Measurement and analysis technology

## Life Sciences

# Revolution in Microscope - Active Molecules & DNA, now Observable-

Keyword: High-Speed Atomic Force Microscope (HSAFM), Fast Scanning, 33 Frame/sec. Video Rate Image

○ Toshio Ando Ph.D., Professor, Department of Physics,

Organizations Involved

Graduate School of Natural Science, Kanazawa University, JAPAN

☐ Veeco Instruments Inc. (U.S.A), SIINT Inc. (Japan), JPK Instrument AG (Germany)

☐ Kanazawa University TLO Ltd. (KUTLO)

☐ Olympus Corporation (Japan)

Professor Dr. Toshio Ando

## 【Abstract】

The observation of Nano-size molecules has become possible since 20 years ago by the development of Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and scientists are using it at University and Research Institutes in the world. However, in order to take an image by AFM took for three minutes and could take only a still picture of the molecules. By this new technology it takes only for 0.03 second per single image and can realize the motion images taking 33 pictures per second as motion in television. Now we have become to observe the human protein and DNA alive in the liquid without disturbing their physiological function.

## [Summary of the technology transfer]

## Technological Impact

It has become possible to observe for scientists to see the motions never seen before. They can see now dynamic behavior of individual biological molecules, human nerves, myosin V and actin filaments etc., It is for sure in all field of sciences this HSAFM open the new door of the new science world.

## Market Impact

Kanazawa University has made proto type HSAFM. The corporations which have license of the technology will develop commercial products and to be expected replacing most of conventional AFM by HSAFM in the future. The price of HSAFM would not be too expensive in comparison with AFM.

## ● Social Impact

Also HSAFM could be so useful in IT industries as well as life science research fields. Semiconductor circuit becomes smaller to nano meter size and it is essential to be inspected at once in the production process. The Inventor had strong desire that the technology could be used by the people who use motion images for their researches soonest and economically. KUTLO has found the serious companies dedicated in HSAFM development in the three regions of the world and licensed the technologies to them to meet inventors interest.

## ●Special Features of the Collaboration

As the research partner’s development plan did not coincide on Inventor’s desire, upon having consent from the partner, the University licensed to other keen company. Patents solely owned by the University could be licensed to the selected companies without such consent.

## Project Background

The HSAFM image of protein was shown in the World biggest Bio-industry exhibition of BIO2004 San Francisco. Many potential users of HSAFM made a choir of “How soon will it be available to researchers?” It was a great power to encourage licensing.

## Funding History

1.2002-2003 Collaborative research with a company.

2.2004-Funded research supported by JST · Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology · System Development Program for Advanced Measurement and Analysis

## I ntellectual property protection

Registered Patent :foreign 2

「Scanning unit and scanning microscope having the same(09/803448)」and others.

Patent Pending:JAPAN 14,foreign 1

「Frequency Modulated AFM(2001-230210)」

and others.

## Atomic Force Microscope

Nano-size DNA Alive & In Motion

## Turning point in the Project

Obtaining a consent from joint patent holder before licensing to the keen partner was a turning point of this tech-transfer, as Japanese Patent Law requires such consent which is not necessary in US Patent Law. We may now open the new doors of sciences same as many of greatest inventors did it in the history.