Technology transfer from the National NanoFab Center enables “film-to-film” 2D nano-replication beyond the 1,000-nm barrier
From left: Dr. Jeong Jeong-hwan, Head of R&D at Nano Electronics Corp., and Mr. Namgung Ji, General Manager of the Planning and Cooperation Division at the National Nano Fab Center.
A new replication technology capable of mass-producing ultrafine nano-structures below 100 nanometers—surpassing the conventional 1,000-nm limit of roll-to-roll processes—has entered commercialization.
Nano Electronics Corp. (CEO Young-Tae Kim) announced on the 23rd that it has acquired the implementation rights to the “Commercialization Technology for Ultrafine Nano-Structure Replication” (patent title: Nano Imprinting Device and Method) originally developed by the National NanoFab Center (NNFC), led by President Heung-Soo Park. The company aims to apply this technology to the next generation of antibacterial and antifouling functional films.
From 1D to 2D — A Paradigm Shift in Nano-Replication
This technology transfer represents a key outcome of the first-phase results from the Future Nano Materials Core Technology Development Program, initiated last year. The program is led by Dr. Jae-Hong Park of NNFC and Prof. Jun-Gyoon Oh of Dankook University, with Nano Electronics participating as a joint research partner.
Traditional roll-to-roll nano-replication systems mold films along a one-dimensional (line-type) contact area where two rolls meet. This configuration limits contact time and environmental stability, making it impossible to accurately reproduce nano-patterns below 1,000 nm.
In contrast, the new approach developed by NNFC implements a film-to-film (2D plane-type) nano-replication drive system, where the nano-structured mold film and the replica film come into planar contact. This innovation enables high-precision, large-area replication of nano-structures as small as 100 nm or less, paving the way for scalable mass production.
Toward a New Generation of Antibacterial and Antifouling Films
Ultrafine 100-nm-scale nano-structures can dramatically enhance physical antibacterial and antifouling performance, providing a non-chemical approach to suppressing bacterial adhesion. This makes the technology well-suited for applications in antimicrobial protective films, particularly in contexts emphasizing infection prevention and hygiene—such as post-pandemic environments.
Decades of Nano-Fabrication Expertise
Dr. Jae-Hong Park, the principal inventor, has over 20 years of experience in ultrafine nano-structuring technology and has received ministerial commendations from both the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for his contributions to four major technology transfers in this field.
Officials from the National Nano Fab Center and Nano Electronics Corp. pose for a commemorative photo following the technology transfer agreement signing ceremony.
Toward Market Expansion
Nano Electronics, which has previously received both the CES Innovation Award and the Korean Ministry of Environment Award, plans to leverage this breakthrough for commercial applications in the antimicrobial materials market, projected to exceed KRW 550 billion (approx. USD 400 million) by 2026.
Source: The Korea Industry Daily (kidd.co.kr)
Technology transfer from the National NanoFab Center enables “film-to-film” 2D nano-replication beyond the 1,000-nm barrier
From left: Dr. Jeong Jeong-hwan, Head of R&D at Nano Electronics Corp., and Mr. Namgung Ji, General Manager of the Planning and Cooperation Division at the National Nano Fab Center.
A new replication technology capable of mass-producing ultrafine nano-structures below 100 nanometers—surpassing the conventional 1,000-nm limit of roll-to-roll processes—has entered commercialization.
Nano Electronics Corp. (CEO Young-Tae Kim) announced on the 23rd that it has acquired the implementation rights to the “Commercialization Technology for Ultrafine Nano-Structure Replication” (patent title: Nano Imprinting Device and Method) originally developed by the National NanoFab Center (NNFC), led by President Heung-Soo Park. The company aims to apply this technology to the next generation of antibacterial and antifouling functional films.
From 1D to 2D — A Paradigm Shift in Nano-Replication
This technology transfer represents a key outcome of the first-phase results from the Future Nano Materials Core Technology Development Program, initiated last year. The program is led by Dr. Jae-Hong Park of NNFC and Prof. Jun-Gyoon Oh of Dankook University, with Nano Electronics participating as a joint research partner.
Traditional roll-to-roll nano-replication systems mold films along a one-dimensional (line-type) contact area where two rolls meet. This configuration limits contact time and environmental stability, making it impossible to accurately reproduce nano-patterns below 1,000 nm.
In contrast, the new approach developed by NNFC implements a film-to-film (2D plane-type) nano-replication drive system, where the nano-structured mold film and the replica film come into planar contact. This innovation enables high-precision, large-area replication of nano-structures as small as 100 nm or less, paving the way for scalable mass production.
Toward a New Generation of Antibacterial and Antifouling Films
Ultrafine 100-nm-scale nano-structures can dramatically enhance physical antibacterial and antifouling performance, providing a non-chemical approach to suppressing bacterial adhesion. This makes the technology well-suited for applications in antimicrobial protective films, particularly in contexts emphasizing infection prevention and hygiene—such as post-pandemic environments.
Decades of Nano-Fabrication Expertise
Dr. Jae-Hong Park, the principal inventor, has over 20 years of experience in ultrafine nano-structuring technology and has received ministerial commendations from both the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for his contributions to four major technology transfers in this field.
Officials from the National Nano Fab Center and Nano Electronics Corp. pose for a commemorative photo following the technology transfer agreement signing ceremony.
Toward Market Expansion
Nano Electronics, which has previously received both the CES Innovation Award and the Korean Ministry of Environment Award, plans to leverage this breakthrough for commercial applications in the antimicrobial materials market, projected to exceed KRW 550 billion (approx. USD 400 million) by 2026.
Source: The Korea Industry Daily (kidd.co.kr)