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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 ProgramsProfessor 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.”
대외홍보센터 (2025-10-27)COUNT 35Designing Metal Thin Film Colors with AI A research team led by Professor Lee Seunghun from the Department of Physics at Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) has developed a novel physics-based machine learning model that accurately predicts the color of metal oxide thin films using artificial intelligence (AI). This research has drawn attention for improving both learning efficiency and prediction accuracy by incorporating the principles of electromagnetics directly into the machine learning algorithm through a strategy known as the “kernel trick.” The color of metal oxide thin films varies depending on surface microstructure and the degree of oxidation, allowing for the realization of a wide range of colors. However, it has been difficult to quantitatively predict the nonlinear correlations between color and process variables such as oxidation time, temperature, and film thickness. To overcome these limitations, Professor Lee Seunghun’s team explored a way to incorporate physical principles directly into the internal structure of a machine learning model. They proposed a strategy that improves both learning efficiency and prediction performance by designing the algorithm’s kernel function based on the electromagnetic characteristics of the data. Professor Lee Seunghun stated, “This study demonstrates that integrating physical understanding into machine learning can enhance both learning efficiency and prediction accuracy, clearly highlighting the importance of physics.” He added, “The concepts and practical examples presented in this research are expected to serve as a foundation for making machine learning more accessible and applicable across various academic disciplines.” The findings of this study were recently published online in the international journal
PKNU, Develops Eco-Friendly Technology to Adsorb and Degrade Carcinogenic ‘Forever Chemicals’ (PFAS)-Professor Kim Geon-Han’s research team achieves ultra-fast adsorption with regenerable, reusable materials-Eco-friendly solution expected to transform water treatment industry … Published in
Pukyong National University Professor Lee Eun, Publishes Study on Regional Inequality in Korean Medical Facilities- Quantitative Analysis of Public and Private Healthcare Facility Distribution Published in
Pukyong National University Research Team Develops AI-Based Technology for Assessing Mackerel Freshness- A New Paradigm in Smart, Non-Destructive Freshness Analysis for Seafood- Joint Research by Food Engineering and Biomedical Engineering Published in
Chung-Ang and PKNU Research Team Develops Soft Actuator Operating at -80°C-Published in
Pukyong National University Research Published in Top 0.12% Global Journal- Light-Activated Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapy Featured in
A Sensor That Stretches Like Skin and Even Generates Power from Seawater … Development of a ‘Versatile Hydrogel’-Professor Kim Yong-hyun’s Team at Pukyong National University Presents a Next-Generation Material for Wearable Sensors A next generation “all-in-one hydrogel”, which is highly sensitive to electrical signals, stretches like human skin, and even generates electricity when immersed in seawater, has been developed by a Korean research team. A research team led by Professor Kim Yong-hyun (Department of Display and Semiconductor Engineering) at Pukyong National University has developed a high-performance hydrogel by combining xanthan gum, a natural polymer, with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a biocompatible polymer. This new material maximizes both mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. The key achievement of this research lies in overcoming the long-standing trade-off between mechanical strength and ionic conductivity in conventional hydrogel studies. The team accomplished this by introducing a proprietary “dual crosslinking and ion treatment” process. Specifically, they applied dual crosslinking―a combination of physical and chemical bonds―to reinforce the hydrogel’s internal framework. This was followed by an ion treatment process that not only enhanced the material’s conductivity but also further stabilized its structure. As a result, the developed hydrogel is over 20 times stronger than conventional types and can stretch more than four times its original length (with an elongation of 410.2%). It also achieved exceptionally high ionic conductivity (5.23 S/m). Furthermore, it demonstrated minimal signal distortion (hysteresis) during repeated movements, ensuring excellent stability and reliability as a sensor material. Building on these properties, the research team successfully applied the hydrogel as a wearable sensor by attaching it to the skin to monitor various human movements. The sensor accurately detected both large joint motions―such as finger and knee movements―and subtle physiological signals, including pulse, breathing, and swallowing. When the collected data was analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI), the sensor achieved a high classification accuracy of 84.9%, proving its potential as a human-machine interface (HMI). In addition, the team demonstrated that hydrogel could serve as a power generator for sustainable energy. Using the principle of osmotic power, electricity was generated as ions moved between the hydrogel and seawater due to the difference in salt concentration. The team successfully connected multiple hydrogel units in series to light an LED lamp, confirming the material’s potential as an eco-friendly energy source. The results of this study were published in the internationally renowned journal
PKNU Research Team Develops Physics-Based AI Analysis Technology- Prof. Lee Seunghun’s Team from the Department of Physics Presents a Physics-Informed Strategy for Maximizing Learning Efficiency Professor Lee Seunghun’s research team from the Department of Physics at Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has developed a machine learning-based technology capable of analyzing the properties of superconductors rapidly and accurately within just tens of milliseconds. Professor Lee Seunghun, along with lead author Lee Dong-ik (master’s program), published their study titled “Rapid analysis of point-contact Andreev reflection spectra via machine learning with physics-guided data augmentation” in
Pukyong National University Research Team Overcomes Performance Degradation Limits of NCA Cathode Materials for Secondary Batteries-Professors Ko Min-sung and Chae Soo-jong publish in the international journal
Pukyong National University and Hanyang University ‘Draw Attention’ with Counterintuitive Research: Improving Image Generation Performance Using Noise- Development of Heterojunction-Based Probabilistic Control Transistor Device Published in
Pukyong National University·Hanyang University Research Team Develops World-First Technology for Separation and Reuse of Next-Generation Organic Electronic Devices- Published in international journal
Pukyong National University Professors Junghwan Oh, Byeongil Lee, and Sudip Mondal’s Research Team Selected for Front Cover Article in International Academic Journal- Hydrogel-Based Smart Materials for Wound Healing and Sensing “Aggregate”Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-Hoon) announced that research conducted by Professor Junghwan Oh (Department of Biomedical Engineering), Professor Byeongil Lee, and Professor Sudip Mondal (Digital Healthcare Research Center) has been selected as the front cover article of the international academic journal Aggregate (Impact Factor: 13.7), published by Wiley. The research team recently published a review article titled “Hydrogel-Based Smart Materials for Wound Healing and Sensing” in Aggregate, a globally recognized journal ranked in the top 8.6% in the fields of chemistry and multidisciplinary sciences. The published article explores recent advancements in hydrogel-based materials for wound healing and real-time monitoring. It highlights innovations in flexible, biocompatible hydrogels that mimic the extracellular matrix while addressing challenges related to stability, toxicity, and integration with smart monitoring systems. Hydrogels are particularly promising in modern wound care due to their high-water content, flexibility, and excellent biocompatibility. The research team demonstrates the role of hydrogel-based flexible materials in advancing biomedical applications, including wound healing, point-of-care diagnostics, smart patches, and wearable devices The team’s accomplishments were made possible by the contributions of all co-authors, with special recognition to graduate students Ms. Thi Kim Ngan Duong and Mr. Truong Tien Vo, as well as through international collaboration with Professor Umapada Pal from Benem-rita Universidad Aut-noma de Puebla, Mexico. Professor Sudip Mondal stated that by combining biocompatible materials with smart sensing technologies, the research is paving the way for next-generation wound dressings that are adaptive, responsive, and clinically impactful. Professor Byeongil Lee expressed that the work highlights the transformative potential of multifunctional hydrogels in advancing wound care toward future medicine and personalized treatment. Professor Junghwan Oh mentioned that this collaboration represents a significant leap forward in the development of intelligent hydrogel-based materials that integrate real-time monitoring for smart healthcare applications. Meanwhile, the study was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) and the 2024 Global Joint Research Program of Pukyong National University.
대외홍보센터 (2025-08-06)COUNT 128Pukyong National University Develops ‘Smart Drug Delivery System’ to Enhance Anticancer Drug Delivery to Tumor Cells-Research team led by Ph.D. candidate Byeong Kook Kim, Professor Kwon Taek Lim, and Professor Sang-Hyug Park-Developed redox-responsive maltopheptaose-based micelles; research published in international journalA research team from Pukyong National University (President Bae Sang-hoon) has developed a “smart drug delivery system” that enhances the efficiency of anticancer drug delivery to tumor cells. The system, titled “redox-responsive crosslinked maltopheptaose-based micelles,” was developed by Ph.D. candidate Byeong Kook Kim (Department of Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering) as the first author, with Professor Kwon Taek Lim (Professor Emeritus) and Professor Sang-Hyug Park (Major of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Smart Healthcare) as corresponding authors. The system was developed to overcome the limitations of low anticancer efficacy caused by the nonspecific delivery of doxorubicin, a potent anticancer drug widely used in the treatment of various cancers but known to cause several side effects. The system developed by the Pukyong National University research team is composed of an A2B-type miktoarm block copolymer based on maltopentaose, a biocompatible oligosaccharide. It incorporates disulfide or diselenide crosslinking within the micelle core, enabling selective drug release only upon reaching cancer cells, while minimizing effects on healthy tissues. Experimental results showed that the system exhibited high drug-loading efficiency, demonstrating biocompatibility with normal cells and strong anticancer effects against cancer cells. Professor Sang-Hyug Park stated, “This study is significant in that it presents a novel method to overcome the early leakage of drugs into the bloodstream―a major issue in conventional drug delivery systems, which often leads to various side effects. The system holds promise for applications in precision anticancer drug delivery and reduced-side-effect nanomedicine platforms, garnering considerable interest from both academia and industry.” The findings of this study were recently published in the prestigious international journal
Pukyong National University Reveals How Next-Generation Regenerative Material ‘Exosomes’ Prevent Skin Aging- Research Led by Ph.D. Candidate Jeong Se-young, M.S. Student Park Ji-young, and Professor Eom Woo-ram- Study on Stem Cell-Derived Anti-Aging Exosomes Published in International Journal
PKNU and NIER Research Team Unveils First Findings on Diurnal Variation of NO₂ Concentrations in Asia- Collaborative Study with Researchers from the U.S., Belgium, and Germany Published in an International JournalA research team led by Professor Lee Han-lim (Department of Satellite Information Convergence Engineering) at Pukyong National University, in collaboration with the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), has become the first to identify the diurnal variation characteristics of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) concentrations in major Asian cities, including Seoul and Beijing. The joint study by Professor Lee Han-lim’s team and Dr. Hong Hyun-ki of NIER was published on May 19 in Communications Earth & Environment, a sister journal of Nature, under the title ‘Tropospheric nitrogen dioxide levels vary diurnally in Asian cities.’ Professor Lee Han-lim collaborated with researchers from world-renowned institutions, including Dr. Park Jun-sung (first author) of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, as well as scientists from NASA, the Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB), and the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPIC) in Germany. The research team utilized observational data from the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS), the world’s first geostationary environmental satellite developed and launched by the National Institute of Environmental Research. Using this data, they precisely analyzed the diurnal variations in NO₂ concentrations across major cities in Asia. Thanks to the satellite’s ability to observe the same region multiple times a day, the researchers were able to reflect hourly changes in their models. As a result, they successfully produced the world’s most precise top-down simulation estimates of NO₂ emissions. The study revealed notable regional differences in the diurnal variation of NO₂ concentrations. On average, Seoul experienced low NO₂ levels in the early morning, which peaked around 11 a.m., declined, and then rose again at approximately 3 p.m. In Beijing, levels peaked at 10 a.m. and dropped to their lowest around 4 p.m., while in Shanghai and surrounding areas, concentrations reached a high at 8 a.m. and a low at 1 p.m. This research is recognized for its contribution in enabling hour-by-hour estimation of nitrogen oxide emissions by providing tropospheric NO₂ concentration data at high temporal resolution. It is also expected to improve the accuracy of existing bottom-up emission inventories, which are commonly used for calculating greenhouse gas emissions.
대외홍보센터 (2025-06-05)COUNT 322