Selective Binding and Elution of Aptamers for Pesticides Based on Sol-Gel-Coated Nanoporous Anodized Aluminum Oxide Membrane.

Sol-gel-based mesopores allow the entry of target small molecules retained in their cavity and aptamers to bind to target molecules. Herein, sol-gel-based materials are applied to screen-selective aptamers for small molecules, such as pesticides. To enhance the efficiency of aptamer screening using a sol-gel, it is necessary to increase the binding surface.

Detection of O157:H7 Using Automated Immunomagnetic Separation and Enzyme-Based Colorimetric Assay.

The food industry requires rapid and simple detection methods for preventing harm from pathogenic bacteria. Until now, various technologies used to detect foodborne bacteria were time-consuming and laborious. Therefore, we have developed an automated immunomagnetic separation combined with a colorimetric assay for the rapid detection of O157:H7 in food samples.

Invisible Security Printing on Photoresist Polymer Readable by Terahertz Spectroscopy.

We experimentally modulate the refractive index and the absorption coefficient of an SU-8 dry film in the terahertz region by UV light (362 nm) exposure with time dependency. Consequently, the refractive index of SU-8 film is increased by approximately 6% after UV light exposure. Moreover, the absorption coefficient also changes significantly.

High-performance sub-terahertz transmission imaging system for food inspection.

Unlike X-ray systems, a terahertz imaging system can distinguish low-density materials in a food matrix. For applying this technique to food inspection, imaging resolution and acquisition speed ought to be simultaneously enhanced. Therefore, we have developed the first continuous-wave sub-terahertz transmission imaging system with a polygonal mirror.

High-speed terahertz imaging toward food quality inspection.

In contrast to conventional x-ray food inspection systems that have difficulty in detecting low-density materials, a terahertz imaging system can even identify insects and plastics embedded in a food matrix. A reflection-mode continuous-wave terahertz imaging system was therefore developed for application to food quality inspection, which requires fast, compact, and low-cost detection. High-speed operation of the terahertz imaging system was achieved through the use of a beam-steering tool.