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

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and its salts (LAS) are used as anionic surfactants in household laundry detergents and were newly added as environmental standards for the conservation of aquatic organisms in public water bodies on March 27, 2013. Due to the low concentration of the environmental standard set at 6-50 μg/L, the high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method was designated for measurement as the first measurement method for the environmental standard. MST provides a comprehensive service from the loan of specialized containers to measurement.

It has been announced that nonylphenol (NP) will be newly added to the environmental standards concerning the conservation of aquatic organisms, as part of the environmental standards related to the preservation of living environments affected by water quality pollution (August 22, 2012). NP is considered a substance of concern due to its impact on living organisms, and the standard values are set between 0.0006 to 0.002 mg/L, depending on the water area and type. We will introduce a case study that evaluated NP concentrations within this concentration range. MST provides a comprehensive service that includes the lending of specialized containers and measurement.

Nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPnEO) is known to produce nonylphenol (NP) as a degradation product. NP is considered an endocrine disruptor, and due to concerns about its impact on living organisms, it has been added to the environmental standards related to the conservation of aquatic organisms within the environmental standards concerning the preservation of living environments affected by water pollution, with a standard value established (August 22, 2012). To understand the trends of NP, for which a standard value has been set, it is necessary to also monitor the trends of its precursor, NPnEO, leading to an increased demand for analysis.

Among the environmental standards related to the preservation of living environments concerning water quality pollution, 2,4-dichlorophenol has been newly added as a key monitoring item for the environmental standards related to the conservation of aquatic organisms (March 27, 2013). 2,4-dichlorophenol is considered to potentially hinder the habitat or growth of aquatic organisms through environmental pollution, with guideline values set between 0.003 and 0.03 mg/L depending on the water area and type. MST offers a comprehensive service that includes the lending of specialized containers and measurement.

It has been announced that 4-t-octylphenol will be newly added as a monitoring item in the environmental standards related to the conservation of aquatic organisms, among the environmental standards concerning the preservation of living environments affected by water quality pollution (March 27, 2013). 4-t-octylphenol is considered to potentially hinder the habitat or growth of aquatic organisms through environmental pollution, and the guideline values are set between 0.0004 to 0.004 mg/L depending on the water area and type. MST provides a comprehensive service that includes the lending of specialized containers and measurement.

At MST, we can accept requests for the consideration and development of analytical methods based on customer needs. In this example, we developed a simultaneous analysis method for pesticide components in water. Traditionally, pesticide analysis has been complicated due to separate pretreatment and measurement methods for each component. If multiple components can be measured at once, it can reduce sample volume and analysis costs, enabling more efficient analysis. In this example, we established a method that allows for easy confirmation of the presence of approximately 70 pesticide components down to low concentration levels by using solid-phase extraction for pretreatment and LC/MS/MS for measurement.

Metal elements suspended in environments such as clean rooms and production lines can adhere to or contaminate products, potentially leading to a deterioration in product performance. With ICP-MS, exposure tests can be conducted on clean Si wafers, allowing for the measurement of the amount of metal elements adhered to the surface at ppt levels. Additionally, we also offer the loan of Si wafers that have been pre-cleaned.

Odors are commonly expressed in various ways, such as "fragrance" that gives pleasure and "stench" that causes discomfort. Odors rarely exist as a single type of odor component; instead, they are typically a mixture of various odor components. To visualize these complex odors, instrumental analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) is effective. This document introduces the flow of odor component analysis and presents a case study of simultaneous analysis of unpleasant odors.

Ion chromatography is a method for detecting ionic components in liquid samples. Additionally, these components that adhere to the surface of solids (materials) are measured by extracting them by immersing in pure water. MST enables qualitative and quantitative analysis of ions and organic acids contained in liquid samples, evaluation of the amount of ions eluted from material surfaces, and investigation of the causes of material corrosion.

Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) is used as a developing solution and etching solution in semiconductors. When measuring the concentration of TMAH solution used in Si etching solutions, the large amount of dissolved Si can become an impurity and affect the measurement results. However, evaluation using the IC (ion chromatography) method allows for quantitative analysis of TMAH concentration without being influenced by Si.

Formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs: Volatile Organic Compounds, such as toluene, xylene, and para-dichlorobenzene) emitted from building materials, adhesives, and preservatives are considered to be causes of sick house syndrome and sick school syndrome. This report introduces a case study analyzing the concentrations of formaldehyde and toluene in indoor air sampled using passive methods.

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and its salts (LAS) are considered substances of concern due to their potential impact on living organisms. Therefore, they have been added to the environmental standards related to the conservation of aquatic organisms within the environmental standards concerning the preservation of living environments affected by water pollution, and a standard value has been established (March 27, 2013). Since approximately 90% of the usage of LAS is for household detergents, measurements were conducted on existing household detergents and household wastewater, and a comparison of the distribution of LAS alkyl chain lengths (C10 to C14) was performed.

Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) are produced by cyanobacteria or actinomycetes and are considered substances that cause odor and taste disturbances in drinking water sourced from surface water such as dams, lakes, and rivers, as well as being known as substances that cause musty odors. This case presents the results of measuring geosmin and 2-MIB contained in water. Detection at ppt (ng/L) levels is possible using GC/MS.

In XPS analysis, the binding state evaluation of the material surface is conducted by observing the energy of photoelectrons obtained through X-ray irradiation. It allows for the assessment of whether metal elements are in an oxidized state, and for elements with significant energy shifts (chemical shifts) due to oxidation, it also enables the evaluation of the presence and proportion of multiple valences. Below are the main metal elements and oxides for which multiple valence evaluations are possible.

The electron diffraction method using an electron microscope is classified into three types based on the way the electron beam is incident on the sample. The characteristics of each type and examples of data are presented. It is necessary to choose the appropriate method according to the size of the evaluation object and the analysis purpose.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used during the cleaning of semiconductors and industrial products and may be present in trace amounts in cleaning water, etc. VOCs in water are a concern because even in trace amounts, they can cause odors and health issues. Therefore, environmental standards and discharge standards have been established, and methods capable of measuring low concentrations are required. This case presents an example of detecting trace VOC components (sub-ppb level) in water by introducing components concentrated by P&T (Purge & Trap) into GC/MS.

Nitrogen is utilized in various forms across a wide range of fields including chemistry, materials, food, and pharmaceuticals. Nitrogen compounds consist of inorganic nitrogen compounds such as nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia, as well as organic nitrogen compounds like amino acids. In the case of samples in aqueous solution, inorganic nitrogen compounds such as nitrate ions, nitrite ions, and ammonium ions can be evaluated using ion chromatography, while organic nitrogen can be assessed using HPLC or LC/MS. Total nitrogen, which includes both inorganic and organic nitrogen compounds, can be evaluated using spectrophotometry.

In the process of confirming metal contamination adhered to the wafer surface after the formation of the SiO2 film, a method has traditionally been used where the SiO2 film is dissolved in acid as a pre-treatment for analysis, followed by the analysis of the solution. This method results in analysis that combines metal contamination on the very surface with that within the SiO2 film, making it unsuitable for analyzing only the metal contamination on the very surface. In MST, it is possible to evaluate the metal contamination elements on the wafer's very surface by dissolving only the metal elements adhered to the very surface without dissolving the SiO2 film during the pre-treatment.

When analyzing samples containing nitrogen compounds using GC, simultaneous measurement with MS (mass spectrometer) and NPD (nitrogen-phosphorus detector) allows for the detection of components that do not appear as peaks in the MS, enabling the acquisition of MS spectra from their retention times for qualitative analysis. In this case, a sample containing trace amounts of the nitrogen-containing compound trimethylamine was measured using GC/MS/NPD. A peak that was buried in the baseline in the MS was confirmed by the NPD, allowing for the qualitative identification of trimethylamine from the mass spectrum at the same retention time.

In the field of semiconductors and their manufacturing processes, it is considered important to control inorganic and organic substances present in the environment. At MST, it is possible to collect components from the indoor atmosphere using the impinger collection method and analyze the types and quantities of corrosive components in the atmosphere. This time, we will introduce a case analyzed using the impinger collection-ion chromatography method.

The purpose of evaluating metal contamination on the surface of Si wafers using ICP-MS includes not only the contamination assessment of the Si wafers themselves but also the evaluation of contamination within semiconductor devices and the assessment of the working environment due to Si wafer exposure. Therefore, the analysis of the Si wafer surface is conducted for various purposes. ICP-MS analysis can sensitively obtain the amount of metal contamination on the surface of Si wafers, and it is also possible to specify the evaluation area according to the purpose.

Organic fluorinated compounds are used in various applications such as surfactants and metal plating agents. Among them, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a substance regulated under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), which restricts its manufacture, use, and import/export. Furthermore, the addition of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to the list of regulated substances is also being considered. In addition to PFOA and PFOS, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFAS) with different carbon chain lengths can also be analyzed simultaneously.

Nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPnEO) is used in industrial cleaning agents, but in January 2016, a restriction on the use of NPnEO in textile products was added to the European REACH regulation (Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals). From February 3, 2021, the sale of specific textile products containing NPnEO (at 0.01 weight% or more) will be prohibited. This document presents the measurement results of NPnEO in various textile products.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (and ammonium lauryl sulfate, etc.) is used as an emulsifier, foaming agent, and cleaning agent in everyday products, pharmaceuticals, and industrial goods. This document presents measurement examples of everyday products (toothpaste, shampoo) that list sodium lauryl sulfate as an ingredient and those that do not list lauryl sulfates. By measuring with LC/MS/MS, it is possible to investigate the content of lauryl sulfates in the products.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Freon gases are utilized in various applications such as refrigerants, foaming agents, semiconductors, and cleaning agents for precision parts due to their chemically stable nature and minimal impact on human health. On the other hand, they are substances that contribute to ozone layer depletion and global warming, which is why they are regulated by law. In this case, Freon gases were analyzed using GC/MS, and the separation analysis of CF4, which has low polarity and is difficult to separate among PFCs, was conducted. By using GC/MS, it is possible to qualitatively analyze specific Freons such as CFCs, HCFCs, and alternative Freons like HFCs and PFCs.

We offer metal contamination analysis of Si wafers (B0233). The purpose of metal contamination analysis of Si wafer surfaces using ICP-MS includes not only the contamination assessment of the Si wafer itself but also the evaluation of contamination within semiconductor devices and the assessment of the working environment due to Si wafer exposure. Therefore, the analysis of Si wafer surfaces is conducted for various purposes. ICP-MS analysis allows for the highly sensitive measurement of metal contamination on Si wafer surfaces, and it is also possible to specify the evaluation area according to the purpose. [Measurement Method] ■ [ICP-MS] Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

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.

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.

MOFs (Metal-Organic Frameworks) are attracting attention as nano-porous materials with potential applications in separation processes, catalysis, and gas storage. The combinations of MOF topology, linkers, and metal nodes are vast, and the types of synthesizable MOFs are virtually limitless. Therefore, prior screening and understanding of the structure, function, and properties are crucial for the development of new MOF materials. In this case study, we predicted the CO2 adsorption amounts for various MOFs using the GCMC (Grand Canonical Monte Carlo) method and examined the factors affecting the adsorption characteristics.

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.