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An undergraduate research opportunity sparked a lasting interest in scientific exploration

A research team led by Professor Yoonseok Park at the Department of Advanced Materials Engineering has developed a bio-inspired magnetic heart valve system capable of precisely regulating blood flow using magnetic fields. The results were published in the high-impact journal Advanced Materials (Impact Factor 27.4) under the title, “Bio-Inspired, Miniaturized Magnetic Heart Valve System for Superior Performance Cardiovascular Simulator.” The project is particularly meaningful as it began during the undergraduate research experience of Student Jeongmin Yoo (Advanced Materials, ’19), the paper’s first author. Student Yoo continued the work for over two years and has since decided to pursue graduate studies to further his research.

Inspired by the structure of the human aortic valve, the system mimics the tricuspid flap geometry using an elastic silicone composite embedded with neodymium magnetic microparticles. The valve responds sensitively to external magnetic fields, allowing for precise control of its opening and closing. By programmatically adjusting the direction and strength of the electromagnets, the system can simulate a variety of blood pressure conditions.

Compactly designed, the newly developed device is one-tenth the size of conventional cardiovascular simulators, which rely on bulky mechanical hydraulic components and controllers. Its lightweight and miniaturized form is expected to play a vital role in clinical testing for biomedical technologies and next-generation wearable electronics.

Student Yoo plans to continue his research in graduate school, focusing on developing micro-scale 3D electronic devices that incorporate magnetic particles to replicate movement within the body. “This simulator allows us to evaluate blood pressure monitoring electronics without relying on human trials,” he said. “That’s a major step forward for bioelectronic research. Looking ahead, I hope to integrate a cardiovascular simulator into humanoid robots to help replicate human physiological characteristics.”

Student Yoo first joined the lab during the 2022 winter break, driven by a growing interest in biotechnology. Balancing academic coursework with hands-on lab work was challenging, but it gave him a clear sense of direction. “Taking the advanced independent study course gave me the chance to think seriously about research—even as an undergrad,” he said. “I kept pushing myself to explore the topic more deeply and imagine where it could lead.”

Reflecting on his experience, Student Yoo said that the desire to achieve meaningful results kept him going through difficult times. “I’m incredibly grateful to my advisor, Professor Park, for believing in my potential, and to my lab members who supported me throughout. To future students, I’d say this: materials science has wide-reaching applications. Stay curious and open-minded—it’ll take you farther than you think.”