Around the world, innovators are trying to find applications of present technologies to combat the trenchant spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19. Researchers in Fukushima Prefecture at Fukushima Medical University found hope in use of antibodies to help capture Covid viruses in masks, and have appliced for a patent.
Fukushima Medical University staff extracted the genetic information for antibodies from blood of a person recovered from COVID-19. Then the university’s medicine-industry Translational Research Center used its protein microarray technology to reproduce the antibodies IgA, and produced IgA-covered substrates to include in facial masks. These substrates are supposed to catch any COVID-19 viruses that may enter the mask, as the IgA antibodies adhere to and prevent further passage.[1] The university filed for a patent by July 20, 2021.[2]
As Tokyo Olympics 2020 continue in unprecedented circumstances and Covid cases increase, everyone needs hope for future recovery. This story is an example of that. Professor Takagi, a researcher involved in development of the application, said that this was a way he hoped to repay the many who have helped Fukushima Prefecture to recover since the nuclear reactor disaster following the East Japan earthquake of March 11, 2011.[2] He does owe his work, indirectly, to those efforts, because the protein microarraying technology was a development in Fukushima Medical University thanks to the Japanese government’s reconstruction effort funding.[1] May each recovery lead to sustainable, healthy growth for our future societies.
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Contact: Taro Yaguchi
Sources
[1] Fukushima Medical University. “IgA抗体を利用したウイルス吸着マスク（IgA抗体マスク）開発 [Development of virus-absorbing masks that use IgA antibodies].” https://www.fmu.ac.jp/univ/daigaku/topics/20210720.html July 21, 2021. Accessed July 29, 2021.
[2] Fukushima-Minpo Co., Ltd. “新型コロナ抗体を活用したマスク開発 福島県立医科大学が特許申請 [Mask with antibodies for novel coronavirus developed, Fukushima Medical University files for patent].” https://www.minpo.jp/news/moredetail/2021072188630 July 21, 2021. Accessed July 29, 2021.
