Invisible Bar Code System Developed

Seoul August 14, 2004; Choi Kyong-ae writing for the Korea Times reported that Korean scientists have developed the world¡¯s first invisible and omnipresent bar code system.

After eight years of research, a team of Seoul National University (SNU) professors and chemists announced Wednesday the development of what is called the Nano DNA-Barcode System (NDBS).

``The novel system is literally `invisible but omnipresent.¡¯ Its invisibility prevents fabrications of barcode information such as password changes or nullification. This ensures a high level of security, whereas the system currently in use is open to fabrications,¡¯¡¯ Choy Jin-ho, who led the project at the SNU¡¯s National Nanohybrid Materials Laboratory, said.

NDBS works like this: First, DNA-encapsulated inorganic nano material is sprayed on or impregnated in products such as those of petroleum, paint, agriculture or livestock. The DNA is not damaged by enzymes or heat during a product¡¯s distribution, so information concerning a product can be obtained by extracting nano molecules through a method known as polimerase chain reaction (PCR).

``Organic vegetables and petroleum are encrypted with genetic codes that carry all information concerning a product, including its origin, quality details and suppliers. This allows a product to be identified and traced very easily. It can be used in the event of an outbreak of mad cow disease or an oil spillage,¡± said Professor Choy.

He added that the same technology can be used for a variety of purposes. One example is the identification of counterfeit bills if new bills are impregnated with an invisible inorganic DNA nanohybrid during production. The government should manage and monitor the system to ensure its wide adoption, he stressed.

Choy applied for patent rights on the DNA barcode system in Korea last year, having obtained patents for its stabilization process four years ago in the United States. His achievements have recently been introduced in Advanced Materials, a renowned materials technology magazine published in Germany.