Marine Bio-industry Research Institute for East Sea Rim (MIRE), based in Uljin, Republic of Korea, is a leading public research institution dedicated to advancing marine biotechnology. Established to unlock the economic potential of Korea's eastern coastal marine resources, MIRE is at the forefront of developing high-value bio-based materials and fostering industrial innovation through marine-derived science.
Core Mission and Focus Areas
MIRE operates under a mission to transform marine biodiversity into sustainable economic opportunities through scientific research and commercialization. The institute’s focus includes:
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Marine Biomaterials:
- Extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds from seaweeds, microalgae, and marine invertebrates.
- Development of novel compounds with anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antimicrobial, and UV-protective properties.
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Cosmeceuticals:
- Formulation of marine-based cosmetic products such as serums, masks, and moisturizers.
- Collaborations with Korean and international beauty brands for ingredient innovation and OEM/ODM manufacturing.
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Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods:
- Production of dietary supplements using marine ingredients such as fish collagen, sea cucumber extract, and seaweed polysaccharides.
- Clinical trials and bioavailability research to support product claims.
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Marine Bioenergy:
- Pilot projects focused on bioethanol and biodiesel from macroalgae and marine waste biomass.
- Participation in Korea’s national green energy initiatives for sustainable fuel alternatives.
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OEM and Industry Collaboration:
- Providing technology transfer and joint development services for companies in cosmetics, food, and pharma sectors.
- Custom formulation services and prototype product development.
Research and Development Infrastructure
MIRE boasts cutting-edge facilities for marine bioprocessing and product development:
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Specialized Labs:
- Molecular biology and fermentation labs
- Marine organism cultivation systems
- Biochemical analysis units (HPLC, LC-MS/MS, FT-IR)
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Pilot-Scale Production Lines:
- Extraction, filtration, and freeze-drying systems
- Cosmetic formulation and blending machinery
- Controlled fermentation setups for nutraceuticals
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Knowledge Repository:
- Marine bioresource gene bank
- Patent library for marine-derived compounds
These infrastructures enable MIRE to transition marine research into commercially viable applications with strong scientific validation.
Partnerships and Industrial Impact
MIRE plays a pivotal role in Korea’s blue economy strategy by linking academia, government, and industry. Key collaborations include:
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Public-Private R&D:
- Partnerships with national universities, including Pukyong National University and Hanyang University.
- Joint research with cosmetic companies such as AmorePacific and LG Household & Health Care.
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Technology Transfer:
- Over 100 patents filed in marine bioscience and processing technology.
- Licensing agreements with SMEs for functional marine ingredients.
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Regional Economic Development:
- Support for local SMEs in the East Sea Rim region through product incubation and technical consulting.
- Participation in international exhibitions like Bio Korea and In-Cosmetics Asia.
Target Applications and End-Users
MIRE’s innovations are targeted at:
- Cosmetics Companies: Seeking marine-derived active ingredients with clinical efficacy.
- Functional Food Manufacturers: Interested in clean-label, marine-origin ingredients.
- Bioenergy Firms: Exploring algae-based sustainable fuels.
- Pharmaceutical Startups: Looking for novel compounds with therapeutic potential.
Funding and Government Alignment
MIRE operates under partial funding from South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Ministry of SMEs and Startups. The institute’s projects align with national strategies on:
- Marine Bioresource Utilization
- Green and Sustainable Energy
- Regional Technology Development
- Export Competitiveness for K-Bio and K-Beauty sectors
Key Achievements
- Developed Korea’s first seaweed-derived collagen complex for dermal applications.
- Filed over 120 intellectual property rights, including patents and industrial designs.
- Launched the Marine Biotech Cluster in Uljin to attract marine-focused startups.
- Recognized with national innovation awards for contributions to bioindustry advancement.
Certifications and Standards
- Adherence to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) for bioactive material processing
- ISO-standard quality control for research documentation
- Compliance with Korean FDA and cosmetic regulations for ingredient registration
MIRE continues to position itself as a hub for marine biotechnology in East Asia, offering innovation at the intersection of science, industry, and sustainability. Its holistic approach—from marine exploration to ingredient commercialization—supports the global trend toward ocean-based health and beauty solutions.
