【Abstract】 The key technology is to collect microbe in the liquid with microbes under the condition of alternating voltage. Different microbes has different sizes, and different characters for electricity charging. Therefore, the classification of microbes become possible by controlling electricity voltage and cycles.

This key technology makes it possible to collect specific microbe and to count the numbers of the microbes by the electrical impedance and optical measurements. The sensor is made with plastic board on the glass with micro fluidics pipe line in which is equipped 100 $ \mu $ m size electrode.

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishery and Livestock, Food

## Life Sciences

# Total Management System of Microbes by Electricity and Ray Techs

Keyword: Dielectrophoretic Microbe Concentrating System, Microbe Identification & Metabolism evaluation

Organizations Involved

○ Uchida Satoshi, Associate Professor, Division of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University

☐ Tohru Mikoshiba, President, Entest Japan Co., Ltd.

## [Summary of the technology transfer]

## Technological Impact

This new system takes only 1 hour or so to identify the specific microbe, and makes it possible to handle successively. On the other hand, the conventional method takes from a few hours to one day to do so. This new system is apparently by far efficient, not only in academic experiment but also in practical business.

Food poisoning microbe detect equipment' PATHOGRAPH' which was developed by Entest Japan realized 60 minutes, the world shortest time record, to detect the food poisoning specific microbe, however by setting up the microbe concentration equipment on the 'PATHOGRAPH', it will be shortened to about 30 minutes soon.

## Market Impact

Entest Japan Co., Ltd which developed this equipment for practical use, got a prize '2006 Tokyo Venture Gran Pre'

## Project Background

## ●Social Impact

Through the development of this test equipment, the down sizing of test equipment was realized. As the conclusion, portable size test equipment is very convenient for users, cost down was also realized, use range became wider not only food industry management but also every industries which need microbe managements.

Looking at TMU’s investigation list book, Entest Japan Co., Ltd has an interest in Associate Prof. Uchida’s newly developed technology. Then, they asked technological consultation to him. Finally both side collaboration relation was realized.

## Funding History

Research fund from outside

○ Collaboration expense from Entest Japan Co., Ltd

○ Research trustee expense from Entest Japan Co., Ltd.

## I ntellectual property protection

Patents application

○ ‘Equipment & method for microbe concentration and sterilization’ (PAN.2006-194406)

○ ‘Identification & evaluation method of microbes’ (PAN.2007-092494)

## Micro-filter for electrophoretic concentration (left) and electrode (right)

Super high speed & super sensitive microbe detect equipment ‘PATHOGRAPH’

## Turning point in the Project

This collaboration was very successful. That is why Entest Japan didn't haste the conclusion in propelling this collaboration. Entest Japan gave enough time In fundamental research of Prof. Uchida. Finally, the purpose of this collaboration was achieved.