一般財団法人材料科学技術振興財団　MST List of Products and Services

There are materials in polymers that change shape depending on the environment. To observe the original shape of the sample, measurements in real environmental conditions are necessary. This document presents a case study that visualizes the surface shape of soft contact lenses in saline solution. By measuring under conditions close to the actual environment, it is possible to evaluate while maintaining the original shape of the sample.

Organic acids are a general term for acidic organic compounds. In addition to components found in food, such as citric acid, which contributes to sourness, and inosine acid, which contributes to umami, they are used as raw materials and additives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial fields, with a wide range of applications. This document introduces simultaneous analysis of 12 organic acid components using HPLC and case studies of soft drink analysis. After separating each component in the column, selective analysis can be performed without being affected by interfering components by reacting with a color reagent (BTB solution) for detection. It is possible to simultaneously qualitatively and quantitatively analyze organic acids in liquid samples as well as in extracts from solids.

AFM is a method that scans the surface of a sample with a fine probe and measures nano-scale surface topography in three dimensions. It can measure a wide range of materials, not only for the evaluation of metals, semiconductors, and oxides, but also for soft materials such as hair and contact lenses. This document presents various AFM images of different materials.

Knowing how administered drugs distribute within the body is important information for drug development. In this case, the drug was directly administered into the vitreous body of fish eyes, and the distribution of the drug components was evaluated in cross-sections of the eyeball. As a result, the drug components were strongly detected near the administration site, showing their distribution within the eye. By using a mass microscope called TOF-SIMS, it is possible to apply this to the pharmacokinetics of various biological organs, including the eyeball.

TOF-SIMS allows for simultaneous elemental analysis and molecular information analysis of organic and inorganic substances, and it also enables imaging analysis, making it an effective method for analyzing the distribution and penetration of target components in samples. By combining measurement methods and processing for hair, it is possible to evaluate the surface, cross-section, and depth distribution of hair from various perspectives, allowing for component comparison and permeability assessment in hair according to specific objectives.

A seamless capsule is a spherical capsule without seams that can contain powders or liquids and is used in pharmaceuticals, among other applications. In this case, the 3D structure of the seamless capsule was evaluated using X-ray CT. As a result, foreign substances were detected inside the membrane. Additionally, the membrane thickness distribution was visualized in 3D and represented as a histogram. By using X-ray CT in this way, it is possible to non-destructively evaluate the internal structure, investigate foreign substances, and assess membrane thickness distribution. Measurement method: X-ray CT Product field: Pharmaceuticals Analysis purpose: Structural evaluation, membrane thickness evaluation, product investigation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

TOF-SIMS can identify components from the mass of molecular ions, allowing for imaging analysis without the need for labels such as fluorescent substances. Additionally, by measuring not only organic components but also inorganic components, it is possible to image not only the active ingredients of pesticides but also the minerals mixed into the formulations. In this study, we visualized the active ingredients of pesticides and inorganic components in two types of formulations with different mixing ratios. In formulation A (high mixing ratio), the active ingredient was widely distributed throughout the formulation, whereas in formulation B (low mixing ratio), the active ingredient was localized.

As part of quality management, when you want to investigate components characteristic of the origin and variety, as well as components that cause defects between lots, comparisons between multiple samples are necessary. By statistically processing the data obtained from LC/MS measurements using multivariate analysis, it is possible to identify components that are characteristic of the samples among many components. In this case, we will introduce an example of investigating characteristic components among three apple juice products of different apple varieties using principal component analysis (PCA), which is one type of multivariate analysis.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis is a method used for structural analysis of organic compounds. NMR spectra are influenced by the spins of the atomic nuclei that make up the compound, and this influence is represented by the spin coupling constant. By evaluating this spin coupling constant, it becomes possible to identify compounds with complex structures or novel compounds. This document presents a case study analyzing the stereoconformation of fluorinated compounds based on a comparison between measured values of spin coupling constants and calculated values from quantum chemical calculations. Energy calculations of the conformations also allow for a comparison of stability. Measurement methods: Computational science, AI, data analysis, NMR Product field: Pharmaceuticals Analysis purpose: Evaluation of chemical bonding states, structural evaluation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

Hair that has been damaged by factors such as hair color, ultraviolet rays, and aging undergoes structural changes, and measuring these structural changes is important for the research and development of hair care products. In this case, we observed the structure of hair using X-ray CT. Furthermore, by performing image analysis on the obtained CT cross-sectional images, we created histograms of the void volume in the cortex and the spacing of the cuticles. By combining X-ray CT and image analysis in this way, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the three-dimensional structure of hair. Measurement methods: X-ray CT, computational science, AI, data analysis Product fields: Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics Analysis objectives: Shape evaluation, structural evaluation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

We observed a sample mixed with three types of lactic acid bacteria using SEM, and extracted the bacteria by type using deep learning from the obtained images. Furthermore, we conducted data analysis to determine the presence ratio on the cell cycle based on the shape of the lactic acid bacteria. Measurement methods: SEM, computational science, AI, data analysis Product fields: Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, daily necessities, cosmetics, food Analysis purpose: Shape evaluation, product investigation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

Saturation Transfer Difference (STD) NMR is a type of NMR analytical method used to identify low molecular weight compounds that interact with proteins, demonstrating significant power in drug screening and other applications. This document presents a case study where specific compounds that interact with a particular protein were identified from multiple compound groups using STD-NMR measurements. Measurement method: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) Product fields: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Food Analysis purpose: Screening, Drug Design, Interaction Evaluation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

Quantum chemical calculations can provide molecular insights (such as molecular structure, charge distribution, molecular orbitals, and mechanisms of chemical reactions) that serve as guidelines for the development and design of materials, as well as simulate various response spectra like UV-Vis and NMR with high accuracy. The results obtained can help overcome various challenges faced in research and development in fields such as functional materials and drug discovery. This document introduces the analysis targets, the physical property information obtained, and case studies that can be understood from quantum chemical calculations.

Rietveld analysis is a method for analyzing measurement data from XRD (X-ray diffraction) and neutron diffraction. In addition to identifying lattice constants and space groups using existing methods, it is possible to obtain more detailed crystallographic information, such as atomic arrangements within the unit cell, if there is a crystal structure model (candidate) for the sample.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) is an analytical method that can obtain various information about molecular structure, intermolecular interactions, and molecular mobility, targeting various compounds including organic substances. This document presents examples of measurements conducted with a super low-temperature probe, which achieved higher sensitivity compared to a general-purpose room temperature probe.

Polymers can change shape depending on environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and solvents, and by varying the environmental conditions during evaluation, we can deepen our understanding of their physical properties. In this study, we conducted heating and cooling experiments using polycaprolactone (PCL), which is known for its biodegradability. PCL has a melting point of approximately 60°C, and we continuously observed through video how it changes from a crystalline state to an amorphous state upon heating, and how it recrystallizes upon cooling. Measurement method: AFM Product fields: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Daily Goods, Food Analysis purpose: Shape evaluation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

NMN, a type of niacin derivative, is known to be involved in the function of sirtuin genes, often referred to as longevity genes, and has gained attention in recent years. This document presents a case where the NMN content of commercially available capsules was quantitatively analyzed using NMR without the use of standard samples. Measurement method: NMR Product fields: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Food Analysis purpose: Impurity evaluation, Product investigation, Safety testing For more details, please download the document or contact us.

Both TOF-SIMS and MALDI-MS are techniques capable of imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), each with different strengths in terms of components, mass, and spatial resolution. TOF-SIMS excels in low-mass components and allows for imaging with high surface resolution. On the other hand, MALDI-MS specializes in high-mass components and has a wide variety of lipids that can be imaged. Here, we will introduce examples of measurements taken with TOF-SIMS and MALDI-MS, using the results of imaging mass spectrometry of lipids in mouse testes as an example.

LDI (Laser Desorption Ionization) is a method that uses only the energy of ultraviolet lasers to sublime and ionize molecules. On the other hand, MALDI (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization) is a method that sublimates and ionizes molecules by exposing a sample mixed with a matrix to ultraviolet lasers.

In this method, the differences in the mass of bases are analyzed using MALDI-TOF-MS to determine the DNA base sequence. This allows for the detection of SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), INDELs (insertions/deletions), CNVs (copy number variations), and more. It is characterized by the ability to analyze a large number of samples and detect a wide range of genes at once. - Multiplex PCR and MALDI-TOF-MS enable simultaneous analysis of up to 40 mutation sites. - Mass spectrometry specialized for the detection of bases (A/T/G/C) is possible. - A variety of analytical tools are available that have been pre-designed to detect target genes based on specific purposes. - Custom designs for analytical tools are also possible.

NMN (β-nicotinamide mononucleotide) is known to be involved in the function of sirtuin genes, which are also referred to as longevity genes, and has garnered attention in recent years. This document focuses on NMN, monitoring the changes in 1H-NMR spectra due to heating treatment in water, and presents an analysis of the decomposition and changes of NMN caused by heat. Measurement method: NMR Product fields: Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, Food Analysis objectives: Composition evaluation, Identification, Impurity evaluation, Deterioration investigation For more details, please download the document or contact us.

This method is a gene analysis technique that utilizes mass spectrometry with MALDI-TOF-MS, allowing for the analysis of multiple SNP sites in a single measurement. Up to 40 SNPs can be measured simultaneously across 190 samples. The overall analysis follows the flow outlined below. Primers designed to amplify the target SNP regions without overlapping mass peaks, along with primers designed to extend only one base at each SNP site, are used to create mass differences in the DNA fragments, from which the bases are determined based on the detected mass peaks.

Among physiological active compounds, there are many that act by targeting proteins. Therefore, obtaining structural insights into the interactions between small molecules and proteins is very important for drug development. This document presents a case study analyzing the interactions between L-tryptophan and bovine serum albumin (BSA) in solution using NMR and molecular dynamics calculations.

Measurement method: LC/MS Product field: Food and pharmaceuticals Analysis purpose: Composition evaluation and identification

Real-time PCR is a method that detects the amplification of DNA fragments from PCR reactions as a fluorescent signal for each cycle. This introduces SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) analysis using the probe method of real-time PCR. Specific base sequences (probes) labeled with a reporter (fluorescent dye) and a quencher (quenching substance) are used to repeat the three steps shown below: 1) to 3). By using different reporters for each base, the SNP base is identified from the fluorescence intensity. Reactions at each step: 1) Thermal denaturation DNA is converted from double-stranded to single-stranded. 2) Annealing and hybridization Primers and probes specifically bind to single-stranded DNA. 3) Extension reaction The probe is degraded by the extension reaction of the primer, releasing the reporter from the quencher, resulting in fluorescence.

SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) refers to the parts of the DNA sequence that differ by a single nucleotide among individuals. It is believed that SNPs can lead to different characteristics such as physical traits and are also related to drug response. Therefore, SNP analysis is expected to be applied in personalized medicine. This document introduces the characteristics of real-time PCR and mass array methods among SNP analysis techniques. It is effective to choose the method according to the specific SNP locations, number of SNPs, and their frequencies that need to be investigated.

The analysis of odor components is effective for evaluating the scent that characterizes a product and for identifying the causes of unpleasant odors. Many odor components exist as stereoisomers, and isomers can have completely different scents from each other. When distinguishing and analyzing stereoisomers, methods such as NMR may be used; however, this case will introduce an example using GC/MS. Chromatography allows for the clear separation and evaluation of target components from other components. Additionally, by using columns designed for isomer separation, it is possible to evaluate various stereoisomers that cannot be separated using general-purpose columns. Measurement method: GC/MS Product fields: Cosmetics, daily necessities, food, environment Analysis objectives: Composition evaluation, identification, product investigation For more details, please download the materials or contact us.

Among the various forms of medication, tablets are widely used, but not much is known about the state of each component within them. To gain insights into the distribution of active ingredients within tablets, we conducted TOF-SIMS analysis on the cross-section of commercially available cold medicine tablets. In the outer layer of the tablet, SiO2, presumed to be derived from lubricant components, was detected almost uniformly, while inside, the active ingredients acetaminophen, anhydrous caffeine, dl-methyl ephedrine, and noscapine were found to be dispersed in different areas.

Tensile Test It is possible to perform X-ray CT measurements while applying stress in the direction of pulling the sample. Compression Test It is possible to perform X-ray CT measurements while applying pressure in the direction of compressing the sample. Temperature Control It is possible to perform X-ray CT measurements while adjusting the temperature of the stage.

TOF-SIMS and MALDI-MS, which are representative mass spectrometry methods for solid sample surfaces, both enable qualitative analysis and imaging analysis. TOF-SIMS, which utilizes hard ionization methods, can detect inorganic and organic components with masses up to several hundred with high sensitivity. On the other hand, MALDI-MS, which employs soft ionization methods, can detect polymers in the range of thousands to tens of thousands. Additionally, the spatial resolution of the images also varies depending on the diameter of the irradiation beam.

NMR is typically performed using the resonance signals of deuterium (2H or D) nuclei in deuterated solvents for reasons such as ensuring the stability of the magnetic field. However, by using the resonance signals of proton (1H) nuclei, measurements can also be conducted with light solvents (i.e., regular solvents) (No-D measurement method). The effective measurements for the No-D method are as follows: - Measurements to evaluate interactions with light solvents (e.g., degradation studies in light solvents) - Measurements of samples that cannot use deuterated solvents (e.g., samples in the biochemical field such as proteins) - Measurements of samples containing volatile components - Measurements of samples for which no dissolvable deuterated solvents are available.

We created skin tissue samples and evaluated the distribution of biogenic components in freeze-dried samples using TOF-SIMS. Since TOF-SIMS identifies components based on the mass of molecular ions, it does not require labels such as fluorescent substances, allowing for the evaluation of distribution without the influence of labeled materials. The mapping results confirmed that arginine, a natural moisturizing factor (NMF), and cholesterol, which retains moisture as an intercellular lipid, are localized in the stratum corneum. This method is also effective for assessing the permeation state during drug application.

Resveratrol is a type of polyphenol and a substance that has garnered attention as a natural antioxidant. Resveratrol, which is abundant in grape skins, is also present in red wine made from whole grape skins. This document presents an analytical case in which the amount of resveratrol in three types of commercially available red wine was measured and compared using the LC/MS/MS method.

This document presents a case study of Rietveld analysis applied to the powder X-ray diffraction data of Li(Ni, Mn, Co)O2, which is used as a positive electrode active material in lithium-ion secondary batteries. By seeking a crystal structure model that reproduces the measured powder X-ray diffraction data through simulation, it is possible to precisely calculate crystal structure parameters such as lattice constants, site occupancy rates, and the proportion of cation mixing, which can then be used to discuss the material properties.

MALDI-MS (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry) is a method that allows for the detection and imaging of organic components in their molecular ion form. In particular, MALDI imaging is effective for evaluating the distribution of biological components and substances administered to living organisms in pharmacokinetic studies and pharmaceutical research and development. MST can provide a consistent process from sample preparation to measurement. This document presents an example of analysis where lipids were imaged using MALDI-MS, starting from the preparation of mouse brain slices.

We offer NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Analysis) services. Since NMR directly observes nuclear spins, the area of the peaks of the measured nuclides obtained from the measurement is proportional to the number and concentration of the nuclides contained in the solution or solid being measured. Based on this principle, NMR allows for quantitative analysis without the need for a calibration curve. For example, using the integral value of the peak of the 31P nucleus, it is possible to determine the concentration of one component of a two-component mixture from the known concentration of the other component according to a relationship. [Measurement Method / Processing Method] ■ [NMR] Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Analysis *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

We will introduce a technique that emphasizes the signals of polymers or small molecules using a measurement method that utilizes the differences in relaxation times or diffusion coefficients of each component in a mixed sample. When electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto atomic nuclei in a static magnetic field, they absorb energy corresponding to the energy difference ΔE and enter an excited state (nuclear magnetic resonance). When the irradiation of electromagnetic waves is stopped, the process of returning to the original state is called relaxation, and the relaxation time is the time required for this process. The relaxation time is closely related to the mobility of the molecules. [Measurement Method / Processing Method] ■ [NMR] Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Analysis *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

We would like to introduce our spectral separation technology using the DOSY method. In NMR, when performing structural analysis of each component in a mixed sample, each component is typically isolated and purified before measurement. The DOSY method allows for the separation of spectra for each component by utilizing the differences in diffusion rates, enabling structural analysis of each component in a mixed sample without the need for isolation and purification. 【Features】 - Effective for measuring samples where physical separation by molecular weight is difficult - Effective for measuring samples that undergo structural changes during pretreatment (e.g., samples in the biochemical field such as proteins) - Facilitates structural analysis of each component by separating mixed spectra of multiple components - Provides insights into the mobility of molecules of each component in the mixture *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization offers imaging of cuticles. The evaluation of cuticles has been limited to structural observation using electron microscopy due to their fine structure, and detailed component distribution has remained unclear. By using TOF-SIMS, which can evaluate the distribution of inorganic and organic materials at the sub-micron level, it is possible to assess the distribution of various components within the cuticle. This document presents the results of evaluating hair and visualizing the component distribution within the cuticle. [Measurement and Processing Method] ■ [TOF-SIMS] Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization offers (S)TEM observation using negative staining. Organic functional materials, such as fine particles and fibrous substances, are primarily composed of light elements like C (carbon), H (hydrogen), O (oxygen), and N (nitrogen), which do not provide sufficient contrast for morphological observation in (S)TEM. Therefore, by applying staining to these materials, we can enhance the contrast and enable observation. In this instance, we will introduce a case where negative staining was performed using phosphotungstic acid (H3[P(W3O10)4]·nH2O, abbreviated as PTA). 【Measurement Method / Processing Method】 ■ [(S)TEM] Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy ■ Others *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization offers (S)TEM analysis of the fine structure of hair cross-sections. The hair cell membrane complex (CMC) serves as a pathway for chemicals during processes such as bleaching and dyeing hair. In particular, the CMC between the cuticle layers has a three-layer structure, which we have visualized. We present a case where osmium tetroxide (OsO4) was used for electron staining targeting unsaturated fatty acids in lipids, followed by TEM observation and STEM-EDX analysis. [Measurement and Processing Methods] ■ [(S)TEM] Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy ■ [TEM-EDX] Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (TEM) ■ Ultramicrotome processing ■ Others *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization is capable of identifying the composition of petroleum products, evaluating molecular weight distribution, and distinguishing types of oils. Petroleum products such as oils and greases are mixtures of hydrocarbons with various compositions, and GC/MS methods are effective for their qualitative analysis. Here, we present a case study where commercially available oils with different molecular weight distributions were measured using soft ionization methods. Compared to hard ionization methods (EI), soft ionization methods (FI and FD) allow for the detection of molecular ions, making them effective for evaluating the composition of oil components. In particular, the FD method can also be applied to evaluate oils containing high molecular weight components that are difficult to volatilize. [Measurement Method / Processing Method] ■ [GC/MS] Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization conducts NMR chemical shift simulations of organic molecules using quantum chemical calculations. Determining the isomeric structures of organic molecules is a very important issue in fields such as natural product chemistry and drug discovery. Combining the results of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements with NMR chemical shift simulation results from quantum chemical calculations is believed to be useful for elucidating the structures and evaluating the properties of novel compounds that lack model compounds for structure-chemical shift correlation. This document presents a case study on the identification of structural isomers of biologically active quinoxaline derivatives. [Measurement Methods and Processing Methods] ■ [NMR] Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Analysis ■ Computational Science, AI, Data Analysis ■ Others *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization conducts evaluations of molecular permeability to lipid bilayers using molecular dynamics simulations. The free energy obtained from molecular dynamics calculations is an important value that contributes not only to predicting the stability of the system but also to understanding the material distribution and transport phenomena in systems with spatial and temporal fluctuations. For example, it is effective in gaining insights into the permeability of molecules across biological membranes. Using lipid bilayers in aqueous solvents as an example, we will introduce a case where the permeability of molecules in the membrane was discussed based on the free energy values when benzene and carbon dioxide were transported. [Measurement Methods and Processing Techniques] ■ Computational Science, AI, Data Analysis *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

Our organization conducts calculations of acid dissociation constants (pKa) using quantum chemistry. The acid dissociation constant (pKa) is one of the indicators that quantitatively represents the strength of an acid (the ease of proton dissociation). Knowing the pKa helps in estimating the solubility of compounds in relation to pH, their state, the ease of absorption of pharmaceuticals in the body, and pH buffering effects. Using the acid dissociation energy differences obtained from quantum chemical calculations and experimental pKa values, we create calibration curves for different solvents and functional groups, and present examples of studies investigating the impact of intramolecular hydrogen bonding on pKa. [Measurement Methods and Processing Methods] ■ Computational Science, AI, Data Analysis *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.