1976-1980
B.S. Seoul National University
1980-1985 Ph.D., KAIST Chemistry
(Organic)
1985-1986 Yuhan Pharmaceutical Co. Central
Reserch Institute, Group Leader
1987-1988 University of Pennsylvania, Research
Associate
1995-1996 Harvard University, Visiting
Scholar
2002-2003
University of California, San Diego Visiting Scholar
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 Research Interests
The Ahn Group Research Interests
Professor Ahn’s research focuses on (1) molecular recognition and
sensing, (2) nano/bio-functional materials, and (3) catalytic
asymmetric synthesis. A central
theme of his research program involves the understanding of molecular
interactions in the recognition and catalysis processes, the design and
synthesis of nano/bio-functional molecules, and, ultimately, the development of
novel functional molecules of practical utility.
His research on the molecular recognition and sensing is
focused on the development of novel artificial receptors/molecular sensors for
the selective recognition/sensing of biogenic amines, carboxylates, and
inorganic anions of clinical interest. In this context, unique artificial
receptors/ionophores have been developed, including tripodal oxazoline receptors (BTOs) and trifluoroacetylcarboxanilides (TFACAs). Studies on the molecular
recognition with the BTOs and their derivatives have elucidated novel chiral molecular
interactions, such as enantio-discrimination in a C3-symmetric
environment and through three-center two-hydrogen bonding. He also has
developed a novel anion recognition motif (TFACA), with which selective
fluorescence, colorimetric, and electrochemical sensing of cyanide,
carboxylates, and amino carboxylates have been developed. Further applications
of the novel binding motif to nanoparticle/nanowire/nanosome-based
molecular/polymeric sensors for biologically important molecules are under way.
His research on the nano/bio-functional molecules is
focused on the development of nanobiosensors for early diagnosis of disease and
bioconjugated molecules of therapeutic activity. A collaborative project
supported by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute is undergoing to
develop nanowire-based field-effect transistors for the ultra-sensitive diagnosis
of cancer markers. Also, a collaborative project selected as the POSTECH Important
Research Area is undergoing to develop conjugated molecules between protein and
metal complex as novel therapeutic materials for the ischemic heart disease.
His research on the catalytic asymmetric synthesis is
focused on the development of several chiral ligands and corresponding
catalysts. Novel ferrocene-based chiral oxazolinyl ligands have been developed
and successfully used for the metal-catalyzed asymmetric reactions such as
allylic substitution and cyclopropanation. Recently, his
research interest has moved to novel pincer complexes, which are precursors for
air- and moisture-stable and robust organometallic catalysts for the Heck and
other coupling reactions.
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