The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), under the Ministry of Science and ICT (President Park Sang-jin), is drawing attention for successfully leading technology commercialization, ranging from the establishment of research institute companies to commercialization, based on the results of advanced nanotechnology research.

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials announced on the 27th that it established a research institute company, ADM Bioscience Co., Ltd., to commercialize nano-micro DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) needle patch technology and succeeded in commercializing functional cosmetics using the technology.

In 2018, the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) contributed its original patented technology to ADM Bioscience Co., Ltd. and received approval to establish a research institute company. This technology was selected as one of the "Top 100 National Excellent R&D Achievements" in 2019, one of the "Top 10 Machinery Technologies of the Year" in 2020, and the "KIMM Best Research Award" in 2020.

Nano-micro DNA needle patch manufacturing technology is a nanopatterning technique that uses DNA, which is a nanofiber with a diameter of several nanometers, to produce fine DNA needles of a consistent size and strength.

It is firm enough to penetrate the skin and deliver useful ingredients internally, and with its excellent dissolving power that causes the needle to dissolve and disappear upon insertion, it can safely and effectively deliver active substances without pain. In addition, manufacturing is carried out solely through mechanical processes without chemical treatment, making it suitable for mass production.

DANACellin, a specialized functional cosmetics brand of ADM Bioscience Co., Ltd., a research institute spin-off of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, is launching a product consisting of needle patches and ampoules containing active ingredients that help improve the skin.

The needle patch consists of a fine needle-shaped structure smaller than 300 micrometers (µm) containing salmon DNA components that aid in skin regeneration. The ampoule contains a mixture of active ingredients, such as salmon DNA and gold. When the ampoule is applied to the skin and the needle patch is attached, the salmon DNA and active ingredients are effectively delivered to the skin. Salmon DNA is a material extracted and purified from salmon testes and has recently been attracting attention as a material for skin-improving cosmetics and pharmaceuticals that promote tissue regeneration.

"Nano-micro DNA needle technology is a technology that is receiving significant attention, having been named one of the 'Top 10 Promising Technologies of 2020' by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2020, and its applications have recently expanded from drug delivery to disease monitoring," said Jeong Jun-ho, Head of the Strategic Coordination Division at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM). "Based on our successful commercialization experience, we will strive to promote the practical application of various advanced technologies so that they can be of greater benefit to our lives."