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

ENGLISH
|
JAPANESE
|
CONNECT WITH US:

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 ©2025 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network.

Latest Release

Mitsubishi Corporation

Definitive agreement to implement a joint mine plan between Los Bronces and Andina copper mines
Sep 17, 2025 18:57 JST

Eisai

Anti-MTBR (microtubule binding region) Tau Antibody Etalanetug Granted FDA Fast Track Designation
Sep 17, 2025 18:20 JST

Honda Motor Co, Ltd

Honda Announces New Electric Motorcycle "Honda WN7" in Europe
Sep 17, 2025 17:46 JST

HighTide Therapeutics Inc.

EASD 2025 | HighTide Therapeutics Announces Oral Presentation of Phase 3 Data in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Sep 17, 2025 09:00 JST

Honda Motor Co, Ltd

Honda Develops New "Chemical Sorting" Technology to Separate Solid Contaminants from Waste Plastics Derived from End-of-life Automobiles
Sep 16, 2025 15:00 JST

NEC Corporation

NEC Publishes ESG Initiatives Supporting Sustainable Growth of Companies and Society in "ESG Databook 2025"
Sep 16, 2025 14:00 JST

JSR Corporation

JSR Corporation/Inpria Corporation and Lam Research Enter Cross Licensing and Collaboration Agreement to Advance Semiconductor Manufacturing
Sep 16, 2025 09:00 JST

Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Launches Next-Generation New Mobility e-Palette
Sep 15, 2025 15:33 JST

NEC Corporation

The University of Osaka D3 Center Commences Operation of New Computing and Data Infrastructure Built by NEC
Sep 12, 2025 15:08 JST

Toyota Motor Corporation

GR Yaris "Aero performance package" Set for Japan Launch
Sep 12, 2025 14:40 JST

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Achieves Target Performance at Pilot Plant for Bioethanol Membrane Dehydration Systems

Sep 12, 2025 14:19 JST

Eisai

"New Answers to Dementia" Eisai Releases Concept Movie and New Content on Campaign Website for Dementia Month
Sep 12, 2025 13:20 JST

TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.

TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Succeeds in Developing High-Performance Palladium Alloy Hydrogen Permeable Membrane Operable in the Low-Temperature Range of 300 degrees C
Sep 12, 2025 11:00 JST

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

CO2NNEX(R) Digital Platform for Transfer and Management of e-Methane Clean Gas Certificates to Be Utilized in Nagaoka Methanation Demonstration
Sep 11, 2025 20:37 JST

Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi accelerates growth with major U.S. investments in advanced manufacturing, electrification and workforce development

Sep 11, 2025 18:35 JST

Hitachi, Ltd.

GlobalLogic and Ericsson Deploy Private 5G Network at Hitachi Rail's State-of the-Art Digital Factory
Sep 11, 2025 17:24 JST

Hitachi, Ltd.

GlobalLogic and Flexware Innovation Announce Major Deployment of LIFT at Hitachi Rail's State-of-the-Art Train Manufacturing Facility
Sep 11, 2025 16:46 JST

JCB

JCB Unveils New Brand Message in Vietnam: "Japan Cung Ban"
Sep 11, 2025 13:00 JST

Kawasaki City becomes first dekokatsu subsidy municipality for promoting decarbonization lifestyle promotion project
Sep 11, 2025 10:35 JST

Toyota Motor Corporation

TGR Plans to Reproduce Engine Parts for Corolla Levin / Sprinter Trueno (AE86)
Sep 10, 2025 18:11 JST

More Latest Release >>