Ajou News

NEW Ajou University Research Team Participates in the 2021 Korea Science & Technology Fair

  • 2022-02-08
  • 4813


A research team from Ajou University’s Polymer Biomaterials Laboratory exhibited their research outcomes at the 2021 Korea Science & Technology Fair.


Occurring December 22—24, 2021 at KINTEX, the Fair comprised an exhibition and forum on the latest developments in science and technology, including in the fields of quantum technology, future defense, AI semiconductors, space, and advanced materials.


The research team’s exhibit at the Fair was entitled, “Development of a multifunctional cardio conduit and monitoring system”[KHTC1] conducted in the Polymer Biomaterials Lab, headed by Professor Park Ki-dong (Department of Applied Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Graduate School Department of Molecular Science and Technology). The exhibit was presented and explained by Lee Si-min and Oh Dong-hwan[KHTC2], Ph.D. students in the Department of Molecular Science and Technology, who conducted the research.


The incidence of cardiovascular disease among adults is increasing rapidly due to more countries becoming aged and aging societies and changes in diet and living environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, directly or indirectly responsible for 31% of deaths around the globe. As a result, cardiovascular medical devices account for about 30% of the overall medical device market.


The research team collaborated with a number of organizations to develop the first cardio conduit to monitor cardiac function in Korea, a nation currently dependent on imports. In order to control the side effects of thrombus and bacteria during long-term insertion into the body, a cardio conduit developed with antibacterial/antithrombotic properties applies the proprietary medical device surface immobilization technology of the Polymer Biomaterials Lab.


In the course of its development, the Polymer Biomaterials Lab obtained a number of papers and patents and completed clinical trials, developing two prototypes and four technology transfers.


Led by Professor Park Ki-dong, the Polymer Biomaterials Laboratory is developing functional biomaterials for the treatment of a variety of diseases, with research funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea. 


Lee Si-min (left) and Oh Dong-hwan (right), both Ph.D. students, taking part in the exhibition at the 2021 Korea Science & Technology Fair