Korean Researchers Achieve World's First Real-Time Visualization of Flower Fragrance

KAIST Research Team Explores Diverse Applications in Agriculture, Science, and Military Use

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Domestic researchers have succeeded for the first time in the world in visualizing the scene where floral fragrance is emitted.

KAIST announced on the 10th that a research team led by Professor Kim Hyung-soo of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Professor Kim Sang-gyu of the Department of Life Sciences succeeded for the first time in the world in real-time visualization and measurement of floral fragrance emission.

The research team obtained results that directly measure the floral fragrance emitted from lilies in space and time through relative refractive index measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) based on a laser interferometer, which is completely different from existing flower fragrance measurement methods. Existing fragrance measurement methods measured the amount through mass analysis after collecting substances, so it was impossible to directly know the cycle at which flowers emit fragrance.

Floral fragrance is an important factor in industries closely related to human life such as cosmetics, perfumes, and ornamental flowers, but at the same time, it is one of the representative means by which angiosperms interact with various pollinating insects, greatly influencing flower reproduction and evolution.

This technology, which allows direct observation of the floral fragrance secretion cycle, will be used to identify genes involved in floral fragrance synthesis and secretion and to study the evolution of floral fragrance substances through interactions with pollinating insects. Additionally, if the secretion of fragrance substances can be controlled, it is expected to impact horticulture and crop production enhancement.

Professor Kim Hyung-soo explained, "If technology that can visualize vapor or gas in the air can be further developed, it will be possible to directly know how much hazardous noxious substances (HNS) are exposed in confined spaces, enabling expansion into industrial and military applications."

The research results were published in the April issue of the international journal Frontiers in Plant Science.

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