Professor KIM Jung Hoon

Professor Jung Hoon KIM (School of Medicine) and Dr. LEE Tae-gul (Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science) developed a treatment using nanoparticles for retinal disease which can lead to sight loss. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which creates new blood vessels, is known as the main cause of retinal disease. The team administered gold and silicon nanoparticles to rats with retinal diseases and found that these nanoparticles attach themselves to VEGF and deter the creation of new blood vessels. The team also found that smaller nanoparticles are more effective in preventing retinal disease – 20㎚ nanoparticles attached themselves to VEGF more easily than 100㎚ nanoparticles. “Gold and silicon are harmless to humans. This treatment has the potential to be extended to rheumatism and other vascular diseases,” said Dr. Lee.

Published in Kookmin Ilbo

Summary by LEE Hee Un, SNU English Editor, gurume0221@snu.ac.kr
Proofread by Melora Brett Briana Johnson, morningcalm2@gmail.com