Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning Selects Professor Jung Hyoung-il’s Research Team for “New Industry Creative Production Project”

-Project Named “Painless Blood Extraction Technology–Based Smart Blood Diagnosis System”

Yonsei Biotechnology Professor Jung Hyoung-il and his research team have been awarded a 2015 New Industry Creative Production Research Project grant by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning and the Research Results and Practicality Advancement Institute. The grant has been given to support their project to develop a “Painless Blood Extraction Technology–Based Smart Blood Diagnosis System.”

Professor Jung and his fellow researchers will receive a total of 1.72 billion won over two years for research and development. Competition for the grant was very strong; out of a total of 159 research proposals, only seven projects were ultimately chosen to receive funding. The selection committee awarded the grants based upon a project’s potential to create new and innovative technology that will be able to benefit the public within two years.

The final product of the team’s project will be called the “One Touch Smart Blood Test Diagnosis System.” The device will integrate “micro-lancet” technology with a “smart diagnosis sensor” in order to painlessly extract blood samples and quickly diagnose metabolic disorders from them. With the device, blood samples will no longer need to be transported to a laboratory, as the diagnosis sensor will provide almost instantaneous results, meaning that it can easily be used in the field. The risk of infections or other side effects that comes from drawing blood will also be greatly reduced. The team hopes to commercialize the finished device two years from now.