TOP PAGE
ENGLISH
JAPANESE
|
CONNECT WITH US:
Home
About
Services
Contact
Log in
*
Home
Press release
Oct 21, 2021 16:41 JST
Source:
Denso
Universities and DENSO Develop Biosensor to Detect SARS-CoV-2 and Accelerate Development for Practical Application
TOKYO, Oct 21, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - Tokai University, Toyohashi University of Technology, Chubu University, and DENSO Corporation have been developing testing equipment to detect SARS-CoV-2 with support from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)(1). Universities and DENSO announced today that the group has succeeded in developing a biosensor based on a new mechanism and detecting SARS-CoV-2. The group will accelerate the development toward practical application to contribute to early diagnosis of infectious diseases, which is a key factor in limiting virus' spread.
To prevent the medical system from being overwhelmed due to viral infectious diseases, it is essential to prevent the spread of viruses by early diagnosis and isolation. At present, PCR tests(2) and antigen tests(3) are used for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. However, these tests cannot evaluate "virus infectivity," which indicates the power of the detected virus to infect. PCR tests are characterized by its high virus detection sensitivity, but effort of sample pretreatment process imposes a high workload on medical professionals. Meanwhile, antigen tests are simple, but the detection accuracy varies. There has been growing demand for a high-sensitivity and simple detection method to evaluate viral infectiousness.
The universities and DENSO have been developing a biosensor for clinical testing equipment to enable high sensitive and quick quantitative detection of viral infectivity. Unlike PCR tests and antigen tests, the biosensor detects the spike protein(4) on the virus surface, which triggers infection, by using a semiconductor sensor and aptamer.(5) The group has succeeded in developing highly sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 with high sensitivity by using this technique for the first time in the world.(6)
The semiconductor sensor can quantitatively measure the viral load by using electrical signals. Thus, it is expected to be used to determine the status of infection and confirm the efficacy of treatment with high accuracy. An aptamer is small in size and binds selectively to various types of protein. It is also easy to design and can be mass-produced quickly, and so the aptamers can be used to detect unknown viruses.
The goal of the development of the biosensor by the universities and DENSO is to determine the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 and offer novel tests which have virus detection sensitivity equivalent to that of PCR tests and which is as simple as antigen tests. The group will enhance the basic technology and accelerate the development toward practical application.
The universities and DENSO remain committed to preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection by harnessing the technologies that have been refined through the project.
(1) AMED
Universities and DENSO develop biosensor with the support of AMED, with the project called "Advanced semiconductor sensor-based biomolecule detection system towards diagnosis of infectious SARS-CoV-2"
(2) PCR test
A test for detecting genes in a virus.
(3) Antigen test
In a typical antigen test, the nucleocapsid protein in a virus is detected using an antibody.
(4) Spike protein
Protein on the virus surface. It has the function of binding to human cell receptors and triggers infection.
(5) Aptamer
An artificially synthesized nucleic acid molecule. It bonds with specific substances.
(6) For the first time in the world
World's first technology to detect the spike protein by using a semiconductor sensor and aptamer.
Respective roles and comments
Tokai University
From the viewpoint of infection control and laboratory physicians, we are eager to develop a system characterized by superb sensitivity and specificity and capable of quick diagnosis to determine infectiousness with simple operation. We offer advice on practical application and ensure accuracy management by using products, which are developed with world-leading engineering capabilities.
Toyohashi University of Technology
We fabricated a semiconductor sensor capable of converting the viral load into electrical signals and supplied it to this project. The use of semiconductor technology makes it possible to distinguish viruses which cause very similar symptoms in a single test by using a sensor as small as a grain of rice.
Chubu University
We prepared and supplied various types of viruses to evaluate the specificity of the semiconductor sensor. This biosensor is capable of quick detection of "infectious viruses" which cannot be determined by conventional methods such as PCR tests. Determination of the status of viral proliferation (that is, whether the viruses that have entered the body keep their infectivity or not) will clarify the timing when viral detection and/or isolation could be finished, and help infected individuals return to normal life.
DENSO Corporation
We supplied biotechnology to detect viruses using a semiconductor sensor with higher sensitivity by taking full advantage of our expertise derived from R&D on detecting various viruses and biomarkers, which was conducted as part of advanced research to create a comfortable cabin space. We will accelerate the development toward practical application by leveraging biotechnology and semiconductor technology that have been refined through many years of operations.
Source: Denso
Sectors: Electronics, BioTech, Healthcare & Pharm
Copyright ©2025 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.
Related Press Release
Six Companies Establish BlueRebirth Council to Expand Use of Recycled Materials in New Vehicles
June 30 2025 18:25 JST
Implementation of Measures to Enhance Our Corporate Value in Connection with Toyota Industries Corporation
June 03 2025 18:54 JST
Five Toyota Group Companies to Accelerate Skill Development and Innovation in AI and Software
May 23 2025 09:51 JST
DENSO Announces Year-End Financial Results
April 25 2025 11:17 JST
DENSO and DELPHY Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Develop Data-Driven Smart Horticulture
April 24 2025 17:43 JST
DENSO the First Company Headquartered in Japan to Acquire EcoPass Certification from Catena-X
March 24 2025 17:02 JST
DENSO Announces Third Quarter Financial Results
January 31 2025 17:09 JST
DENSO Exhibits at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, New Delhi
January 20 2025 19:26 JST
Suzuki's First BEV "e VITARA" Adopts eAxle
January 20 2025 12:58 JST
DENSO and onsemi Collaborate for a Strengthened Relationship
December 17 2024 13:26 JST
More Press release >>
Latest Press Release
Fujitsu to develop ETF trading platform based on TSE's CONNEQTOR and provide it to Australian Securities Exchange
Jul 03, 2025 11:14 JST
Mitsubishi Motors Launches the All-New Grandis for the European Market
Jul 02, 2025 12:10 JST
Valuufy partners with Mainichi Future Creation Lab, Supporting New Approaches to Business Sustainability
Jul 02, 2025 12:00 JST
Fujitsu launches solution to enhance customers' global supply chain resilience
Jul 02, 2025 11:32 JST
MHI Receives Order to Supply Four Circulating Water Pumps for Units 5 and 6 of Sanmen Nuclear Power Plant in China Under Collaboration with Dongfang Electric Machinery
Jul 02, 2025 11:30 JST
Multi-purpose Arena in Odaiba Aomi Area TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO Construction Completed
Jul 01, 2025 22:56 JST
1Finity, a Fujitsu company, commences operations and reveals brand identity
Jul 01, 2025 22:53 JST
MHI Thermal Systems Begins Field Test of Jointly Developed "Surplus Renewable Energy Absorption and Release System"
Jul 01, 2025 22:40 JST
Japan's Telecommunications Carriers Strengthen Disaster Response Through Collaborative Information Sharing
Jul 01, 2025 22:30 JST
JCB and Mandai Wildlife Group Deepen Partnership with exclusive discounts for JCB cardmembers
Jul 01, 2025 16:00 JST
Fujitsu provides Japan's first AI-powered cloud-based library search service
Jul 01, 2025 11:30 JST
JCB Brings Apple Pay to Cardmembers in Vietnam
Jul 01, 2025 11:15 JST
First Shipment of LNG from the LNG Canada Project
Jul 01, 2025 11:00 JST
Approval in Principle (AiP) for World's First LCO2 / Methanol Carrier
Jun 30, 2025 20:30 JST
Acropolis Rally Greece: Day 4 Sunday success and second overall for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing's Ogier
Jun 30, 2025 20:15 JST
Mitsubishi Fuso-Hino Merger: 4 Firms Collaborate for the Future of Commercial Vehicles
Jun 30, 2025 20:10 JST
Six Companies Establish BlueRebirth Council to Expand Use of Recycled Materials in New Vehicles
Jun 30, 2025 19:25 JST
Honda Changes Plan to Build New Production Plant for Next-generation Fuel Cell Module in Japan
Jun 30, 2025 19:20 JST
MHI-AC&R Receives Recommendation Award of JARAC's 42nd Excellent Energy Saving Equipment Awards
Jun 30, 2025 19:00 JST
The University of Osaka and Fujitsu Japan launch joint research on AI-powered education support for culturally and linguistically diverse children in Japan
Jun 30, 2025 12:00 JST
More Latest Release >>