▲ Artistic Representation of a bacteriophage. Provided by bio.m2osw.com.

The threat of microorganisms is increasing every year. Last year it was Ebola, and this year it was the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-Cov). Against these lurking menaces, the BioDefense Research Institute (BDRI) of Korea University (KU) is seeking answers in the field of disease prevention and extermination. Despite its brief history, it is investigating problems we could all encounter one day.

The BDRI of KU, since its establishment, has had two goals: the first is to prepare and protect Korea and its citizens from the threat of the biological weapons of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and the second is to protect individuals from the malicious microorganisms which are encountered in everyday life.

The head of the research institute, Kim Ik-Hwan (Department of Life Sciences), explained more about the institute’s second goal. He referred to spoiled foods and viruses as two very common threats, as one can cause food poisoning and the other undergo frequent mutation. In the face of such threats, the question is how he and the institute’s researchers can provide solutions.

“We are always living with these microorganisms. As a matter of fact, we, humans, are just abundant with them,” Kim stated. “The microorganisms that can threaten us can do so anytime they want.” According to Kim, there are methods to prevent disease at an individual level, and they are as follows: Lead a very clean and sanitary life and block out the environment in which pathogens can thrive entirely.

▲ Kim Ik-Hwan, head of BDRI, giving a description of the research institute Photographed by Lee Hyejin.

Kim spoke on how the BDRI of KU was different from other research institutes focusing on disease and pathogen prevention. First, he said, “It concentrates on the preparation for DPRK’s biological weapons.” In addition, the BDRI conducts research in both fundamental life sciences and biotechnology and suggests policies which the government can execute in order to prevent pathogenic threats. Moreover, it focuses on quickly detecting pathogens and detoxification, and then finding vaccine or antidotes to defuse potential bioterrorism.

▲ Artistic Representation of bacteriophage. Provided by Waksman Foundation for Microbiology.

Two of the biggest threats, according to Kim, are bacillus anthracis, more commonly known as anthrax, and smallpox. Smallpox, he mentions, had been eradicated until the North Koreans brought it back to life for military use. To deal with these two pathogens, the BDRI of KU has been working on developing a vaccine. But, according to reports, the North Koreans possess many more than just those two biological weapons.

On the home front, when the MERS outbreak was reaching its peak, the research institute held a seminar to come up with possible solutions for the epidemic. When BDRI and its researchers felt that this measure was not enough to thwart the disease’s effects, they held a forum on “Legislation that prevents bioterrorism.”

At the forum, the BDRI researchers, along with many others, focused on achieving three of the following goals: To set up a governmental administrative structure for a defense against bioterrorism; to educate and train citizens about the threats of bioterrorism; to research more on how to deal with bioterrorism.

In addition, BDRI researchers have been making suggestions and proposals to the government. Kim stressed how important it is for a nation to be prepared for an epidemic and tale precautionary measures. One of the measures the government can take, Kim said, is the establishment of a government-funded organization that specializes in the field of disease prevention.

Kim gave some advice for those who wish to enter the field of disease prevention. “The 21st century is a bio-era. This is because all the technologies which can be found in medicine, environment, energy, food, and chemicals have their roots in biology.” He said, “We currently live in the era of 100s, meaning that most of us now will live to be 100 years old. This means that our biggest concern and interest will turn to health and a long life span. If you are interested in developing new ways to extend our life spans, then a career in this field will fit you perfectly."

The BDRI has set many goals for itself. Some are are as follows: To make academic and scientific contributions related to the prevention of pathogens; to develop state of the art programs and nurture future students into experts in the said field; to improve public health and relieve public distress through crisis preparation; to stimulate the economy and the industry through the invention of technology associated with biology; to contribute to the disease prevention system through the creation of tactics and policies of disease prevention.

The prospects for the research institute remain very positive. The research institute plans to contribute to the realization of a safer nation by pioneering in the field of biology. Kim mentions that there are numerous steps that need to be taken before the country becomes ready to fight dangerous germs. It needs to be capable of containing disease, preventing further losses from a disease, and setting up a governmental prevention system.

Perchance the research institute represents what must be done for the future and what will be done in the future. For biodefense, many areas of study are required, ranging from immunology, environmental science, statistics, to material engineering. BDRI does not stand alone in the battlefield, as it has been maintaining strong relationships with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Department of Defense, and Pasteur Institute. Perhaps the pathogens are not strong after all when faced with all those greatly prepared for them.