New Technology Developed for ‘Real-Time Capture and Analysis’ of Underwater Micro- and Nano-Plastics / Research Team Led by Professor Kim Hyung Min (Department of Applied Chemistry)
Published in Prestigious Analytical Science Journal ‘ACS Sensors’... Perfect Identification of Underwater Micro-Particles Using Linear Optical Tweezers Technology
- 26.02.26 / 전윤실
Professor Kim Hyung Min's research team from the Department of Applied Chemistry at Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) has developed an innovative technology capable of capturing and analyzing micro- and nano-sized plastic particles present in water in real time.
▲Kookmin University Professor Kim Hyung Min's research team (from left: Master's student Lee Ji Won, Dr. Park Su Bin, Professor Kim Hyung Min)
This research achievement was published in ACS Sensors (2024 JCR top 3.6%), a globally authoritative journal in the field of analytical science. The paper was also selected as the journal's cover article, recognizing the excellence of the research. Master's student Lee Ji Won (currently a researcher at Dongwoo Fine-Chem) and Dr. Park Su Bin (currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology) participated as co-first authors in this study.
Microplastics, particles smaller than 5mm, are continuously generated in industrial processes and daily life. They ultimately accumulate in the ocean and have been identified as a cause of potentially fatal impacts on human health and ecosystems. However, precisely analyzing the distribution characteristics and weathering processes of microplastics widely dispersed in water has remained a long-standing challenge in the scientific community.
To overcome these limitations, the research team developed a novel inspection device combining optical line tweezers with hyperspectral Raman technology. This equipment uses lasers to linearly trap microplastic particles in flowing water and effectively excludes water interference signals, enabling precise differentiation of particle size, shape, and type. Furthermore, it can continuously measure particles down to the nano-scale, significantly enhancing the accuracy of underwater plastic analysis.
Professor Kim Hyung Min stated, “This technology is significant because it establishes a foundation for comprehensive analysis and real-time monitoring not only of underwater microplastics but also of various chemical and bio-materials.”
This research was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Kim Jae Heon's research team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Nanophotonic System Research Center and was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea's Nano and Materials Technology Development Program and the Mid-Career Researcher Support Program.
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New Technology Developed for ‘Real-Time Capture and Analysis’ of Underwater Micro- and Nano-Plastics / Research Team Led by Professor Kim Hyung Min (Department of Applied Chemistry) Published in Prestigious Analytical Science Journal ‘ACS Sensors’... Perfect Identification of Underwater Micro-Particles Using Linear Optical Tweezers Technology |
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2026-02-26
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Professor Kim Hyung Min's research team from the Department of Applied Chemistry at Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) has developed an innovative technology capable of capturing and analyzing micro- and nano-sized plastic particles present in water in real time.
▲Kookmin University Professor Kim Hyung Min's research team (from left: Master's student Lee Ji Won, Dr. Park Su Bin, Professor Kim Hyung Min)
This research achievement was published in ACS Sensors (2024 JCR top 3.6%), a globally authoritative journal in the field of analytical science. The paper was also selected as the journal's cover article, recognizing the excellence of the research. Master's student Lee Ji Won (currently a researcher at Dongwoo Fine-Chem) and Dr. Park Su Bin (currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology) participated as co-first authors in this study.
Microplastics, particles smaller than 5mm, are continuously generated in industrial processes and daily life. They ultimately accumulate in the ocean and have been identified as a cause of potentially fatal impacts on human health and ecosystems. However, precisely analyzing the distribution characteristics and weathering processes of microplastics widely dispersed in water has remained a long-standing challenge in the scientific community.
To overcome these limitations, the research team developed a novel inspection device combining optical line tweezers with hyperspectral Raman technology. This equipment uses lasers to linearly trap microplastic particles in flowing water and effectively excludes water interference signals, enabling precise differentiation of particle size, shape, and type. Furthermore, it can continuously measure particles down to the nano-scale, significantly enhancing the accuracy of underwater plastic analysis.
Professor Kim Hyung Min stated, “This technology is significant because it establishes a foundation for comprehensive analysis and real-time monitoring not only of underwater microplastics but also of various chemical and bio-materials.”
This research was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Kim Jae Heon's research team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Nanophotonic System Research Center and was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea's Nano and Materials Technology Development Program and the Mid-Career Researcher Support Program.
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