• The Journal of Korea Robotics Society
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.62-67
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• 2009

For diagnoses of digestive organs, capsule endoscopes are widely used and offer valuable information without patient's discomfort. A general capsule endoscope which consists of image sensing module, telemetry module and battery is able to move along gastro-intestinal tracts passively only through peristaltic waves. Thus, it is likely to have some limitations for doctor to acquire images from the desired organs and to diagnose them effectively. As solutions to these problems, a locomotive function of capsule endoscopes has being developed. We have proposed a capsule-type microrobot with synchronized multiple legs. However, the proposed capsular microrobot also has some limitations, such as low speed in advancement, inconvenience to controlling the microrobot, lack of an image module, and deficiency in a steering module. In this paper, we will describe the limitations of the locomotive microrobot and propose solutions to the drawbacks. The solutions are applied to the capsular microrobot and evaluated by in-vitro tests. Based on the experimental results, we conclude that the proposed solutions are effective and appropriate for the locomotive microrobot to explore inside intestinal tracts.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.197-203
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• 2007

A bioequivalence study of $Dilast^{TM}$ Capsule (Chong Kun Dang Pharma. Co., Ltd.) to $Ketas^{(R)}$ Capsule (Han Dok Pharma. Co., Ltd.) was conducted according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Twenty eight healthy male Korean volunteers received each medicine at the ibudilast dose of 20 mg in a $2{\times}2$ crossover study. There was one week wash-out period between the doses. Plasma concentrations of ibudilast were monitored by a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for over a period of 36 hours after drug administration. $AUC_t$ (the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 36 hr) was calculated by the linear trapezoidal rule method. $C_{max}$ (maximum plasma drug concentration) and $T_{max}$ (time to reach $C_{max}$) were compiled from the plasma concentration-time data. Analysis of variance was carried out using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t\;and\;C_{max}$. No significant sequence effect was found for all of the bioavailability parameters indicating that the crossover design was properly performed. The 90% confidence intervals of the $AUC_t$ ratio and the $C_{max}$ ratio for $Dilast^{TM}$ $Capsule/Ketas^{(R)}$ Capsule were $log0.93{\sim}log1.06$ and $log0.93{\sim}log1.11$, respectively. These values were within the acceptable bioequivalence intervals of $log0.80{\sim}log1.25$. Thus, our study demonstrated the bioequivalence of $Dilast^{TM}$ Capsule and $Ketas^{(R)}$ Capsule with respect to the rate and extent of absorption.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.162-167
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• 2017

For the production of bioethanol by the synchronous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process, bio-capsule formation was attempted. Many saccharifying fungal strains and fermentative yeast strains were first screened. Aspergillus sp. BCNU 6200, Penicillium sp. BCNU 6201, and P. chrysogenum KACC 44363 were found to be excellent producers of saccharifying enzymes such as ${\alpha}$-amylase and glucoamylase. Saccharomyces cerevisiae IFO-M-07 showed the highest ethanol productivity among the tested strains. Secondly, we determined the optimal conditions for pellet formation, and those for bio-capsule formation. All the tested fungal strains formed pellets, and the optimal conditions for bio-capsule formation were $28^{\circ}C$ and 120 rpm. Lastly, SSF process was performed using a bio-capsule. An ethanol yield of 3.9% was achieved by using the Aspergillus sp. BCNU 6200 bio-capsule (Aspergillus sp. BCNU 6200 + S. cerevisiae IFO-M-07) at $30^{\circ}C$ with shaking at 120 rpm during the 10 days of incubation. The results provide useful information on the application of a bio-capsule in bioethanol production under the SSF process.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.255-261
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• 2007

A bioequivalence study of $Nimegen^{TM}$ soft capsule (Medica Korea Pharma. Co., Ltd.) to $RoAccutane^{(R)}$ soft capsule (Roche Korea Ind. Co., Ltd.) was conducted according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Thirty healthy male Korean volunteers received each medicine at the isotretinoin dose of 60 mg in a $2{\times}2$ crossover study. There was one week wash-out period between the doses. Plasma concentrations of isotretinoin were monitored by a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for over a period of 48 hours after drug administration. $AUC_t$ (the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 48 hr) was calculated by the linear trapezoidal rule method. $C_{MAX}$ (maximum plasma drug concentration) and $T_{MAX}$ (time to reach $C_{MAX}$) were compiled from the plasma concentration-time data. Analysis of variance was carried out using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t\;and\;C_{MAX}$. No significant sequence effect was found for all of the bioavailability parameters indicating that the crossover design was properly performed. The 90% confidence intervals of the $AUC_t$ ratio and the $C_{MAX}$ ratio for $Nimegen^{TM}/RoAccutane^{(R)}$ were $log0.860{\sim}log0.98\;and\;log0.85{\sim}log1.00$, respectively. These values were within the acceptable bioequivalence intervals of $log0.80{\sim}log1.25$. Thus, our study demonstrated the bioequivalence of $Nimegen^{TM}\;and\;RoAccutane^{(R)}$ with respect to the rate and extent of absorption.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences
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• v.34 no.12B
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• pp.1524-1534
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• 2009

In recent, diagnosing and monitoring technology via in vivo information has been evolved rapidly in worldwide with such capsule-kinds means of incorporating an RFID tag as wireless communication tool. Thus circumstance is pressing local body in Korea to research and develop ingestible RFID capsule which has more miniaturized form, less low power, harmless. This paper focused to investigate new technology and patents, R&D information for adopting proper frequency and designing wireless ingestible capsule antenna system, and suggested practical assignments to implement local R&D. Descriptions are consist of introduction, technology outline, tendency for R&D, patent, market, conclusion and suggestion.

• The Journal of Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences
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• v.37 no.4C
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• pp.329-337
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• 2012

Capsule Endoscope(CE) is a capsule-shaped electronic device which can examine the lesions in digestive tract of human body. Recently the medical procedure using capsule endoscope is receiving great attention to both doctors and patients, since the conventional push-typed endoscope using cables brings great pain and fear to the patients. The technique was firstly available in 2000 and is based on a convergence techniques among BT(Bio Technology), IT(Information Technology), and NT(Nano Technology). The device consists of an optical parts including LEDs(Light Emitting Diodes), an image sensor, a communication module and a power module. Capsule endoscope is the embodiment of the state-of-the art technology and requires key technologies in the various engineering fields. Therefore, in this paper, we introduce the composition of the capsule endoscope system, and compare the communication method between RF(Radio Frequency) communication and HBC(Human Body Communication), which are typically used for data transmission in the capsule endoscope. Furthermore, we analyze the specification of commercialized capsule endoscopes and present the future developments and technical challenges.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.30 no.1 s.244
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• pp.84-89
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• 2006

A wireless capsule endoscope has been developed to replace the conventional endoscope. However, the commercialized capsule endoscope moves passively by peristaltic waves, which has some limitations for doctors to diagnose more thoroughly and actively. In order to solve this problem, a locomotive mechanism is proposed for wireless capsule endoscopes. Based on the tests of various actuators, a piezo actuator is selected as a micro actuator for capsule endoscope. In general, piezo actuators are known to have limited displacement with high voltage supply. In order to overcome the limitation of common piezo actuator, the impact based piezo actuator, is developed to realize long stroke up 11mm. By using the impact based piezo actuator, a prototype of an earthworm-like locomotive mechanism was developed. In addition, the proposed locomotive mechanism has engraved clamps mimicked the claw of an insect. The earthworm-like locomotive mechanism has 15 mm in diameter and 30mm under retraction stage and 41 mm under elongation stage in total length. Hollow space is allocated to comprise essential endoscope components such as a camera, a communication module, bio sensors, and a battery. For the feasibility test of proposed locomotive mechanism, a series of experiments were carried out including in-vitro tests. Based on results of the experiments, we conclude that the proposed locomotive mechanism is effective to be used for micro capsule endoscopes.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.27 no.11
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• pp.1849-1855
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• 2003

Newly commercialized wireless capsule endoscope has many advantages compared to conventional push-type endoscopes. However, it is moved by the peristaltic waves. Therefore, it can not diagnose desired zones actively. In this paper, a locomotive mechanism for wireless capsule endoscope is proposed to increase the efficiency of endoscopy. We designed and fabricated a prototype using SMA springs and bio-mimetic clamping device. The hollow space in the prototype is allocated for further system integration of a camera module, a RF module and a battery. And the sequential control scheme is employed to improve the efficiency of its locomotion. To validate the performance of the locomotive mechanism, experiments on a silicone rubber pad and in vitro tests are carried out. The results of the experiments indicate that proposed mechanism is effective in harsh environments such as digestive organs of a human.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.311-317
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• 2004

A bioequivalence study of $Gomcillin^{TM}$ capsules (DAEWOONG Pharmaceutical Co., Korea) to $Famoxin^{TM}$ capsules (Dong Wha Pharm. Ind. Co., Korea) was conducted according to the guideline of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Twenty four healthy male Korean volunteers received each medicine at the amoxicillin dose of 500 mg in a $2{\times}2$ crossover study. There was a one-week wash out period between the doses. Plasma concentrations of amoxicillin were monitored by a high-performance liquid chromatography for over a period of 8 hours after the administration. $AUC_t$ (the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 8 hr) was calculated by the linear trapezoidal rule method. $C_{max}$ (maximum plasma drug concentration) and $T_{max}$ (time to reach $C_{max}$) were compiled from the plasma concentration-time data. Analysis of variance was carried out using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$. No significant sequence effect was found for all of the bioavailability parameters indicating that the crossover design was properly performed. The 90% confidence intervals of the $AUC_t$ ratio and the $C_{max}$ ratio for $Gomcillin^{TM}/Famoxin^{TM}$ were $log0.91\;{\sim}\;log1.03$ and $;log0.93\;{\sim}\;log1.10$, respectively. These values were within the acceptable bioequivalence intervals of $log0.80\;{\sim}\;log1.25$. Thus, our study demonstrated the bioequivalence of $Gomcillin^{TM}$ and $Famoxin^{TM}$ with respect to the rate and extent of absorption.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.172-178
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• 2002

Vitamins are bio-active materials and essential elements in our body but some of them are very low in milt Various vitamin-fortified milks are developed by the help of milk processing technology. However, heat treatments can affect vitamins contents in milk. Total loss of vitamins during the UBT(ultra high temperature) treatment was investigated. UHT treatment caused 60∼70% loss for vitamin C, and 30∼40% loss for vit. D3 and vit. E which are well-known as heat stable materials. On the contrary, degradation of water-soluble vitamins is relatively very low in the capsule-coated state. The capsule could reduce the loss of vitamins by protecting vitamins from the degradation factors such as heat, oxygen, lights etc. The fortification method using capsule can be thought as a new way to reduce the loss of vitamins during milk processing. Further study about heat treatment time and temperature, and capsule coating and materials will be required to minimize the loss of vitamins in milt.