Mar 24, 2022 11:05 JST

Source: Denso

Joint Research Shows that DENSO's Microalga, Coccomyxa sp. KJ Has Virucidal Effect against COVID-19

TOKYO, Mar 24, 2022 - (JCN Newswire) - Chubu University, Tokai University, Tohoku University School of Medicine and DENSO Corporation have found that monogalactosyl diacylglyceride (MGDG), a component contained in the chloroplasts of a microalga called Coccomyxa sp. KJ(1), has a virucidal effect(2) against COVID-19.

 


Coccomyxa sp. KJ is a fast-growing, vigorous, and easy-to-cultivate microalga. The plant contains not only abundant nutrients, including vitamins and amino acids, but also unique characteristics, such as suppressing an increase in the bacteria that cause periodontal disease. Moreover, in 2019, it was found that MGDG contained in Coccomyxa sp. KJ breaks the envelope membranes(3) of herpesviruses and has a virucidal effect against the viruses.

Recently, the three universities and DENSO discovered that MGDG contained in Coccomyxa sp. KJ also has a virucidal effect against COVID-19. The group will also research whether this microalga MGDG has a virucidal effect against influenza viruses, human coronaviruses, and other viruses with envelope membranes other than herpesviruses and COVID-19.

The results of the research may lead to the development of products that effectively counter COVID-19 and other viruses. The three universities and DENSO will continue to conduct this research to expand the scope of measures for preventing infectious diseases to contribute to society.

As an academia-industry collaboration project with the grant number JPMJTR204H, the research was conducted with support from the Adaptable and Seamless Technology Transfer Program through Target-driven R&D (A-STEP) funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
Glossary

(1) Coccomyxa sp. KJ is a registered trademark of DENSO Corporation. This microalga was developed by DENSO jointly with Kyoto University. "Stories," one of the DENSO-owned media, also features the plant: bit.ly/3JDGt38
(2) Virucidal effect means destroying the ability of viruses to infect cells.
(3) Envelope membranes are found in virus particles.

Source: Denso
Sectors: BioTech, Healthcare & Pharm, Clinical Trials

Copyright ©2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.

Related Press Release


DENSO Launches "Everycool," a Commercial Vehicle Cooling System for Trucks that Improves Cooling Efficiency and Reduces Environmental Impact
September 11 2023 18:19 JST
 
DENSO Announces Organization and Personnel Changes
September 01 2023 08:53 JST
 
DENSO to Exhibit at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich
August 24 2023 17:28 JST
 
DENSO Sets Scope 3 as a New Target to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Acquires SBT Certification
August 10 2023 10:21 JST
 
DENSO to Establish a New Office in Tokyo to Offer New Value in the Greater Tokyo Area
August 10 2023 09:00 JST
 
DENSO Acquires Full Stake in Certhon Group, a Greenhouse Provider Based in the Netherlands
August 01 2023 17:15 JST
 
DENSO Announces First Quarter Financial Results
July 28 2023 14:51 JST
 
DENSO Begins Business Transfer Negotiations for Selected Product Operations
July 10 2023 16:03 JST
 
TD Mobile, in which DENSO and Toyota Tsusho have invested, announcing transfer of cell phone sales and agency business to newly established subsidiary of ranet
July 10 2023 15:54 JST
 
DENSO to Begin SOEC Demonstration at Hirose Plant to Produce and Use Green Hydrogen for Manufacturing
June 27 2023 16:14 JST
 
More Press release >>

Latest Press Release


More Latest Release >>