[Interview] Lee Jeonghwan, Director of Korea Institute of Materials Science, Developer of '30-Minute COVID-19 Diagnosis Technology': "We Will Achieve World TOP5 as a Materials Powerhouse"

Jung-Hwan Lee, Director of Korea Institute of Materials Science.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] The Korea Institute of Materials Science has developed the world's first 'on-site genetic PCR technology' that reduces the COVID-19 testing time from 4 hours to within 30 minutes and can simultaneously diagnose 8 types of genes causing acute respiratory infectious diseases.

This is expected to address the drawback of the current COVID-19 diagnostic technology, which takes 4 hours to confirm a positive case, and has received great acclaim among respiratory infection research experts.

This research achievement was also published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics, the top journal in the field of analytical chemistry.

Director Lee Jeonghwan stated, "We are continuously providing support for the rapid commercialization of on-site respiratory infectious disease diagnostic technology. Our goal is not only to develop COVID-19 diagnostic technology but also to become a leading materials powerhouse for the advancement of the nation's life quality and domestic companies, aiming to reach the TOP 3 within three years."

Below is a Q&A with Director Lee.

- You have developed the world's first 'on-site isothermal PCR diagnostic technology' that can diagnose COVID-19 within 30 minutes. What differentiates this from existing COVID-19 diagnostic technologies?

"Above all, it enables rapid diagnosis by determining COVID-19 status within 30 minutes, and it allows multiplex diagnosis by simultaneously analyzing 8 types of genes causing acute respiratory infectious diseases. The reliability results are currently undergoing large-scale clinical trials at Samsung Seoul Hospital. We expect reliability to exceed the approximately 70% level of existing rapid antigen tests."

- What principle does this diagnostic technology operate on?

"It combines isothermal PCR technology on a three-dimensional gold nano-substrate that can amplify molecular optical signals by hundreds of times, detecting respiratory infectious pathogen genes within 30 minutes by maintaining a constant temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. Primers, which are pillars that attach to their preferred viruses, are erected on the 3D nano plate. This principle is used to analyze respiratory infectious diseases and viruses. Additionally, the multiplex diagnostic technology developed by the Materials Institute has been validated for effectiveness in clinical studies using samples collected from infected patients."

- People are most curious about the commercialization timeline. When do you expect it?

"As early as the end of this year. For commercialization, large-scale clinical trials on COVID-19 virus-infected patients must confirm the reliability of the medical device, followed by approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Large-scale clinical trials are currently underway at Samsung Seoul Hospital. Since automated system medical devices using patient specimens must be tested in large-scale clinical experiments, and these medical devices are still under development, significant time and manpower are required. However, given the prolonged COVID-19 situation, we are confident in early commercialization through active collaborative research with Samsung Seoul Hospital and domestic diagnostic device companies."

Researchers at the Nano-Bio Convergence Research Laboratory of the Korea Institute of Materials Science have developed the world's first on-site genetic PCR technology that diagnoses a total of eight viruses causing COVID-19 and respiratory infections.

- Were there any trial and error experiences during the research and development process?

"While developing this technology, we felt a strong need to secure more researchers and personnel. The process of commercializing medical devices requires developing automated systems and collaborating with medical institutions, so we currently feel an urgent need for budget allocation to support manpower. Accordingly, the Materials Institute will continue to provide unwavering support for the rapid commercialization of COVID-19 diagnostic technology within its capacity."

- Do you have any other goals or plans for the Materials Institute going forward?

"Our ultimate goal is to rank within the TOP 5 government-funded research institutes worldwide within three years. A country strong in materials, i.e., a materials powerhouse, is the benchmark for national competitiveness. To this end, we are currently focusing on carbon-neutral materials research in response to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This is because carbon neutrality is becoming a strength in the field of materials development. We aim to establish a materials and components response center for future mobility, electric vehicles, and flying cars by developing carbon neutrality linked with big data and AI, and to collaborate with surrounding companies."