Raw materials research and verification technologies are essential for developing unique materials, devices, and products. In collaboration with research organizations, both in Japan and overseas, Canon is currently devoting its energies to developing new material analysis technologies that incorporate the latest findings from academic research.

Canon has developed a tool capable of visualizing protein distribution at the sub-micrometer level with TOF-SIMS (time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry) and inkjet printing technology to support research efforts in various biotechnology-related fields.

MALDI (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization) is a "soft" ionization method that avoids the fragmenting of the protein, but does not facilitate the obtaining of a two-dimensional distribution image with a high spatial resolution. Using TOF-SIMS it is possible to obtain a secondary ion image with a high spatial resolution, but as protein molecules are large, the approach results in decomposition, making it difficult to distinguish protein types. Canon, by combining the advantages of the MALDI method with its highprecision inkjet microdroplet-ejection technology, has made possible the printing of a uniform layer of ionization-enhancing agents such as insulin onto a specimen. The technology succeeds in enabling the identification of protein types and the visualization of the two-dimensional molecular distribution for each type.

Analysis Result for Demonstration Sample with Insulin (molecular weight: 5733)
Arranged in Dot Formations

By making use of SPring-8, Japan's premier synchrotron radiation facility, Canon has developed a technology for dynamically visualizing water generated in fuel cells, which the company is applying toward fuel-cell development.