Development of Diet Pills Using '3D Artificial Intelligence'

2D and 3D structural maps of macrophages and foam cells constructed through refractive index analysis of light-exposed cells

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] Domestic researchers have developed a technology that can measure the amount of specific substances within the cells that make up our body or capture their activity patterns. Using this technology, they also developed targeted drugs that expel fat from cells that can cause conditions such as atherosclerosis. It is expected to open a new chapter in treating degenerative diseases caused by fat accumulation in cells. The Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI) announced on the 26th the research achievements of Dr. Seongsu Lee’s team at the Gwangju Center and Professor Kyungsun Park’s team at Chung-Ang University.

Seeing the Secrets of Cells with '3D Holography'

The drug effect was verified by quantifying the 24-hour changes in lipid droplets after drug treatment in foam cells and living cells (control group).

The research team developed a technology that recognizes specific cells using AI-based three-dimensional holography technology and analyzes the amount of specific substances inside the cells based on their refractive index. 3D holography technology reconstructs images based on information such as amplitude, phase, and interference of light emitted from cells illuminated by light.

The advantage is that it can measure the internal substances and activities of living cells without any special processing. Previously, cells were observed through preprocessing steps such as staining. However, staining agents could affect the cells and potentially influence experimental results.

Dr. Lee’s research team used this technology to observe cells for 24 hours. They analyzed the refractive index, volume, and number of lipid droplets inside macrophages and foam cells at the single-cell level.

In particular, they observed the process of macrophages differentiating into foam cells due to excessive fat accumulation using a 3D holographic microscope. Through this, they analyzed quantitative changes in lipid droplets within macrophages.

Development of 'Nano Drug' that Extracts Cholesterol

Sangwoo Park, Postdoctoral Researcher at KBSI (right), Jaewon Ahn, PhD Candidate at Chung-Ang University, Youngjoo Cho, Undergraduate Student at KAIST. Seongsu Lee, Senior Researcher at KBSI (bottom right), Kyungsun Park, Professor at Chung-Ang University

Based on these results, Professor Park’s research team developed a targeted nano drug that specifically binds to foam cells and acts directly inside the cells. This drug works on foam cells to expel cholesterol outside the cells, preventing excessive accumulation of lipid droplets.

Professor Park stated, "This research will help deepen our understanding of degenerative diseases caused by excessive fat accumulation due to modern dietary habits and lack of exercise, and establish new strategies for developing novel therapeutics and targeted nano drugs."

Professor Lee said, "This research achievement is significant in that it developed a new analytical technology based on the long-term accumulated know-how of Tomocube Co., Ltd., a venture company specializing in holography research equipment, Professor Park’s research team, and Professor Yonggeun Park’s team at KAIST."

The research results were published on the 25th in the international nanotechnology journal ACS Nano.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.