Quriox Biosystems Signs Joint Research Agreement with Seoul National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Curiox Biosystems (hereinafter Curiox), a specialized company in cell preprocessing automation devices, announced on the 19th that it has started a joint research with Seoul National University Soft Foundry Laboratory to develop a 'microfluidic system' that controls cell movement and accelerates the production of three-dimensional biomimetic models.

(From left) Ho-Young Kim, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University; Nam-Yong Kim, CEO of Curiox Biosystems; Nu-Ri Jeon, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University. / Photo by Curiox

According to Curiox, the Seoul National University Soft Foundry Laboratory is a research institute that develops processes and technologies suited to future-oriented paradigms through convergent technologies in various fields such as materials, electrical/electronics, mechanical aerospace, chemical engineering, medicine, chemistry, biotechnology, humanities, and sociology.

Through this joint research, Curiox and Seoul National University researchers will develop a microfluidic system that mimics the environment cells are exposed to in the body to accelerate the production of three-dimensional biomimetic models, and conduct technical and theoretical research necessary for producing biomimetic microfluidic systems.

Three-dimensional biomimetic models are cell aggregates involving interactions between cells and between cells and the extracellular matrix. They are known to mimic the structure and function of living organisms, enabling the replication of in vivo-like conditions outside the body.

Until recently, various methods to improve the production methods and speed of three-dimensional biomimetic models have been actively researched; however, technologies considering the impact of the cellular microenvironment on cell behavior and functionality are still in the early stages globally. Currently, it takes at least 24 hours to produce biomimetic models with existing technologies.

Professor Kim Hoyoung of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Seoul National University, who is leading the research, explained, "The cell transport module mimicking the extracellular matrix is expected to be used as a medium for transporting cells in cell analysis and assembly using microfluidics. The technology to control the behavior of microparticles by regulating the surrounding environment and external stimuli can be applied to various engineering fields related to the self-assembly of microparticles, such as robotics, mechanical and architectural systems, and medical systems."

Namyoung Kim, CEO of Curiox, said, "By utilizing the microfluidic system developed through this joint research, we can improve the convenience of Curiox's flagship product, the Lamina Wash equipment, contributing to increased sales. Moreover, it enables high-speed production of three-dimensional biomimetic models at low cost and high yield, drastically reducing costs in the preclinical trial stage, which consumes the most time and expense in new drug development." He added, "Since biomimetic models are expected to have excellent biocompatibility, they will be a driving force to increase the success rate of new drug development and secure a leading position in the new drug development market."

Curiox plans to enhance the convenience of currently commercialized cell preprocessing technologies based on this research outcome and to enter the spheroid and organoid-related markets in the future.

Organoids, also called organ mimetics or mini-organs, refer to three-dimensional cell aggregates resembling the function and structure of actual organ tissues. They are used in new drug development, artificial organ development, and disease treatment, and are known to be applicable for future organ transplantation and cell therapy. According to data published recently by the Biotechnology Policy Research Center, the global market size of organoids was approximately 777.5 billion KRW in 2019 and is expected to reach about 4 trillion KRW by 2027.

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