東レリサーチセンター List of News Articles

When we look around us, we see that various areas such as housing, home appliances, automobiles, miscellaneous goods, and sports equipment are overflowing with many plastic materials like synthetic fibers, films, bottles, and resin products. However, 100 years ago, the concept of modern polymer materials, specifically the idea of polymers (macromolecules) connected by covalent bonds, had not yet been established. Therefore, it can be said that in just under a century, numerous plastic materials with various characteristics have been developed and rapidly integrated into our lives. Due to the short history and the diversity of materials, there are various challenges encountered when handling plastic materials, but the role of analytical technicians in solving these issues is significant. Following the previous foundational edition, this second application edition will explain polymer multiphase materials (such as polymer alloys, compounds, and resin composites) and molding techniques, as well as environmental issues surrounding plastic materials, in order to enhance the practical value of plastic materials.

When we look around us, we see various areas such as housing, home appliances, automobiles, miscellaneous goods, and sports equipment filled with many plastic materials like synthetic fibers, films, bottles, and resin products. However, the concept of modern polymer materials, specifically the idea of polymers (macromolecules) connected by covalent bonds, was not established just 100 years ago. Therefore, it can be said that in less than a century, numerous plastic materials with various characteristics have been developed and rapidly integrated into our lives. Due to the short history and the diversity of materials, there are various challenges encountered when dealing with plastic materials, and the role of analytical technicians in solving these issues is significant. In this course, we will explain important and fundamental points over two sessions, focusing on the field of resin materials, not only for analytical technicians but also for engineers who create products using plastic materials and those who use plastic products to deepen their understanding. In the first session, which serves as a foundational overview, we will discuss the characteristics of representative plastic materials, including molecular structure and physical properties, characteristics and applications, and manufacturing methods, to aid in the understanding of plastic materials.

【Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Bulk Materials (Material Testing)】 The evaluation of the mechanical properties of materials aids in obtaining physical property values for design and simulation, as well as in elucidating material degradation phenomena. However, if accurate physical property values cannot be obtained, erroneous results may be derived. This course will explain the measurement methods for the mechanical properties of solid materials (static material tests such as tensile, bending, and compression) and introduce various measurement examples, as well as the digital image correlation method that has been utilized in the field of mechanical property evaluation in recent years. 【Evaluation of Mechanical Properties in Microregions (Nanoindentation)】 The nanoindentation method is a technique that improves the load and displacement resolution of conventional hardness tests and is widely used for evaluating the mechanical properties of thin films and specific fine regions. In recent years, advancements in technology have enabled nanoindentation measurements utilizing environmental control functions and AFM capabilities. This course will introduce the basic principles and measurement modes, along with examples of each measurement.

This course is designed to meet the requests of many customers and expands and enriches the content of the previously popular course "Organic Structure Analysis" by including applied topics such as 2D-NMR analysis and chemical decomposition analysis. It is an ideal course for those who have taken the beginner course and want to deepen their understanding of organic structure analysis to aid in research and development.

A collaborative research group led by Professor Kazunori Ikebukuro and Professor Yasumoto Nakazawa from the Graduate School of Engineering at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, along with Naoya Iwano from Toray Research Center, Yasushi Ohyama from Japan Spectroscopic Co., Ltd., and Professor Hiroshi Hayashida from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has revealed for the first time that guanine-rich DNA, known to be involved in various biological functions, can specifically bind to proteins without forming guanine quadruplex structures (G4 structures). In particular, the study focused on the guanine-rich insulin aptamer "IGA3" and analyzed in detail how it interacts with insulin. Previously, IGA3 was thought to bind to insulin by forming a G4 structure; however, this research discovered that it does not bind in the G4 structure but instead forms a new structure to bind to insulin. For more details, please check the related links below.

On Friday, June 27, 2025, Toray Research Center, Inc. will hold a "Semiconductor and Electronic Materials Poster Session" at Kyoto Terrsa, near Kyoto Station. This event is designed to introduce the latest analytical technologies related to semiconductors and electronic materials to customers from semiconductor device, equipment, and material manufacturers. We will display 51 posters focusing on the latest case studies of analytical technologies. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with our researchers and gain a deeper understanding of the details and applications of the technologies. Participation is free of charge, and we sincerely hope many of you will join us. *We kindly ask that representatives from competing companies refrain from participating. Thank you for your understanding. ◆Registration: Please check the "Details and Registration" below.

This time, at the request of the Japan Isotope Association's newsletter "Isotope News," I contributed an article on "Analysis of the Fine Structure of Living Cells Using Small-Angle Scattering." Contribution: Fine Structure Sensing of Living Cells Using Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Author: Katsu Nakata, Toray Research Center, Inc. Kazuaki Matsumura, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Magazine Title: Isotope News "TRACER," April 2025, No. 798, pp. 22–25 https://www.jrias.or.jp/books/cat3/list.html In this issue, we introduce examples of evaluations using small-angle X-ray scattering as a method to measure the nanoscale intracellular fine structure of living cells under various extracellular environments.

Our company (hereinafter referred to as "TRC") has established the "Integrated Bioanalysis Research Department" as of April 1st, by integrating departments responsible for structural analysis, characterization analysis, stability testing, and quality testing, in order to strengthen support for the research and development of diverse biopharmaceuticals represented by antibody drugs, nucleic acid/mRNA drugs, and cell therapies. Traditionally, TRC has provided analytical support at various stages of drug development, including structural analysis and analytical method development to support drug discovery research, pharmacokinetic analysis under GLP conditions, and stability testing under GMP conditions. However, in response to the recent acceleration and diversification of drug development, we determined that an integrated organization of the existing analytical departments would be effective, leading to the establishment of the new organization. The Integrated Bioanalysis Research Department brings together staff engaged in analysis at various stages of drug development, providing high-quality analytical services to our customers in a seamless manner. This will enhance the sophistication of analytical techniques for biopharmaceuticals, which are evolving daily, while also strengthening our proposal capabilities to customers and aiming for further service evolution. Under the fundamental philosophy of "contributing to society with advanced technology," TRC will continue to grow together with our customers through the analytical expertise and quality cultivated over many years, contributing to the life sciences field, including drug development.

Our company (hereinafter referred to as "TRC") has launched a service for pharmaceutical applications of extracellular vesicles, titled "Extracellular Vesicle Pharmaceutical Application Support." Extracellular vesicles are small vesicles (membrane-bound structures) secreted by cells that transport biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, playing a crucial role in intercellular communication. In recent years, the development of drugs utilizing extracellular vesicles as drug delivery systems (extracellular vesicle pharmaceuticals) has been advancing. However, there are few companies capable of conducting analyses that meet the stringent standards for pharmaceutical applications, making the establishment of an analytical framework for drug applications urgent. Therefore, TRC has initiated quality evaluation services for the development and application of extracellular vesicle pharmaceuticals, contributing to the social implementation of extracellular vesicles. For more details, please check the related links.

This course will introduce the principles, characteristics, and application examples of two widely used analytical methods for analyzing surface composition, chemical structure, and functional groups: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS / ESCA) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). [1] X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS / ESCA): A method for evaluating the composition and chemical bonding states of all elements, except for hydrogen and helium, present in the surfaces of inorganic and organic materials, as well as polymers. By combining etching, it allows for depth profiling analysis of inorganic and organic materials, and by applying gas-phase chemical modification methods, it is also possible to detect and quantify carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups, and primary amines in organic materials. Additionally, it can analyze electronic states such as work function. [2] Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS): A method for qualitative analysis of trace organic and inorganic substances in the microregions (~several μm) of the very surface of materials, effective for analyzing trace surface contaminants and foreign substances. While absolute quantification is difficult, it is possible to compare the amounts of detected compounds between samples. By using a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB), depth profiling can be performed on organic materials while minimizing surface damage.

This is a course for those who want to learn about surface analysis from the basics. It provides easy and compact explanations on the following topics: - Surface analysis - TOF-SIMS: Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (principles, spectrum examples) - RBS: Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (principles, spectrum examples) - XPS: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (principles, spectrum examples) - Measurement case: Organic EL devices As a benefit of taking the course, there is a "Q&A service for course content," where an analysis expert will answer questions such as "I want to deepen my understanding of the principles of analytical methods" or "I have unclear points about measurement cases and would like a detailed explanation," which may be difficult to convey in video lectures. ◎ For details on how to apply, please visit here: https://www.toray-research.co.jp/service/seminar/online/

Our company (hereinafter referred to as "TRC") has introduced a system at our Shiga facility to re-liquefy helium gas used as a refrigerant in analytical instruments, in preparation for the helium crisis that has garnered particular attention in recent years. This has enabled us to establish a framework for the stable and continuous provision of specialized analytical services for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and other ultra-low temperature measurements, which are essential for liquid helium. Helium is used in a wide range of fields, including superconducting magnets, medical devices, and scientific research. However, due to a decrease in supply and a global increase in demand, it has become increasingly difficult to obtain in recent years. At TRC, we have established a system to recover helium gas that vaporizes from NMR superconducting magnets and liquid helium containers for reuse, and we have begun operations. This allows us to provide stable services for NMR and ultra-low temperature measurements while contributing to the effective utilization of helium. TRC will continue to strive to provide sustainable advanced analytical services while responding to changes in the resource supply environment, based on our fundamental philosophy of "contributing to society through advanced technology." For more details, please check the related links.

Our company (hereinafter referred to as "TRC") has become the first domestic contract analysis company to offer high-sensitivity analysis services for catalyst surfaces in catalytic reactions under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, particularly mimicking actual processes, using infrared spectroscopy. A catalyst is a substance that facilitates a chemical reaction without changing itself before and after the reaction. To improve the performance of a catalyst, it is important to investigate how substances adsorb and react on the catalyst's surface. TRC has made it possible to analyze catalytic reactions under controlled conditions at high temperatures and pressures (up to 700°C and 10 MPa) by using a special diffusion reflection infrared spectroscopy cell that can withstand high pressure, along with circulating reaction gases such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This enables the investigation of synthesis reactions for liquid hydrocarbons, which can serve as alternative fuels, under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions that mimic actual processes. In addition to optimizing the reaction conditions of catalysts, insights into reaction mechanisms can also be obtained, which is expected to contribute to the design, development, and improvement of catalysts that are crucial for achieving carbon neutrality. For more details, please check the related link.

HALT (Highly Accelerated Limit Test) is a testing method that exposes products to very strong temperature and vibration stresses in a short period of time to reveal potential weaknesses. It has a proven track record with various devices such as smartphones and communication equipment, allowing for the early identification of structural defects and substrate issues before mass production, significantly reducing troubles in the market. We verify how much the product can withstand under harsh conditions and provide total support from investigating the causes of failures to formulating countermeasures. For more details, please visit this page: https://www.toray-research.co.jp/analysis-evaluation/ana_071.html

We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting the third webinar regarding our DNA chip "3D-GeneⓇ," which is sold through our agency, aimed at those who are researching or considering extracellular vesicles. This webinar will be conducted in three parts: foundational, measurement, and application, focusing on extracellular vesicles. In the first (foundational) and second (measurement) sessions, we had the honor of having Dr. Yusuke Yoshioka, a director of the Japanese Society for Extracellular Vesicles and a lecturer at the Department of Molecular Cell Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, present on research methods and the latest information regarding extracellular vesicles. The third session will introduce the industrial applications and evaluation methods of extracellular vesicles utilizing the content from the previous sessions, presented by the Toray Group. We sincerely look forward to your participation. ● Seminar Registration Information - Participation Fee: Free - Format: Online Seminar If you wish to participate, please register using the "Details & Registration" button below. ● Date and Time January 29 (Wednesday) 17:00-17:40 (Live Broadcast) February 6 (Thursday) 19:00-19:40 (Rebroadcast) February 14 (Friday) 12:00-12:40 (Rebroadcast)