Toshiba Corp developed a cell sensor that can detect hazardous substances and exhibited it at nano tech 2008 (Feb 13-15), an international comprehensive exhibition on nano technology.
The sensor incorporates genes of enzyme and firefly luciferase that bind with hazardous substances such as dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and brominated flame retardants. Although it has been presented at academic conferences before, this is the first time that the sensor has ever been unveiled to the public. The commercialization schedule has yet to be decided, according to Toshiba.
The principle of detection is as follows. First, dioxin, PCB and other hazardous substances bind with the receptors. Then, the resultant substances further bind with the enzyme gene (TH gene). This acts on the adjacent luciferase, causing the cell to emit light.
According to the company, halogen is estimated to be associated with the reaction because dioxin, PCB and brominated flame retardants all include this element. But the mechanism of binding has not been elucidated completely, and the research is now underway, the company said.
Toshiba conducted a test to administer dioxin to the cell sensor. The sensor started to emit light 4 hours after the administration, and the emission became apparent after 6 hours.
While other cell sensors based on bioassay (the method of assessing biological actions by means of a biological response) have been developed thus far, they take approximately 24 hours to detect something. The company said that its exhibition demonstrated the feasibility of a more practical sensor capable of detecting substances in a shorter time.
Nikkei Electronics Asia magazine is available each month free of charge to engineers, managers and other qualified readers.
Nikkei Electronics |
Nikkei Monozukuri |
Nikkei Automotive Technology |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
| The magazine for electronics designers and managers. | Design You Won't Regret - How to Reduce the Risk of Accidents | The comprehensive automotive technology magazine. |
Copyright © 1995-2010 Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
All editorial content and graphics on this Web site may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the copyright owner.
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009