Korean researchers showcase drug discovery and polar biomaterials

Korean research institutions presented advances in biotechnology, natural products and sustainable materials at the Gangneung natural products and biotechnology international conference. Exhibits connected AI-driven drug development with experimental treatments, polar-derived compounds and technologies designed to reduce reliance on fossil resources.

KAIST highlighted K-Fold, which predicts protein-drug binding structures. Its developers reported accuracy close to Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold 3 while accelerating structure prediction speeds up to 25 times compared with existing AI models. Other projects included AI-designed proteins and biosensors, a system that predicts drug binding and receptor activation, and personalized cancer vaccine design. GIST presented drug candidates targeting cancer cachexia, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and conditions involving muscle-cell signaling.

The Korea Polar Research Institute showcased Antarctic seaweed compounds studied as lithium-sulfur battery binders, alongside research into skin regeneration and anti-obesity effects. Compounds from Antarctic microalgae and lichens showed anti-wrinkle and brain tumor-inhibiting activity, respectively. The Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology presented standardized natural extracts and analysis services intended to support reproducible drug and functional-material research.

POSTECH demonstrated biomimetic materials inspired by marine organisms, including an underwater adhesive hydrogel with potential uses in hemostasis and wound healing. Researchers also outlined artificial coral particles designed to convert dissolved ocean carbon dioxide into stable carbonate minerals, with a demonstration planned at Lake Sihwa. A joint team presented waste-wood-derived plastic feedstock as an alternative to petroleum-based materials.