## Measurement and analysis technology

## Life Sciences

## The development of new technology for metabolome

Keyword: High-speed quantitative analysis for metabolome, Unity of different technologies, Organizational crossover

Organizations Involved

○ Masaru Tomita, Director, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University

○ Tomoyoshi Soga, Professor, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University

☐ Taro Nishimura, Director, Intellectual Property Center, Keio University

Dir. Tomita

Prof. Soga

Dir. Nishimura

## 【Abstract】

Keio University Institute for Advanced Biosciences (Tsuruoka city, Yamagata pref.) developed the first high-speed quantitative analysis for metabolome (a general term for metabolites in the human body). This united bio-technology and IT, and is important technology in support of the post-genome age. Keio University Intellectual Property Center primarily aided the effort for rapid patent filing and licensed this technology to an equipment maker company to facilitate partial use. We have established venture company for development of applied applications.

## 【Summary of the technology transfer】

## Technological Impact

(1) Development of a special capillary with new structure to detect various kinds of metabolome

(2) This system can simultaneously analyze more than 1000 metabolite within 30 minutes.

(3) This system can analyze with higher sensitivities at lower sample volumes (i.e. $ 10^{-21} $ mol orders are possible). Separate isomer assessments are also possible.

## Market Impact

We have already sold 40 system units and we think the market will steadily expand.

● Social Impact

(1) We established a new study structure for bio-technology through cooperative research with the private sector (including foreign staff and other institutes over a wide area, such as pharmaceuticals or foodstuffs).

(2) We provided support to local agriculture by analysis of matabolme with local government.

(3) We established a venture company at Tsuruoka City to develop the technology of measurement and analysis.

(4) We aided Tsuruoka City in its goal of developing into a leading study area. The City has been the site of many domestic and international conferences at the Institute for Advanced Biosciences, including the First Metabolome Symposium.

## ● Special Features of the Collaboration

Keio University Intellectual Property Center made every effort to assist in rapid patent filing rapidly and license of this technology to an equipment maker. A venture company was also established to develop applications and supply analysis service. The University invested seed capital when the venture company was established.

## Project Background

The aim is to achieve good results by direct connections for partial use so a company can discover positive and useful values from the research outcomes

## ●Overview of equipment of metabolme analysis

## Funding History

Initial research and transition expenses derive from University resources.

## ●The problem and solution of metabolome measurement

## I ntellectual property protection

Japan Patent

former fused silica capillary

「SEPARATION ANALYSIS METHOD AND APPARATUS OF ANIONIC

COMPOUND

weak-point current flow decrease in a few minutes

JP,3341765,B

solution

turning over

electronic

penetration

flow

## Turning point in the Project

Rapidly securing property rights and technology transfer activities through organizational crossover is effective for research results.

It is important that this support does not obstruct the intellectual interests of the researchers.

For more information, contact : Intellectual Property Center, Keio University, +81-3-5427-1678 (Main-number), toiawasesaki-ipc@adst.keio.ac.jp