Simplifying solid biosample processing for field-ready diagnostics

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has developed a compact, rapid pretreatment system capable of liquefying and homogenizing solid biological samples in under one minute.

This innovation simplifies the analysis of specimens that are traditionally difficult to process, offering a new diagnostic platform that complements the predominantly liquid-based landscape of in vitro diagnostics (IVD). It is expected to contribute significantly to the practical implementation of point-of-care (PoC) testing technologies across various settings.

The research, “Portable and rapid solid sample preparation system utilizing twin-screw mechanism for diagnostic applications,” is published in Analyst..

A research team led by Dr. Kwanoh Kim at the Nano Lithography Research Center of KIMM’s Nano-Convergence Research Division, in collaboration with Prof. Yoon-Joo Lee’s team at Sejong Chungnam National University Hospital has developed a compact mechanical device that rapidly transforms solid biosamples into a uniform liquid form.

To analyze solid biosamples using liquid-based systems such as those used in IVD, it is essential to disrupt tissue structures and convert them into a homogeneous liquid state.

The research team utilized a twin-screw mechanism with counter-rotating screws to generate high shear force for rapid liquefaction and homogenization. The screws were engineered with integrated internal fluid pathways to minimize sample loss and maximize the collection efficiency of the liquefied sample.

Conventional pretreatment methods for solid samples often require bulky equipment and extended processing times.

The entire workflow—from sample preparation and machine operation to retrieval and cleaning—typically involves repeated manual steps carried out by trained laboratory technicians, making these methods impractical for on-site use. Additionally, they often rely on chemical or enzymatic treatments to emulsify and homogenize the samples, which adds complexity and limits field usability.

To overcome these limitations, the team designed a fully mechanical system that performs the entire pretreatment process—macerating, homogenizing, and collecting—within a single device. The system can process a sample in under one minute, producing high-quality liquid specimens ready for analysis.

The team also developed a portable, manually operated device based on the same mechanism, broadening its applicability to environments without access to external power sources.

The system has demonstrated excellent pretreatment efficiency and high sample recovery rates across a variety of sample types, including animal tissues, plants, and vegetables.

With both powered and manually operated devices available, the system shows promise for applications in emergency diagnostics, agricultural disease detection, and food safety inspections. It is also readily compatible with a wide range of diagnostic and analytical systems.

Dr. Kwanoh Kim of KIMM stated, “This twin-screw-based pretreatment technology provides a foundational platform for the practical use of solid-sample diagnostics. It offers a technical solution to the limitations of liquid-based IVD systems and is expected to expand the range of diagnostic applications in fields such as agriculture, food safety, and environmental monitoring—enhancing both diagnostic flexibility and analytical accuracy.”

KIMM has filed six domestic patents related to the twin-screw-based solid sample pretreatment technology, two of which have already been registered, securing core intellectual property rights.