一般財団法人材料科学技術振興財団　MST Product Lineup

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.

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.

We offer quantitative analysis of glucosylceramide in konjac (C0491). Glucosylceramide is a type of glycosphingolipid found in food. It is included not only in cosmetics that are applied directly to the skin but also in health foods and general foods, such as supplements containing glucosylceramide, as well as various processed products and beverages. By using HPLC, it is possible to analyze the amount of glucosylceramide contained in raw crops and processed foods with high precision. [Measurement Method/Processing Method] ■ [HPLC] High-Performance Liquid Chromatography *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

When evaluating the internal structure of materials, it is necessary to expose the internal structure while maintaining it through cross-sectional processing techniques such as cutting and polishing. This document introduces a case where the microtome method, which has a relatively small impact from processing damage, was used to create cross-sections of hair, followed by AFM observation of the internal structure and evaluation of elastic modulus. The microtome method is a cutting processing technique widely used in the field of soft materials, such as rubber materials and biological samples, and this approach has made it possible to evaluate the mechanical properties of the internal structure of these materials. [Measurement and Processing Methods] [AFM] Atomic Force Microscopy [AFM-MA・AFM-DMA] Mechanical Property Evaluation (Elastic Modulus Measurement, Dynamic Viscoelasticity Measurement) Ultra Microtome Processing *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 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 metal analysis in organic materials. Metal components can cause a decrease in insulation properties when they contaminate organic materials, such as in semiconductor devices. Therefore, it is important to understand the amount of metal in organic materials. In this case, we analyzed the metal content in organic materials (polyethylene products, polypropylene products, polyimide films). Organic materials can be acid-digested by irradiating them with microwaves in a sealed state (under high temperature and pressure). [Measurement Method / Processing Method] ■ [ICP-MS] Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry *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.

Our organization conducts evaluations of the hierarchical structure of polymer materials using X-ray diffraction and scattering techniques. It is known that the differences in higher-order structures created by amphiphilic substances affect the moisturizing and permeability properties of skin tissue, making it important to understand these structures in order to evaluate the functionality of the materials. We will introduce examples of evaluating the hierarchical structure of polymers using XRD (X-ray diffraction) for structures on the order of a few nanometers and SAXS (small-angle X-ray scattering) for structures on the order of several tens of nanometers. 【Measurement and Processing Methods】 ■ [XRD] X-ray Diffraction ■ [SAXS] Small-Angle X-ray Scattering *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

TOF-SIMS analysis allows for detailed examination of the sample's outermost surface, as well as the ability to obtain information in the depth direction, making it possible to understand the distribution of components within the material. Additionally, imaging can visualize the spatial distribution of components. This document includes case studies of products analyzed from various fields. Please feel free to contact us!

The measurement of bacterial counts conducted in food bacterial testing is calculated by culturing and counting the number of colonies. However, this method requires time for culturing and cannot evaluate difficult-to-culture bacteria. On the other hand, the real-time PCR method allows for the direct extraction of DNA from samples without culturing, enabling the investigation of the quantity of the target bacteria (DNA copy number). This document presents a case study comparing the bacterial counts obtained through culturing the easily cultured Escherichia coli and the copy numbers measured using the real-time PCR method.

The surface of human hair (hair) is covered with a lipid called 18-methyl eicosanoic acid (18-MEA). The surface of animal fur (coat) is believed to contain various lipids secreted from sebaceous glands, not limited to 18-MEA. Additionally, a decrease in linoleic acid has been reported in the sebum of animals with skin diseases. Therefore, simultaneously analyzing the representative lipid 18-MEA along with several other components is useful for understanding the condition of the hair. This document presents the results of evaluating the differences in lipids for each type of animal (pet) using TOF-SIMS.