Mitsubishi Materials’ technologies can be utilized to diagnose various illnesses. One of these is a product known as a “biosensor,” which is currently under development, that leverages our strength in “wet deposition technology.” In this issue, we will introduce the characteristics of Mitsubishi Materials’ biosensor, which detects nucleic acids and pathogens.

Mitsubishi Materials possesses world-class technical capabilities and know-how in the field of “wet deposition,” where thin films (functional thin films), similar to crepes, are formed by applying liquid chemicals onto plates and drying them. To put it simply, the films created with this chemical solution have the ability to detect nucleic acids and pathogens, and we create “biosensors” that can diagnose illnesses using this ability.

In general, the PCR method, which is well known for testing for COVID-19, checks for the existence and volume of one type of nucleic acid with one test. However, the biosensor being developed can detect multiple nucleic acids in a short amount of time. This is because this biosensor is extremely small, with a circumference of four strands of hair, so multiple sensors can be lined up on one chip and each of these sensors can detect a different target at the same time. As a result, infectious diseases can be diagnosed quickly. Even if you have a fever, receiving medication promptly after a quick diagnosis can prevent your symptoms from becoming severe.