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

Fucoidan is a high molecular weight polysaccharide found in seaweeds, and various functional properties, including anti-cancer effects, have been reported. The Japan Health and Nutrition Food Association (JHFA) announced the standards for fucoidan foods in July 2017, and MST was registered as a designated testing institution capable of conducting the necessary analyses. The JHFA standards specify fucoidan food regulations for three types: Okinawa mozuku, mekabu, and gagome kombu. The testing items include not only the fucoidan content in raw materials and products but also tests to confirm the safety of the products, such as arsenic and bacterial count tests.

In recent years, the market size for soft drinks has been expanding, and various studies are being conducted to further enhance their flavor. One report suggests that including an appropriate amount of dehydroascorbic acid in soft drinks can improve their taste. Dehydroascorbic acid is also produced by the oxidation of L-ascorbic acid, which is used as an antioxidant in beverages, so prompt analysis after opening the sample is necessary to obtain accurate values. This document measures the amount of dehydroascorbic acid over time after the sample has been opened.

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.

Diacetyl, which has a buttery smell, is known as an off-flavor (off-odor) in beverages and significantly affects the flavor of products. In particular, in the brewing industry, even minor differences in concentration at the ppb level can influence the aroma of the product, making it useful to sensitively quantify diacetyl concentration for quality assessment and product development. This document presents a case where trace amounts of diacetyl in beverages, which could not be evaluated by standard GC/MS measurements, were quantifiable through derivatization treatment.

ICP-MS can sensitively analyze the metal content in solutions, such as the metal amounts in the cleaning solution used in the wafer cleaning process and the metal amounts in the pure water flowing through the pipes installed in the equipment and buildings. It can accommodate various types of solutions, including pure water, acids, and alkalis, and can analyze metal element concentrations ranging from ppt levels to major component levels. This document presents case studies investigating the metal content in commercially available solutions.

In scientifically evaluating the texture of food, internal voids serve as an indicator for assessing softness. To evaluate the internal voids of pancakes, we prepared pancakes made with a normal amount of eggs [1] and pancakes made with double the amount of eggs [2], and observed the internal voids using X-ray CT.

The total organic carbon analyzer (TOC analyzer) can quantitatively separate and measure total carbon (TC: Total Carbon) and inorganic carbon (IC: Inorganic Carbon) in a sample. The sample can be measured in its solid state without being dissolved in a solution. This document presents examples of TOC, TC, and IC evaluations in commercially available expanders and salts.

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.

Factors that determine texture include various elements such as hardness and adhesion. Generally, the texture of food is evaluated through stress assessment using tools like texture analyzers, but measuring in micro-regions or thin samples is challenging. AFM-MA can measure not only the shape of surface roughness but also the Young's modulus representing mechanical properties like hardness, adhesion parameters related to texture, and energy dissipation data in micro-regions. Therefore, it is effective for evaluating physical properties related to texture and similar characteristics in extremely small areas.

MST has launched a service to support the branding of food products through the analysis of functional components contained in food. - We want to enhance the value of our food brand, not just make it delicious. - It is said to be healthy, but we are not sure what contributes to its effectiveness. - We know that other varieties contain functional components, but we have not been able to investigate our own cultivated products. In response to these customer challenges, we provide comprehensive support using instrumental analysis, from the investigation of functional components and various analyses for commercialization to the application for functional labeling and product development.

MST has launched a service to support the branding of food products through the analysis of functional components contained in food. We will assist with the sales application for functional display foods in three steps according to our customers' needs. Step 1: Investigation of contained components ↓ Step 2: Analysis for commercialization ↓ Step 3: Procedures for functional display certification

Ginsenoside is a saponin unique to Korean ginseng. It has a structure where sugars are bound to a basic skeleton of sapogenin, and approximately 40 related compounds have been discovered to date. They are mainly classified into diol types, which have central nervous system inhibitory effects, and triol types, which have central nervous system excitatory effects, and it is said that the balance between these is important. This document introduces a case of simultaneous analysis of 26 types of ginsenosides contained in Korean ginseng using LC/MS/MS. Measurement method: LC/MS Product field: Food Analysis purpose: Composition evaluation and identification 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.

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.

This explains the measurement of total light transmittance and total light reflectance.

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.

The combustion ion chromatography (IC) method allows for the investigation of the content of halogens (F, Cl, Br) and sulfur contained in solid materials such as plastics and resins, as well as in liquid materials like organic solvents. As shown in Figure 1, gases generated by combusting and decomposing the sample in a combustion furnace are collected in an absorbent solution. By measuring this absorbent solution using ion chromatography, it is possible to determine the content of halogens and sulfur in solid samples that are insoluble in water.

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.

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.

Rosmarinic acid, carnosol, and carnosic acid, which are abundant in plants of the Lamiaceae family represented by rosemary, are said to have antioxidant and anti-aging effects. In particular, rosmarinic acid is known as a functional ingredient included in some functional foods because of its effectiveness in reducing temporary irritability and daytime drowsiness. This document presents a case of quantifying rosmarinic acid, carnosol, and carnosic acid in cosmetics containing rosemary leaves and rosemary extract using HPLC. Measurement method: HPLC Product field: Food and cosmetics Analysis purpose: Product investigation, composition evaluation, identification, quantification For more details, please download the document or contact us.

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.

The Corona Charged Aerosol Detector (CAD) detects components after they have been separated by HPLC and nebulized, followed by solvent removal. Therefore, volatile substances cannot be detected, but everything else is subject to detection. In CAD, particles are given a charge, and by measuring the amount of that charge, an area value corresponding to the amount of the component is obtained. In the case of a UV detector, the area value can vary significantly depending on the component, even at the same concentration, but in CAD, the difference in area values is about 10%. 1. Non-volatile and semi-volatile substances can be detected even if they do not have UV absorption. 2. Consistent responsiveness is obtained depending on the weight of the substance, allowing for semi-quantitative analysis even without standard samples. 3. High sensitivity detection is possible regardless of chemical structure (detection limits are around several hundred pg to several ng). 4. Gradient analysis is possible.

The Corona Charged Aerosol Detector (CAD) shows almost identical area values for different components if they are at the same concentration under the same analytical conditions. In gradient separation, the organic solvent composition when each component reaches the detector differs, leading to changes in sensitivity; however, this can be corrected using a reverse gradient system. Semi-quantification can be performed using calibration curves created from different components, allowing for the estimation of the quantity of components without standard samples.

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 analyzed the surface components of three types of commercially available food wrap films (A, B, C) using TOF-SIMS. In this document, we focused on the outermost surface of the wrap films, as shown in Figure 1.

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.

Bacteria have various growth environments depending on their species, and there are many bacteria that are difficult to isolate and culture. Therefore, by extracting and analyzing DNA, which is the blueprint of life that all bacteria possess, it becomes possible to investigate the existing bacteria without isolation or culture. Here, we will introduce examples of analysis methods for sequencing bacterial DNA to infer the existing bacteria through microbiome analysis, as well as investigating bacterial numbers using real-time PCR methods.