For mutant viruses of the new coronavirus, which are feared to spread, groups such as Toho University have developed a technology that can identify more than 100 different types of mutant viruses in a single test.

This technology was jointly developed by Professor Kazuhiro Tateda of Toho University, who specializes in infectious disease science, and a group made up of domestic manufacturers, and is called the "π (pi) code method".



A reagent that emits light in response to a gene peculiar to a mutant virus is added to a very small disk with a diameter of about 4/100 mm, and it is judged whether it shines by mixing it with a sample.



By using multiple disks with different reagents at the same time, it is possible to detect various types of mutant viruses at once, which means that in theory, more than 100 mutations can be investigated at the same time.



A bar code-like pattern is pasted on the surface of the disk, and by reading it with a dedicated device, it is possible to automatically determine which disk is shining.



In an experiment conducted by the group, it was possible to detect actual mutant viruses at the same time, such as the first confirmed mutant virus in the United Kingdom and the mutant virus that spread in South Africa.

Professor Tateda said, "The situation of mutant viruses will become more complicated, and eventually it may be necessary to detect more mutations promptly. It is important to proceed with the development of such technology." I will.