Using aggregation-induced emission substances for "visualization of viruses" and "high-sensitivity rapid diagnosis."
Life (Saitama University Research Seed Collection 2025-25 p.131)
Virus and pathogen detection, visualization, high-sensitivity detection, immediate clinical diagnosis (POCT), fluorescence, aggregation-induced emission (AIE), sialic acid, glycan.
Viruses are extremely small and colorless, so it is impossible to tell with the naked eye whether they are present or not. We have developed a molecule that emits light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation five minutes after being mixed with a sample, indicating the presence of the viruses we want to investigate. This molecule does not emit light when the target virus is absent or when there are non-target viruses present, allowing for the "visualization" of the viruses and microorganisms we wish to examine. In tests for detecting the influenza virus using this molecule, it has been found to have a sensitivity that is 1,000 times higher than commercially available immunochromatography kits. Additionally, we have successfully developed highly bright fluorescent beads with a quantum yield of up to 90%. These beads not only shine several times brighter than conventional fluorescent dye-based beads but also possess stability against light, making them highly practical. By attaching antibodies to these high-brightness fluorescent beads, we can expect increased sensitivity when used as labeled antibodies in immunochromatography kits or as markers for lesions. We have prototyped an immunochromatography kit for the novel coronavirus and found that it can achieve significantly higher sensitivity compared to existing products. This technology can also be applied to the detection of other viruses and pathogens.
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Ken Hatano, Associate Professor Graduate School of Science and Technology, Department of Materials Science, Field of Material Functions 【Recent Research Themes】 ● Development of carrier molecules for targeted drug delivery systems aimed at cancer ● Development of a simple glycan synthesis method utilizing bulky silicon substituents that generates minimal industrial waste ● Development of infection inhibitors for various pathogens using compounds with multivalent glycans or peptides ● Development of high-luminescence films and their applications
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【Appeal Points to the Industry】 ● Achieves "visualization" that emits light only when the target virus or protein is present. ● Emits light with high brightness, enabling high-sensitivity detection (1,000 times more sensitive than existing products). ● Capable of changing the emission color (blue, green, yellow, orange). ● Extremely stable fluorescent molecules that do not degrade due to light (light fading). ● Can be manufactured at low cost. 【Examples of Practical Use, Applications, and Utilization】 ● High-sensitivity detection of pathogens using fluorescent immunochromatography. ● Visualization reagents for pathogens such as viruses. ● Production of markers for lesions using high-brightness fluorescent beads. ● Development of films that emit light with high brightness.
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Comparison of conventional fluorescent beads and the developed product.
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The Saitama University Open Innovation Center is a center that functions as a liaison office for industry-academia-government collaboration. It consists of three departments: the Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Department, the Intellectual Property Department, and the Startup Support Department, each staffed with coordinators well-versed in various fields. The center's activities include solving technical challenges in companies, supporting the implementation of joint research, and conducting technology transfer aimed at introducing and utilizing Saitama University's intellectual property.