Academic Profile : Faculty
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Assoc Prof Lim Sierin
Associate Dean, Graduate College
Associate Professor, School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
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Sierin Lim is an Associate Professor of Bioengineering at the School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU). Her research group focuses on the design and engineering of biological entities for applications in health and the environment. Specifically, her Bioengineered and Applied Nanomaterials Lab (BeANs Lab) uses protein cages and bacterial cellulose as the building blocks and a platform for formulation and delivery of active molecules to the skin. Her lab also explores the utility of protein cages to enhance contrast in imaging atherosclerotic plaques. In her Molecular & Cellular Bioengineering Lab (MCBe Lab), she leads a program in engineering plastic-degrading enzymes and microbes to up-cycle plastic waste to oil, cellulose, and cannabinoids using cyanobacteria, cellulose bacteria, and yeast.
The innovations by students and researchers in her lab have resulted in numerous patent applications, four of which have been issued in the US and EU among other jurisdictions.
She is currently serving as the Associate Dean of Global Partnerships at the NTU Graduate College. She earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) with a postdoc in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Sciences at University of California, Irvine.
In addition to her research work, Sierin is championing community developments at NTU and in Singapore, particularly women in STEM initiatives. She founded the Biomedical Engineering Society (Singapore) Student Chapter in 2009, Women@NTU in 2018, and Society of Women Engineers Singapore in 2021 of which she is the Vice President (Academic). She is the chair of Promotion of Women in Engineering, Research, and Science (POWERS) program which she co-founded in 2020. In 2013 she received the L'Oréal-UNESCO Singapore for Women in Science National Fellowship and in 2020 the Inaugural Singapore 100 Women in Tech List. She’s a STEM Ambassador for Girls2Pioneers section of the United Women Singapore.
The innovations by students and researchers in her lab have resulted in numerous patent applications, four of which have been issued in the US and EU among other jurisdictions.
She is currently serving as the Associate Dean of Global Partnerships at the NTU Graduate College. She earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) with a postdoc in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Sciences at University of California, Irvine.
In addition to her research work, Sierin is championing community developments at NTU and in Singapore, particularly women in STEM initiatives. She founded the Biomedical Engineering Society (Singapore) Student Chapter in 2009, Women@NTU in 2018, and Society of Women Engineers Singapore in 2021 of which she is the Vice President (Academic). She is the chair of Promotion of Women in Engineering, Research, and Science (POWERS) program which she co-founded in 2020. In 2013 she received the L'Oréal-UNESCO Singapore for Women in Science National Fellowship and in 2020 the Inaugural Singapore 100 Women in Tech List. She’s a STEM Ambassador for Girls2Pioneers section of the United Women Singapore.
Nature provides us with abundance of biological materials and we, humankind, have been repurposing them to suit our needs. Cells are natural biofactory of materials ranging from protein, lipids, and carbohydrates. SLim Research Group focuses on the molecular and cellular engineering of biological entities (proteins, cellulose, and microbes) to develop technologies for applications in health and environment. We leverage bioengineering solutions to (1) identify novel/enhanced biomolecules and develop technologies that will enable the screening of these molecules, (2) tackle health problems in imaging and delivery of active molecules, (3) develop environmentally friendly methods to mitigate plastic pollution.
Two nature-derived materials that we focus on are protein nanocages and bacterial cellulose. We engineer, reformat, and repurpose them for medicine, molecular electronic, and consumer care applications. To enable the production of the materials, we modify microbes (e.g., bacteria, cyanobacteria) and develop up-stream/down-stream processing strategies for the bioproduction of the molecules.
Two nature-derived materials that we focus on are protein nanocages and bacterial cellulose. We engineer, reformat, and repurpose them for medicine, molecular electronic, and consumer care applications. To enable the production of the materials, we modify microbes (e.g., bacteria, cyanobacteria) and develop up-stream/down-stream processing strategies for the bioproduction of the molecules.
- IDMxS PI Account - Lim Sierin
- Elucidating the Molecular Interactions of Engineered Protein Nanoparticles in Imaging Atherosclerotic Plaques
- ARO-ITC-IPAC Balance
- Leveraging COVID-19 on Quantifying Our Molecular Senses
- One-time research stipend for new AD
- Sirtuin 1 as the endogenous inhibitor against NETosis: Translation to a novel anti-NET treatment for accelerating diabetic wound healing
- The Broken Rung Problem: Studying the Determinants of Promotability and Intention to Quit in Female Mid-Career STEM Professionals in Singapore
- National Centre for Engineering Biology (NCEB)-Sierin Lim
- National Centre for Engineering Biology (NCEB)
US 2019/0030134 A1: Targeting Of Melanocytes For Delivering Therapeutic Or Diagnostic Agents Using Protein Nanocages (2021)
Abstract: The present invention relates to protein nanocages comprising a melanocyte-targeting moiety and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the protein cages as well as methods for treating or diagnosing hyperpigmentation disorders or other melanocyte-related disorders using the protein nanocages or pharmaceutical compositions. In the preferred embodiment, the protein nanocage is composed of Bacillus stearothermophilus E2 protein of pyruvate dehydrogenase multi-enzyme complex (E2), with a skin penetrating and cell permeating SPACE moiety, and a melanocyte-targeting moiety of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone.
US 2015/0329836 A1: Specific Internalization of Nanoparticles into Protein Cages (2018)
Abstract: The invention relates to a method to encapsulate nanoparticles into a protein cage by inserting the nanoparticles into the core through holes. Currently commercially available nanoparticles can be functionalized using the inventive method. The inventive hybrids have applications in biosensing and bioimaging. The use of an affinity between poly-histidine chains and nitrilotriacetic acid as chelating reagent to obtain the inventive cages and hybrid assemblies by the method according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1.
Abstract: The present invention relates to protein nanocages comprising a melanocyte-targeting moiety and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the protein cages as well as methods for treating or diagnosing hyperpigmentation disorders or other melanocyte-related disorders using the protein nanocages or pharmaceutical compositions. In the preferred embodiment, the protein nanocage is composed of Bacillus stearothermophilus E2 protein of pyruvate dehydrogenase multi-enzyme complex (E2), with a skin penetrating and cell permeating SPACE moiety, and a melanocyte-targeting moiety of alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone.
US 2015/0329836 A1: Specific Internalization of Nanoparticles into Protein Cages (2018)
Abstract: The invention relates to a method to encapsulate nanoparticles into a protein cage by inserting the nanoparticles into the core through holes. Currently commercially available nanoparticles can be functionalized using the inventive method. The inventive hybrids have applications in biosensing and bioimaging. The use of an affinity between poly-histidine chains and nitrilotriacetic acid as chelating reagent to obtain the inventive cages and hybrid assemblies by the method according to the invention is shown in FIG. 1.
Awards
* Singapore’s Inaugural 100 Women in Tech (SG100WIT) List, 2020.
* Outstanding Woman (Biomedical Engineering) Venus International Women Awards, 2019.
* Collaborative Development Awards – Translational Skin Biology, Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Global Partnership Funds, British High Commission, Singapore 2013.
* Outstanding Woman (Biomedical Engineering) Venus International Women Awards, 2019.
* Collaborative Development Awards – Translational Skin Biology, Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Global Partnership Funds, British High Commission, Singapore 2013.
Fellowships & Other Recognition
* Tan Chin Tuan Exchange Fellowship in Engineering, 2016.
* L’Oréal-UNESCO Singapore for Women in Science National Fellowship, 2013.
* Asia Pacific Research Networking (APRN) Fellowship, International Federation of Medical and Biomedical Engineering (IFMBE) Asia Pacific Working Group, 2012. [Only one representative below the age of 40 from each participating country is selected once every three years.]
* L’Oréal-UNESCO Singapore for Women in Science National Fellowship, 2013.
* Asia Pacific Research Networking (APRN) Fellowship, International Federation of Medical and Biomedical Engineering (IFMBE) Asia Pacific Working Group, 2012. [Only one representative below the age of 40 from each participating country is selected once every three years.]
Courses Taught
BG1141 - Fundamental Cellular and Molecular Biology for Bioengineers
BG4215 - Biomedical Nanotechnology
IH7002 - Global Health: Leadership in Practice (Graduate College & APRU)
GP7002 - Global Sustainability: Waste and the City (Graduate College & APRU)
BG4215 - Biomedical Nanotechnology
IH7002 - Global Health: Leadership in Practice (Graduate College & APRU)
GP7002 - Global Sustainability: Waste and the City (Graduate College & APRU)
Supervision of PhD Students
[# = co-advised]
19. LI Qingao (01/24-) Understanding Electron Transport in Ferritin Nanocages and Their Effects on Cells
18. WANG Jingyuan (01/24-) Metabolic Engineering of Komagataeibacter rhaeticus for Conversion of PET Monomers to Cellulose
17. Nitish Suja Jeyaraj (01/23-) Modeling of PETase Variant Activities on Plastic Substrates
16. Abdurrahman Adam (01/22-) Development and Optimization of PETase Biodegradation
15. Keerthi PINCHI Mohan (08/21-) Engineering PETase for Secretion
14. SUN Ruoxuan (08/20-) Hyperassembly of Ferritin Nanocage
13. Tanvi Kaku (01/20-) Engineered Ferritin Nanocage for Atherosclerotic MR Imaging
12. #Janhavi Devrukhar (02/20-02/24) Near-Infrared Light Responsive Gold and Ferritin-based Nanocomposites for Cancer Photothermal Therapy (Co-advised with Rohit Srivastava, IIT Bombay)
11. #Luis LECHAPTOIS (08/20-12/23) Ferritin Nanocages Used as Programmable Bricks for Biomolecular Electronics (Co-advised with Olivier Pluchery, Sorbonne Université)
10. #Juhi Singh (08/18-12/22) Bacterial Cellulose-based Adhesive Platforms for Oral Disease Management (Co-advised with Terry Steele, NTU Materials Science and Engineering)
9. Samyukta Ravishankar (2016–2021) Protein Nanocages for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Atherosclerosis.
8. Vishnu Vadanan Sundaravadanam (2016–2020) Bacterial Cellulose: From Culturing to the Development of Functional Materials.
7. #Jiajun Tan (2014–2020) Assay Developments for Detection of Biological Analytes. Co-advised with Wolfgang Knoll of Austria Institute of Technology.
6. Sathya Moorthy Bhaskar (2014–2020) Protein Nanocages for Cutaneous Delivery of Active Compounds.
5. Mridul Sarker (2013–2018) E2 Protein Nanocage as Pickering Emulsifier and Its Applications.
4. Rupali Reddy Pasula (transfer; 2013–2018) Engineering Escherichia coli for Nanoparticle Synthesis and Targeting of Colon Cancer.
3. Kang Yu (2009–2014) Understanding on the Interaction between Major Vault Protein and INT for Application in Modulated Molecular Release.
2. Herlina A. Dewi (2009–2014) Investigation on Electron Transfer from Spinach Thylakoids to Modified Electrodes in a Photosynthetic Electrochemical Cell.
1. Tao Peng (2008–2013) Understanding the Self-Assembly Mechanism of E2 Protein Cage and Exploring its Potential Applications.
0. Yan Li (transfer; 2009–2011) Development of Drug Loaded Biodegradable Polymer Composite Microparticles.
19. LI Qingao (01/24-) Understanding Electron Transport in Ferritin Nanocages and Their Effects on Cells
18. WANG Jingyuan (01/24-) Metabolic Engineering of Komagataeibacter rhaeticus for Conversion of PET Monomers to Cellulose
17. Nitish Suja Jeyaraj (01/23-) Modeling of PETase Variant Activities on Plastic Substrates
16. Abdurrahman Adam (01/22-) Development and Optimization of PETase Biodegradation
15. Keerthi PINCHI Mohan (08/21-) Engineering PETase for Secretion
14. SUN Ruoxuan (08/20-) Hyperassembly of Ferritin Nanocage
13. Tanvi Kaku (01/20-) Engineered Ferritin Nanocage for Atherosclerotic MR Imaging
12. #Janhavi Devrukhar (02/20-02/24) Near-Infrared Light Responsive Gold and Ferritin-based Nanocomposites for Cancer Photothermal Therapy (Co-advised with Rohit Srivastava, IIT Bombay)
11. #Luis LECHAPTOIS (08/20-12/23) Ferritin Nanocages Used as Programmable Bricks for Biomolecular Electronics (Co-advised with Olivier Pluchery, Sorbonne Université)
10. #Juhi Singh (08/18-12/22) Bacterial Cellulose-based Adhesive Platforms for Oral Disease Management (Co-advised with Terry Steele, NTU Materials Science and Engineering)
9. Samyukta Ravishankar (2016–2021) Protein Nanocages for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Atherosclerosis.
8. Vishnu Vadanan Sundaravadanam (2016–2020) Bacterial Cellulose: From Culturing to the Development of Functional Materials.
7. #Jiajun Tan (2014–2020) Assay Developments for Detection of Biological Analytes. Co-advised with Wolfgang Knoll of Austria Institute of Technology.
6. Sathya Moorthy Bhaskar (2014–2020) Protein Nanocages for Cutaneous Delivery of Active Compounds.
5. Mridul Sarker (2013–2018) E2 Protein Nanocage as Pickering Emulsifier and Its Applications.
4. Rupali Reddy Pasula (transfer; 2013–2018) Engineering Escherichia coli for Nanoparticle Synthesis and Targeting of Colon Cancer.
3. Kang Yu (2009–2014) Understanding on the Interaction between Major Vault Protein and INT for Application in Modulated Molecular Release.
2. Herlina A. Dewi (2009–2014) Investigation on Electron Transfer from Spinach Thylakoids to Modified Electrodes in a Photosynthetic Electrochemical Cell.
1. Tao Peng (2008–2013) Understanding the Self-Assembly Mechanism of E2 Protein Cage and Exploring its Potential Applications.
0. Yan Li (transfer; 2009–2011) Development of Drug Loaded Biodegradable Polymer Composite Microparticles.