Young Kim Reaches 13 Patents with Innovations That Bridge Biology and Technology

Young L. Kim is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the Weldon School, a Showalter Faculty Scholar and a University Faculty Scholar. His research focuses on biophotonics and biomedical optics with applications in cancer imaging, optical diagnostics and light-based technologies for tissue characterization. Kim earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Hanyang University and his MS and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University where he also completed an MS in Clinical Investigation. His work has led to 13 issued patents and innovations that advance healthcare and information security.
With 13 patents issued across two countries and more on the way, Young Kim is driving innovation at the intersection of biology, materials science and information security.

Young Kim is no stranger to innovation. At the Weldon School, Kim has reached an incredible milestone of 13 issued patents across the United States and Korea, with more pending. His work blends biology, materials science and information security to create technologies that solve real-world problems. 

  • Fluorescent protein activated silk used in photoelectric conversion – US11758810 

  • Apparatus for quantum-based physical unclonable functions – US12184794 

  • Edible unclonable functions – US12184796 

  • Image processing and authentication of edible unclonable functions – US20240127614 

  • Antiviral and antibacterial disinfection aero-solution using edible food dyes – US12433964 

  • Pearl-inspired hyperspectral filter arrays – US17518386 

  • Light activated photoreaction via genetic hybridization of far-red fluorescent protein and silk Part I – US11925117 

  • Light activated photoreaction via genetic hybridization of far-red fluorescent protein and silk Part II – US11925118 

  • Information code creating method using fluorescent silk and information code created thereby – US12443819 

  • Method for fabricating matrix barcodes using fluorescent silk and matrix barcodes generated by the method – KR10-2784177 

  • Method for recognizing fluorescent silk matrix barcodes and device using the method – KR10-2666296 

  • PUF and its manufacturing method using heterogeneous nanostructure transistors – KR10-2024-0002967 

  • Image processing and authentication of unclonable functions – US12462593 

 

From edible unclonable functions that enhance cybersecurity to fluorescent silk that enables photoelectric conversion, Kim’s ideas merge creativity with practicality. His research also addresses global needs with innovations like antiviral and antibacterial aerosols using edible food dyes and pearl-inspired hyperspectral filters. 

With 13 issued patents and more on the horizon, Kim’s work reflects the Weldon School’s commitment to pioneering solutions that improve lives and protect critical systems. His contributions continue to shape the future of biomedical engineering and beyond. 

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