▲ Professor Lee Yong-il's research team succeeded in developing a paper-based microfluidics sensor (Source: CWNU Waagle)

A research team led by honorary professor Lee Yong- il of the Department of Biological and Chemical Convergence at CWNU, succeeded in developing microfluidic sensors for the first time in history on September 25. Last year, the U.S. Environmental Health Center (CEH) closely analyzed bisphenol A (BPA) included in sportswear for six months from October, according to CNN. As a result, up to 40 times more BPA was detected in eight brands, including Nike, Adidas, Patagonia, Champion, and Athleta. Brand consumers around the world were shocked when they heard the news through CNN stations in the U.S.

The technology, first developed by honorary professor Lee Yong- il's research team, is a paper- based, high- sensitivity microfluidics sensor and is suitable for distinguishing and analyzing bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) at the same time. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical added to plastics, canned food containers, and household goods. Bisphenol A (BPA) adversely affects the brains of infants and fetuses as well as adults, causing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. In fact, most companies are designing chemicals to replace bisphenol A (BPA) in order to avoid the use of bisphenol A (BPA). Recently, bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), BPAF, BPZ, BPP, BHPF, diphenyl sulfone, and polyether sulfone have emerged as alternatives to bisphenol A (BPA). The aforementioned substitute substances are composed of a basic chemical structure similar to bisphenol A (BPA). However, according to a study, the substitute is bisphenol A (BPA)- free, but when BPS, BPF, and BPAF are added to the product as a substitute, it affects hormones such as estrogen and testosterone just like Bisphenol A (BPA). It is said to reduce the number of sperm in men and egg quality in women. Before the technology was devised, the two substances could not be identified due to similar chemical structures and properties between bisphenol A (BPA) and its alternatives, bisphenol A and (BPA)- free. However, the research team of honorary professor Lee Yong- il at CWNU succeeded in distinguishing bisphenol A (BPA) and bisthenol S (BPS) for the first time in history, allowing them to escape the risk of bisphenol A (BPA).

The high- sensitivity sensor between bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS), devised by a research team led by honorary professor Lee Yong- il of CWNU, can clearly identify and analyze up to the ultra- minor level of picomole (10- 12). In addition, the sensor has a very excellent ability to react only to specific substances in a state in which additives are contained in a complex manner. In particular, the research team of honorary professor Lee Yong- il, succeeded in producing disposable paper chips based on high- sensitivity sensors between bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS). The development product is a product that adds nanogels to silver nanoparticles and bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS), which then combines them with paper- type microfluidics. Playing an important role in state- of- the- art development in biodefense, chemical engineering, and medical testing, microfluidics is an indispensable technology in science and engineering.

This is not the only thing of importance. In 2021, a research team led by honorary professor Lee Yong- il wrote a paper on micro- patterning silver nanoparticles composed of high conductivity. The research results of honorary professor Lee Yong- il's research team, which built micro- electric valve technology by tracking highly conductive silver nanoparticles, were listed as a cover paper of Materials Advances and became a model for many scientific studies.

Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS) high- sensitivity sensor technologies, which were successfully developed by a research team led by honorary professor Lee Yong- il of CWNU, have built reasonable prices by using paper. In addition, it is easy to manufacture on a large scale in conjunction with the economic price of paper. Accordingly, the development of honorary professor Lee Yong- il's research team is expected to create a sensation in science and technology in the future. We ask for your support and interest in the research team of honorary professor Lee Yong-il at CWNU, which has infinite potential.

By Park ChaeHyun, cub-reporter  parkch2582@naver.com

<저작권자 © The Campus Journal, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지>