Dr. Kwanoh Kim, technology development head of the center, research team at the Nano Lithography Research Center under the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) Nano-Convergence Research Division. They’ve created innovative technology that transforms how solid biosamples are processed. This method creates a precise uniformity, with the new system quickly turning solid samples into a smooth liquid. As such it is well-suited for field-ready diagnostics and point-of-care testing.
As a result, Prof. Yoon-Joo Lee’s interdisciplinary team at Sejong Chungnam National University Hospital worked to develop a small portable mechanical device. With this device they can run a sample in less than one minute! The high-quality liquid specimens generated are suitable for direct analysis, greatly streamlining the workflow for diagnostic testing.
Advancements in Diagnostic Technology
The new twin-screw-based solid sample pretreatment technology has recently created quite a buzz in the scientific community. To protect their creation for further development, KIMM has already submitted six domestic patents for this inventive system with two of these patents already registered. This decision is a huge leap forward for the IVD (in vitro diagnostics) space.
The technology has also recently been published in the peer-reviewed journal Analyst, adding further credibility to its potential game-changing impact. The research article is titled “Portable and rapid solid sample preparation system utilizing twin-screw mechanism for diagnostic applications,” with the DOI 10.1039/D4AN01579G.
“This twin-screw-based pretreatment technology provides a foundational platform for the practical use of solid-sample diagnostics. It offers a technical solution to the limitations of liquid-based IVD systems and is expected to expand the range of diagnostic applications in fields such as agriculture, food safety, and environmental monitoring—enhancing both diagnostic flexibility and analytical accuracy.” – Dr. Kwanoh Kim
Practical Applications and Future Impact
The implications of this technology are vast. By enabling the rapid and efficient conversion of solid samples into a liquid state, it improves the practicality of various POC technologies. As our environment becomes more increasingly driven by the need for immediate outcomes, this innovation is critical. It is integral within remote clinical environments, in agricultural landscapes, in food safety inspections.
The small footprint of the device makes it compatible for transport and use in a variety of field conditions. Health professionals continue to look for more rapid and reliable diagnostic tools. This new innovation is set to be an important tool in our currently available toolbox.
The system’s capacity to generate consistent, high-quality liquid specimens ensures that test results will be more accurate, reliable and reproducible. The possible use cases extend well beyond human health diagnostics. They extend into other historically underserved fields that desperately require accurate tracking and analysis.