#Japan #Ota City #Yushiro #Photocatalyst #Antibacterial

Yushiro's Innovative Photocatalyst Additive

Overview of the Development

Yushiro Co., Ltd., based in Ota City, Tokyo, has made a significant breakthrough in food safety by developing a photocatalyst additive specifically aimed at food industry operators. This additive demonstrates potent antibacterial properties against Legionella bacteria and spore-forming Bacillus, as confirmed by an independent organization, BMSA (Biomedical Science Association). As a next step, Yushiro intends to advance product development and services utilizing this additive.

Features of the Photocatalyst Additive

The photocatalyst additive is designed to suppress the proliferation of bacteria through the energy generated by light, thus maintaining a hygienic environment in cooling water systems. Key characteristics include:

1. Persistent Sterilization: It suppresses bacterial growth through the power of light, eliminating the reliance on traditional preservatives.
2. Food-safe Composition: The additive is composed entirely of 100% food-grade ingredients.
3. Cost-Effective Waste Treatment: By conforming chillers to wastewater removal standards, the additive has the potential to reduce both the cost and hassle associated with wastewater treatment processes.

Antibacterial Efficacy Against Pathogens

In testing conducted by BMSA, the photocatalyst additive's effectiveness against highly resistant Legionella and spore-forming bacteria was validated. These findings open up new market opportunities beyond food factories, including applications in hospitals, nursing homes, building management, water treatment facilities, and data centers where infection control is crucial.

Efficacy Against Legionella

The efficacy of the photocatalyst additive against Legionella bacteria was confirmed through rigorous testing:

• - Test Organism: Legionella qingyii Wu et al. 2019 NBRC113223
• - Test Sample: Photocatalyst additive diluted 200 times in water
• - Exposure Conditions: Dark condition (two hours without light), followed by light conditions (750 lx white LED illumination for two hours).

Efficacy Against Spore-forming Bacteria

Similarly, the effectiveness of the additive against spore-forming bacteria was established:

• - Test Organism: Bacillus subtilis spore suspension used in inhibition tests from Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
• - Test Sample: Photocatalyst additive diluted 200 times in water
• - Exposure Conditions: Dark condition (six hours without light), followed by light conditions (750 lx white LED illumination for six hours).

About BMSA

The Biomedical Science Association (BMSA) was established in 1987 by researchers from a Ministry of Health-sponsored research institution, focusing on leveraging research talent, collaborating on preventive medicine, and fostering international cooperation. It became a non-profit organization in 2000 and was accredited in 2018. Currently, BMSA engages in promoting preventive medicine and biosafety technologies, supporting public health and infection control initiatives both domestically and internationally.

Additional Insights

1. About the Photocatalyst Additive: This water-soluble additive utilizes vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which absorbs light and produces reactive oxygen species that effectively kill bacteria, deodorize, and decompose organic materials when in the presence of oxygen and moisture.
2. Understanding Legionella: Legionella bacteria often thrive in water systems such as air conditioning and plumbing, posing a risk of pneumonia when aerosolized droplets are inhaled.
3. Understanding Spore-forming Bacteria: These bacteria can survive extreme conditions, making standard sterilization methods ineffective. They can thrive in well-prepared food environments, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses.

Company Overview

• - Name: Yushiro Co., Ltd.
• - CEO: Masaki Arisaka
• - Headquarters: 2-34-16 Chidori, Ota City, Tokyo
• - Established: July 24, 1944
• - Capital: 4,249 million yen
• - Business Scope: Manufacturer and distributor of metalworking oils (cutting oils, rolling oils, drawing oils, press oils, die-cast release agents, rust prevention oils, and cleaning agents), and building maintenance products (floor maintenance waxes and strippers, cleaning agents, and maintenance equipment).
• - Official Website: Yushiro

Contact Information

For inquiries, please reach out to the Public Relations Department at Yushiro Co., Ltd.

• - Phone: 03-3750-6781
• - Fax: 03-3750-1149
• - URL: Contact Yushiro