupramolecular complexes

Research Overview

Papers
160
Total Citations
1,954
Papers (5y)
43
Primary Field
Medicine

Research Output Trend

Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.

Publications per year (5y)
43total
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Citations per year (5y)
344total
20212022202320242025

Selected Papers

15
1
Article|72 citations·2022
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Curcumin Designed for Enhanced Bioavailability and Anticancer Efficiency
Sooho Yeo, Min Je Kim, Young Key Shim, Il Yoon, Woo Kyung Lee
SJR Q1ACS OmegaOA

Curcumin (Cur) has anticancer properties but exhibits poor aqueous solubility, permeability, and photostability. In this study, we aimed to develop a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) system to enhance Cur bioavailability. The characteristics of Cur-loaded SLNs prepared by sonication were evaluated using UV-vis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mean particle size of the stearic acid-based, lauric acid-based, and palmitic acid-based SLNs was 14.70-149.30, 502.83, and 469.53 nm, respec

Molecular MedicineBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
2
Article|46 citations·2009
Maskless Nanoscale Writing of Nanoparticle−Polymer Composites and Nanoparticle Assemblies using Thermal Nanoprobes
Woo Kyung Lee, Zhenting Dai, William P. King, Paul E. Sheehan
SJR Q1Nano Letters

Nanoparticle polymer composites containing metal, semiconductor, magnetic, and optically active nanoparticles were deposited onto multiple substrates from a heatable atomic force microscope tip. The nanoparticle nanostructures were functional as deposited or could be etched with an oxygen plasma, revealing single nanoparticle lithographic resolution. Many types of nanoparticles can be patterned with the same technique, without the need to tailor the substrate chemistry and without solution proce

Biomedical EngineeringEngineering
3
Article|30 citations·2015
Gold Nanorod–Photosensitizer Complex Obtained by Layer‐by‐Layer Method for Photodynamic/Photothermal Therapy In Vitro
Seung Beom Kim, Tae Heon Lee, Il Yoon, Young Key Shim, Woo Kyung Lee
SJR Q2Chemistry - An Asian Journal

Gold nanorod (GNR)-photosensitizer (PS) complex was prepared using anionic PS (sodium salt of purpurin-18) and cationic poly(allylamine hydrochloride) by layer-by-layer method, and was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and zeta potential. The GNR-PS complex is a promising agent for synergistic (photothermal and photodynamic) therapy (PTT/PDT), in which PTT generates heat as well as operates the PS release which maximize the following PDT activity. The combin

Biomedical EngineeringEngineering
4
Article|21 citations·2019
Peripheral location and infiltrative margin predict invasive features of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Woo Kyung Lee, Jandee Lee, Hyunji Kim, Seul Gi Lee, Sun Hyung Choi, Seonhyang Jeong, Hyeong Ju Kwon, Sang Geun Jung, Young Suk Jo
SJR Q1European Journal of EndocrinologyOA

OBJECTIVE: Tumor location in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) might determine tumor outgrowth from the thyroid gland. However, the clinical implications of tumor location and minimal extrathyroid extension (mETE) have not been well elucidated. We aimed to investigate the relationship between tumor location and mETE to predict the aggressiveness of PTMC. METHODS: A total of 858 patients with PTMC were grouped according to tumor location on ultrasonography: central (cPTMC) and peripheral PT

Endocrinology, Diabetes and MetabolismMedicine
5
Article|21 citations·2013
Efficient Photosensitization by a Chlorin–Polyoxometalate Supramolecular Complex
Il Yoon, Jung Hwa Kim, Jiazhu Li, Woo Kyung Lee, Young Key Shim
SJR Q1Inorganic Chemistry

The 4:1 supramolecular complexed ionic salt between pyridinium chlorin and polyanionic [α-SiMo12O40](4-) exhibits significantly enhanced photodynamic activity against A549 cell lines because of increased singlet oxygen photogeneration through high cellular penetration and localization of the chlorin molecules on the ionic salt into the cancer cell. Confocal laser scanning microscopy images clearly represent a higher uptake and photodynamic effect of this supramolecular complex corresponding to t

Materials ChemistryMaterials Science
6
Article|19 citations·2023
Improved anticancer efficacy of methyl pyropheophorbide-a–incorporated solid lipid nanoparticles in photodynamic therapy
Sooho Yeo, Tae Heon Lee, Min Je Kim, Young Key Shim, Il Yoon, Young Kyu Song, Woo Kyung Lee
SJR Q1Scientific ReportsOA

Abstract Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising anticancer treatment because it is patient-friendly and non-invasive. Methyl pyropheophorbide-a (MPPa), one of the chlorin class photosensitizers, is a drug with poor aqueous solubility. The purpose of this study was to synthesize MPPa and develop MPPa-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) with improved solubility and PDT efficacy. The synthesized MPPa was confirmed 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H-NMR) spectroscopy and UV–Vis spectroscopy

Pulmonary and Respiratory MedicineMedicine
7
Article|19 citations·2022
Design and Characterisation of pH-Responsive Photosensitiser-Loaded Nano-Transfersomes for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy
Sooho Yeo, Il Yoon, Woo Kyung Lee
SJR Q1PharmaceuticsOA

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive and tumour-specific therapy. Photosensitizers (PSs) (essential ingredients in PDT) aggregate easily owing to their lipophilic properties. The aim of this study was to synthesise a PS (methyl pheophorbide a, MPa) and design a biocompatible lipid-based nanocarrier to improve its bioavailability and pharmacological effects. MPa-loaded nano-transfersomes were fabricated by sonication. The characteristics of synthesised PS and nano-transfersomes were asses

Pulmonary and Respiratory MedicineMedicine
8
Article|18 citations·2014
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Purpurinimides as Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy
Bing Cun Cui, Il Yoon, Jiazhu Li, Woo Kyung Lee, Young Shim
SJR Q1International Journal of Molecular SciencesOA

A series of novel purpurinimides with long wavelength absorption were designed and synthesized to develop novel and potential photosensitizers. These compounds were investigated through reduction, oxidation, rearrangement reaction and amidation reactions of methyl pheophorbide a. They demonstrated a considerable bathochromic shift of the major absorption band in the red region of the optical spectrum (695-704 nm). Newly synthesized purpurinimides were screened for their antitumor activities, and

Pulmonary and Respiratory MedicineMedicine
9
Article|18 citations·2022
Synthesis and Design of Purpurin-18-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Improved Anticancer Efficiency of Photodynamic Therapy
Sooho Yeo, Hyeon Ho Song, Min Je Kim, Seokhyeon Hong, Il Yoon, Woo Kyung Lee
SJR Q1PharmaceuticsOA

Purpurin-18 (P18) is one of the essential photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy (PDT), but its hydrophobicity causes easy coalescence and poor bioavailability. This study aimed to synthesize P18 and design P18-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to improve its bioavailability. The characteristics of the synthesized P18 and SLNs were evaluated by particle characteristics and release studies. The effects of P18 were evaluated using the 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) assay as a nonbio

Pulmonary and Respiratory MedicineMedicine
10
Article|17 citations·2016
Distinct Features of Nonthyroidal Illness in Critically Ill Patients With Infectious Diseases
Woo Kyung Lee, Sena Hwang, Daham Kim, Seul Gi Lee, Seonhyang Jeong, Mi-Youn Seol, Hyunji Kim, Cheol Ryong Ku, Dong Yeob Shin, Woong Youn Chung, Eun Jig Lee, Jandee Lee
SJR Q3MedicineOA

Nonthyroidal illness (NTI), often observed in critically ill patients, arises through diverse alterations in the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis. However, the causal relationship between underlying disease and NTI diversity in critically ill patients is poorly understood.The aim of this study was to examine NTI severity and adverse outcomes in critically ill patients with respect to their underlying disease(s).The medical records of 616 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU

Endocrinology, Diabetes and MetabolismMedicine
11
Article|15 citations·2020
Steroid receptor coactivator-3 as a target for anaplastic thyroid cancer
Woo Kyung Lee, Won Gu Kim, Laura Fozzatti, Sun‐Mi Park, Li Zhao, Mark C. Willingham, David M. Lonard, Bert W. O’Malley, Sheue-yann Cheng
SJR Q1Endocrine Related CancerOA

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an aggressive malignancy without effective therapeutic options to improve survival. Steroid receptor coactivator-3 (SRC-3) is a transcriptional coactivator whose amplification and/or overexpression has been identified in many cancers. In this study, we explored the expression of SRC-3 in ATCs and the effects of a new class of SRC-3 inhibitor-2 (SI-2) in human ATC cells (THJ-11T and THJ-16T cells) and mouse xenograft models to assess therapeutic potential of

GeneticsBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
12
Article|15 citations·2019
Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles Having Long Wavelength Absorbing Chlorins for Highly-Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy with Reduced Dark Toxicity
Eun Seon Kang, Tae Heon Lee, Yang Liu, Ki-Ho Han, Woo Kyung Lee, Il Yoon
SJR Q1International Journal of Molecular SciencesOA

The long wavelength absorbing photosensitizer (PS) is important in allowing deeper penetration of near-infrared light into tumor tissue for photodynamic therapy (PDT). A suitable drug delivery vehicle is important to attain a sufficient concentration of PS at the tumor site. Presently, we developed graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles containing long wavelength absorbing PS in the form of the chlorin derivative purpurin-18-N-ethylamine (maximum absorption wavelength [λmax] 707 nm). The GO–PS comple

Biomedical EngineeringEngineering
13
Article|15 citations·2022
Regulation of cancer stem cell activity by thyroid hormone receptor β
Woo Kyung Lee, Xuguang Zhu, Sun‐Mi Park, Yuelin J. Zhu, Li Zhao, Paul S. Meltzer, Sheue-yann Cheng
SJR Q1OncogeneOA
OncologyMedicine
14
Article|13 citations·2018
Accidental intracerebral injection and seizure during scalp nerve blocks for awake craniotomy in a previously craniotomized patient -a case report-
Woo Kyung Lee, Hyunzu Kim, Myung-Il Bae, Seung Ho Choi, Kyeong Tae Min
SJR Q1Korean journal of anesthesiologyOA

A 34-year-old man who previously underwent a craniotomy due to oligodendroglioma was admitted with a diagnosis of recurrent brain tumor. An awake craniotomy was planned. Approximately 15 minutes after completing the scalp nerve block, his upper torso suddenly moved and trembled for 10 seconds, suggesting a generalized clonic seizure. He recovered gradually and fully in 55 minutes without any neurological sequelae. The emergency computed tomography scan revealed a localized fluid collection and s

SurgeryMedicine
15
Article|12 citations·2018
Whole Exome Sequencing Identifies a Novel Hedgehog-Interacting Protein G516R Mutation in Locally Advanced Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Woo Kyung Lee, Seul Gi Lee, Seung Hyuk Yim, Daham Kim, Hyunji Kim, Seonhyang Jeong, Sang Geun Jung, Young Suk Jo, Jandee Lee
SJR Q1International Journal of Molecular SciencesOA

Locally advanced thyroid cancer exhibits aggressive clinical features requiring extensive neck dissection. Therefore, it is important to identify changes in the tumor biology before local progression. Here, whole exome sequencing (WES) using tissues from locally advanced papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) presented a large number of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the metastatic lymph node (MLN), but not in normal tissues and primary tumors. Among those MLN-specific SNVs, a novel HHIP G516R (G1

Molecular BiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Research Areas

Endocrinology, Diabetes and MetabolismPulmonary and Respiratory MedicineBiomedical EngineeringSurgeryMolecular BiologyAnesthesiology and Pain Medicine

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