Research and Development for
Ultrasensitive Nanosensors for the Five Senses
Introduction
Our research on Ultrasensitive Nanosensors for the
Five Senses is a nanotech project for highly sensitive sensors that leverage
nanotechnology. Through this technology, we aim to Increase peace of mind,
safety and quality of life (QOL) in the elderly society of tomorrow.
(1) Background
The Future Creation Laboratory conducts R&D projects to create value for the future. In the nanotech field, we attempt to build social values that address safety, peace of mind and health ? which are matters that need to be addressed by Japan and the rest of the world in view of population aging ? by effectively applying multi-disciplinary technological "seeds" in the modern field of nanotechnology. We are focusing on developing sensors with the functions of the five senses (or biological sensor systems in the broad sense of the word) based on ultrasensitive molecular recognition technologies.
The Future Creation Laboratory conducts R&D projects to create value for the future. In the nanotech field, we attempt to build social values that address safety, peace of mind and health ? which are matters that need to be addressed by Japan and the rest of the world in view of population aging ? by effectively applying multi-disciplinary technological "seeds" in the modern field of nanotechnology. We are focusing on developing sensors with the functions of the five senses (or biological sensor systems in the broad sense of the word) based on ultrasensitive molecular recognition technologies.
(2) Proposed social values
Ultrasensitive nanosensors that function like the five senses are biological sensor systems in the broad sense of the term, and include biosensors. They are molecular recognition sensors with a wide range of applications from the sensing of molecules in liquids to those in the air for both in vitro and in vivo sensing. In the field of biomimetics, the sensors will also have functions similar to the human senses of taste and smell, so we call such sensors "sensors for the five senses." When completed, the ultrasensitive sensors will be used for conventional biochemical analyses and analyses of proteins and enzymes for disease diagnosis, and will pave the way for new possibilities such as personal QOL monitoring systems in the home to keep track of one's health on a daily basis. We believe that the ultrasensitive feature, which will allow recognition of trace molecules present in liquids and in the air, will be applied to quality control of drinking water and foods, pollution monitoring, and the monitoring of pollutants in the air such as toxins that cause the sick house syndrome.
Ultrasensitive nanosensors that function like the five senses are biological sensor systems in the broad sense of the term, and include biosensors. They are molecular recognition sensors with a wide range of applications from the sensing of molecules in liquids to those in the air for both in vitro and in vivo sensing. In the field of biomimetics, the sensors will also have functions similar to the human senses of taste and smell, so we call such sensors "sensors for the five senses." When completed, the ultrasensitive sensors will be used for conventional biochemical analyses and analyses of proteins and enzymes for disease diagnosis, and will pave the way for new possibilities such as personal QOL monitoring systems in the home to keep track of one's health on a daily basis. We believe that the ultrasensitive feature, which will allow recognition of trace molecules present in liquids and in the air, will be applied to quality control of drinking water and foods, pollution monitoring, and the monitoring of pollutants in the air such as toxins that cause the sick house syndrome.
(3) Details of research
Ultrasensitive nanosensors for the five senses will be achieved by integrating several technologies based on nanotechnology. We also place special importance on biomimetics. In parallel with these efforts, we carry out research on miniaturization technology for ultimately creating ultra-compact systems. For the recognition of molecules, required technologies include design and fabrication technologies for nanomaterials, highly sensitive detection technologies to pick up discernable signals, MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) technologies for miniaturization efforts, and signal processing technologies. In other words, this research theme requires parallel and simultaneous R&D in multiple cutting-edge technologies.
A related nanotechnology research theme of CNT biosensors is described in the Introduction to CNT Biosensors theme.
Reference:CNT Biosensors as research theme (R&D for Practical Applications of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials under the auspices of NEDO)
Ultrasensitive nanosensors for the five senses will be achieved by integrating several technologies based on nanotechnology. We also place special importance on biomimetics. In parallel with these efforts, we carry out research on miniaturization technology for ultimately creating ultra-compact systems. For the recognition of molecules, required technologies include design and fabrication technologies for nanomaterials, highly sensitive detection technologies to pick up discernable signals, MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) technologies for miniaturization efforts, and signal processing technologies. In other words, this research theme requires parallel and simultaneous R&D in multiple cutting-edge technologies.
A related nanotechnology research theme of CNT biosensors is described in the Introduction to CNT Biosensors theme.
Reference:CNT Biosensors as research theme (R&D for Practical Applications of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials under the auspices of NEDO)
(4) Research network
As noted in the preceding section, ultrasensitive nanosensors for the five senses require the combination of sophisticated technologies since simultaneous and parallel R&D work in several cutting-edge technologies must to be integrated. Therefore, the entire initiative will involve the participation of research organizations and researchers with various specialized expertise. Since the Future Creation Laboratory promotes collaborative innovation by establishing a network of third-party research institutes, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), one of the most advanced research institutes in nano and micro technologies with state-of-the-art research facilities, will primarily carry out the research on the ultrasensitive nanosensors for the five senses. There will also be collaboration with Japanese universities for technologies not available at AIST.
As noted in the preceding section, ultrasensitive nanosensors for the five senses require the combination of sophisticated technologies since simultaneous and parallel R&D work in several cutting-edge technologies must to be integrated. Therefore, the entire initiative will involve the participation of research organizations and researchers with various specialized expertise. Since the Future Creation Laboratory promotes collaborative innovation by establishing a network of third-party research institutes, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), one of the most advanced research institutes in nano and micro technologies with state-of-the-art research facilities, will primarily carry out the research on the ultrasensitive nanosensors for the five senses. There will also be collaboration with Japanese universities for technologies not available at AIST.
Research coordinator
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Takashi Mihara Experiences and Achievements R&D on ultrahigh-speed bipolar devices R&D on ultrahigh-speed memory R&D on thin film materials for ferroelectric memory Promotion of research on micromachines and MEMS Initiated R&D on ultrasensitive nanosensors for the five senses |
I have been involved in the research of micro systems
ranging from electronic devices to MEMS and micromachines, after carrying
out physics research on lattice defects and amorphous materials using
positron annihilation at a university. I have exchanged information and
ideas with researchers and entrepreneurs in nano/micro projects around
the world whom I meet in conjunction with the promotion and launch of
national projects. The research on ultrasensitive nanosensors for the
five senses, which is on the current agenda of the Future Creation Laboratory,
has interested me for over five years, and I believe such sensors offer
unlimited promise once materialized. A multitude of complex elemental
technologies are needed for the successful development, so I have made
a long-term commitment to this challenging project.
I feel fortunate to be working on this innovative project with many collaborators who are keen to be part of the challenging research project.
I feel fortunate to be working on this innovative project with many collaborators who are keen to be part of the challenging research project.
