R&D [Research and Development Area]
Health Care/Life Sciences
As the population ages, there is a growing focus towards promoting healthy lifestyles and ensuring well-being. We have positioned R&D in the field of healthcare and life sciences as a fundamental pillar to facilitate expansion and diversification, which will continue to aid business transformation.
We leverage our in-house elemental technologies that we have developed over the years to manufacture items needed in the healthcare sector based on requirements from medical facilities and input on ideas from universities and other research institutes. We also actively engage with other companies. Because understanding pharmaceutical regulations is a crucial aspect in developing healthcare solutions, we proceed with product development while keeping regulatory strategies in mind. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our development partners to create societally relevant goods.
Cryopreservation
One particular area of focus in the healthcare and life sciences fields is cryopreservation technology for cells and tissues. Amongst cryopreservation technologies, the "ultra-rapid vitrification preservation method," which makes use of liquid nitrogen for rapid cooling, has become a technology widely used in the field of assisted reproductive medicine.
We began developing technologies in this field through joint research with Kitasato University. Utilizing elemental technologies from our operations cultivated through the development of inkjet printing paper, etc., We together have commercialized a cryopreservation device "Diamour" to assist reproductive medical facilities reduce the burden on the operator.
The difficulty of cryopreservation varies greatly depending on the type of cells and tissues. We are actively working in collaboration with external research organizations to create improved cryopreservation procedures that can sustain cell vitality, as well as vitrification and cryopreservation techniques for diverse animal species, including those used in livestock production.
(excess preservation fluid is absorbed and removed)
Antimicrobial and Antiviral Evaluation
We are developing products that impart antibacterial and antiviral properties to various forms of products, such as various types of paper or non-woven fabrics by utilizing our elemental coating and liquid design technologies. Our in-house evaluation technology supports these developments. In our in-house laboratory we are able to evaluate cell culture, antibacterial and antiviral properties which speeds up product development as well as evidence-based product manufacturing.
