Antenna technology of "metal mesh element" for blood test element

Starting with the "2011 International Modern Hospital Exhibition" (July 13-15, 2011), medical exhibitions have been held successively in Japan in recent weeks. For the first time, Murata Manufacturing participated in these exhibitions and vigorously introduced the company's development policy in the medical field. Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has roughly proposed two directions. One is to actively promote universal electronic components in the medical field. For example, the multi-layer ceramic capacitors previously mainly supplied to automobiles will rely on their high reliability and are "also suitable for medical devices". For other electronic components, Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. will also expand sales on the basis of detailed investigation of reliability and so on.

Figure 1: Development of components for blood testing

(A) is a metal mesh element developed by Murata Manufacturing. The target is caused to react with the metal mesh element to which the host has been applied in advance, and the frequency characteristics of electromagnetic waves are used to determine whether the host and target are combined (b). (Picture (b) is produced by this site based on the materials of Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)

The other direction is to develop electronic components with functions dedicated to the medical field. Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. intends to use its superior technology in development. For example, for medical examinations such as blood tests, Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. showed a "metal mesh element" using antenna technology. This component eliminates the need for marking in previous medical examinations, and can significantly shorten the examination time and cost (Figure 1). The goal is to put it into practical use after 5 years.

For medical examination, it is necessary to confirm whether the "Target" as the inspection target has bound to the "Host" (antigen-antibody reaction). However, the development product only needs to add a target to the metal mesh element on which the host is applied in advance. Use electromagnetic waves when determining whether the two are combined. The principle is that in the case of combined and uncoupled, "When the metal mesh element is irradiated with electromagnetic waves, the peak value of the frequency characteristics of the output electromagnetic waves will change." This company's antenna technology has played a role. "When irradiating electromagnetic waves, the design that maximizes the electromagnetic wave energy intensity of the metal mesh part is a key to achieving the product."

In the above series of exhibitions, in addition to Murata Manufacturing, other companies have also taken measures to apply their superior technologies to the medical field. For example, Matsushita Electric applied mounting technology to capsule cameras, Dainippon Printing applied TFT technology to biosensors, and Texas Instruments applied DLP technology to vein visualization systems. These measures are expected to further accelerate the development of medical electronics in the future.