The Biometrology Group conducts research to establish measurement standards for key biomolecules that make up organisms, such as DNA, proteins, and metabolites. Biometrology includes the development of measurement methods for organisms such as cells, microorganisms, and viruses as well as biological phenomena. In addition, international equivalence is established through international comparative studies with other national metrology institutes. The established biomolecular measurement standards are used to reinforce measurement accuracy and reliability in various fields, including laboratory medicine, pharmaceutical quality control, and food safety, which helps improve the quality of life of all Koreans.
Current R&D Projects
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1
Gene and genome measurement standards: quantitative DNA and RNA analysis, molecular diagnosis, genome reference materials
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2
Protein and proteome measurement standards: quantitative protein analysis, protein reference materials, proteome analysis
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3
Metabolite and metabolome measurement standards: quantitative metabolite analysis reference materials for clinical applications
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4
Cell, microorganism, and virus measurement standards: quantitative cell/microorganism/virus analysis, measurement of cellular responses, reference materials for infectious disease diagnosis
Recent R&D Highlights
- Development of SARS-CoV-2 related reference materials
- Listing of human serum CRMs for creatinine measurement to the JCTLM DB, the database of higher order reference materials for laboratory medicine
- Development of a sequence-specific DNA measurement method by direct flow cytometric counting
- Listing of a human DNA mixture CRM for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)
- Completion of the CCQM-K151/P191 international comparison study demonstrating the primary method for protein measurement (coorganized with Inorganic metrology group)
Introducing Teams in a Group
Microbiological Analysis Team
The Microbiological Analysis Team aims to establish an effective public health crisis response platform through the development of microorganism and virus measurement technologies and reference materials for infectious disease diagnosis, treatment, and proficiency testing. Furthermore, the group develops analysis methods for probiotics derived from gastrointestinal microbiota, which are used to help treat metabolic and senile diseases. The standardization research of the Microbiological Analysis Team is targeted towards industry/academia/research/medical demands and contributes to ensuring better public health and food safety.
Key Research Area
- Development of pathogen analysis technology: measurement technology and reference materials for pathogenic genes, proteins, and metabolites
- Development of analysis technology for probiotics derived from gastrointestinal microbiota: multi-omics measurement technology and reference materials based on genomes, proteomes, and metabolomes
Biomolecular Measurement Team
The Biomolecular Measurement Team develops measurement standards for various biological objects such as nucleic acids, proteins, cells, and bio-pharmaceuticals thereof. In particular, we are developing counting-based measurement methods for nucleic acids and cells. Amounts of biological entities measured as counts will be directly traceable to the new definition of mole. We also conduct researches to develop measurement technologies and reference materials that fit for purposes in characterization and quality controls of various medical and industrial bio-materials or processes such as protein drugs, vaccines, gene therapies and genetic testings.
Key Research Area
- Establishment of ‘mole-traceable’ measurement standards by counting-based measurements of absolute amounts of nucleic acids
- Development of genetic and genomic reference materials
- Development of cell measurement standards by direct counting
- Development of measurement technologies and reference materials for proteins
- Development of methodologies and reference materials for characterization and quality control of biopharmaceuticals
Biodiagnostics Analysis Team
The Biodiagnostics Metrology Team develops measurement technologies and reference materials in response to emerging needs in the field of biodiagnostics. The team also develops measurement platforms for personalized and preventive health care.
Key Research Area
- Development of analytical methods and reference materials for laboratory medicine
- Development of analytical methods for therapeutic drug monitoring
About Other Groups
