Pukyong National University

Promising Startup Technology for Cancer and Disease Diagnosis Using Metal Nanoanalysis Recognized

-Professor Nam Won-il Secures Double Honors in Government Startup Support Programs

-Selected for Both the Lab-Based Startup Leading University and Preliminary Startup Package Programs

Professor Nam Won-il of Pukyong National University’s Department of Electronic Engineering and his research team have been selected for multiple government startup support programs, thanks to their cutting-edge biotechnology.

The team was recently selected for both the “Lab-Based Startup Leading University (Strategic Type)” program―jointly operated by the Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of SMEs and Startups, and Ministry of Education―and the “Pre-Startup Package (Deep Tech)” program led by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

In particular, Professor Nam Won-il was recognized for the high potential of his innovative biotechnology startup in the bio-health sector, being one of only 12 selected nationwide for the deep-tech program.

Professor Nam Won-il’s research team at Pukyong National University operates the Nanoplasmonics Laboratory and is leading the development of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a next-generation analytical technology.

SERS is an ultra-sensitive analytical method that utilizes the enhancement of molecular fingerprint signals (Raman scattering) on metallic nanostructure surfaces, enabling the detection of molecules at extremely low concentrations, even at the single-molecule level.

This technology allows both qualitative and quantitative analysis in a non-destructive and label-free manner. It is also applicable to aqueous biological samples and bio-specimens based on the weak Raman signals of water molecules, drawing increasing attention in the fields of bioanalysis and diagnostics.

The core technology developed by Professor Nam Won-il’s team―a high-performance, large-area SERS biochip―addresses two long-standing limitations of conventional SERS sensors: reproducibility and sensitivity. By combining a 3D nanoantenna structure with a soft lithography process, the research team successfully fabricated SERS biochips that are suitable for large-area, high-volume production. This achievement has earned recognition for its strong potential for commercialization in the rapidly growing precision bio-diagnostics market.

Professor Nam stated, “SERS chips can be applied not only to cancer and disease diagnosis or monitoring, but also to a wide range of fields such as water pollution detection, food safety, and environmental analysis,” adding, “We plan to actively pursue deep-tech-based technology commercialization beyond fundamental research.” <Pukyong Today>