Dr. Sung's research encompasses biomaterials, with a primary focus on oral drug/gene delivery, nanomedicine, and myocardial tissue engineering. Here is a succinct overview of his active research areas and industry collaborations:

Oral Drug/Gene Delivery: Dr. Sung is a distinguished authority in oral drug and gene delivery, with a notable track record of accomplishments. He has pioneered innovative oral delivery systems for therapeutic biologics like insulin protein, insulin gene, and exenatide, which have shown promise for clinical applications in glucose control. These techniques encompass the use of chitosan and its derived nanoparticles, along with the development of self-assembled bubble-generating nanocarriers. 

Nanomedicine: Dr. Sung's recent research efforts have been geared towards pioneering advancements in oral drug/gene delivery. A standout development is the conceptualization of an oral mRNA LNP vaccine, incorporating β-glucans as both an adjuvant and a protective agent. This innovative approach targets intestinal antigen-presenting cells within the lymphatic system, eliciting potent immune responses applicable to cancer immunotherapy. This groundbreaking technology has recently been honored with the Moderna Taiwan RNA Innovation Award. Additionally, the company will facilitate expert guidance from industry professionals to assess its potential for industrialization. Dr. Sung's work in designing a gut-to-brain prodrug system functionalized with β-glucans has shown remarkable effectiveness in orally delivering anticancer drugs and inhibiting brain tumor growth in mouse models, marking a significant advancement in cancer therapeutics. These outstanding outcomes have drawn the attention of EVX Ventures, a biotech venture capital firm with bases in Singapore and Boston. They are exploring opportunities for potential new ventures or licensing agreements tied to this groundbreaking achievement.

Myocardial Tissue Engineering: Dr. Sung leads a highly skilled team specializing in myocardial tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Their collaborative expertise, spanning over fifteen years, has resulted in significant breakthroughs. These include pioneering technologies like porous myocardial patches, cell sheets, cell bodies, and other innovative cell delivery vehicles. These advancements hold immense potential in facilitating tissue regeneration and bolstering ventricular function recovery post-myocardial infarction. Dr. Sung is presently collaborating with a University of Toronto team to study thermos-responsive hydrogels/patches for correcting irregular heart rhythms in atrial fibrillation.

In summary, Dr. Sung's influential research has made seminal contributions to oral drug and gene delivery, nanomedicine, and myocardial tissue engineering. His impressive record of publications, patents, technology transfer, and clinical translation highlights the practical impact of his work on both academic and industrial fronts.