[NIG Miyashima Lab × QFF] Launch of Neutron Beam Research on Microalgae (Galdieria)

Quantum Flowers & Foods Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture; CEO: Kikuchi Hideo; hereinafter "QFF") has launched a research project with Professor Shin'ya Miyashima's research group at the Department of Genetic Traits, National Institute of Genetics, Research Organization of Information and Systems, focusing on the application of neutron beam technology to microalgae (Galdieria).

The image shows Galdieria isolated and cultured from an acidic environment (left) and its microscopic view (right).

In this study, QFF will apply its non-GMO breeding technology, "Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding®," to explore the potential for creating novel mutant strains and discovering new functions in microalgae. Details regarding the specific microalgae strain, experimental conditions, and evaluation criteria will remain confidential for research integrity purposes.

Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms that fix CO2 while proliferating, offering broad industrial applications in low-carbon societies, bio-manufacturing, and the production of food, feed, and valuable compounds. According to public information from JST, microalgae are recognized as green industries that do not compete with agricultural crops, and research is ongoing to achieve low-cost, large-scale production.

Professor Miyashima's research group is actively engaged in both fundamental research and practical implementation of microalgae, developing innovative cultivation methods and utilization forms using acidic water. Publicly available information highlights their focus on microalgae found in hot springs, including outdoor open cultivation using acidified seawater and research outcomes aimed at advanced industrial applications.

Through this initiative, QFF aims to provide new methods for mutation induction in microalgae research and contribute to the advancement of fundamental research and future industrial applications.

Background and Objectives

Microalgae are attracting attention in fields such as decarbonization, bio-manufacturing, food and feed, environment, and energy due to their ability to fix CO2 and produce valuable substances. However, for practical implementation and industrial use, it is crucial to explore and improve traits such as growth characteristics, productivity, and environmental resilience according to specific objectives.

Professor Miyashima's research group is advancing research from both the perspective of understanding microalgal life phenomena and social implementation, with reported achievements in innovative cultivation techniques and utilization methods.

QFF has been developing "Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding®," a technology that uses neutron beams to induce diverse genetic mutations in plants and microorganisms, and has supported R&D in agriculture, food, fermentation, and bio-manufacturing.

This research aims to verify the potential of neutron beam application to microalgae as a novel mutation induction approach, offering new options for microalgae research beyond conventional methods.

Research Content

This study will involve mutation induction in microalgae using QFF's neutron beam irradiation technology, followed by comprehensive evaluations conducted by the research group.

The process is expected to follow these steps:

- Neutron beam irradiation of microalgae samples - Confirmation of post-irradiation growth - Acquisition of mutant candidates - Evaluation and analysis based on research objectives - Exploration of microalgae research and future application potential

Specific details regarding the microalgae strain, irradiation conditions, evaluation metrics, and research objectives will remain confidential.

Features of Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding®

QFF's "Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding®" is a non-GMO breeding and R&D support technology that uses neutron beams to induce diverse mutations in living organisms.

Neutron beam mutagenesis can generate a wide range of mutations, including point mutations, deletions, insertions, and structural variations. Unlike genome editing or genetic recombination, it does not involve the introduction of foreign genes, making it a non-GMO technology.

For organisms like microalgae, which hold promise for both fundamental research and industrial applications, the ability to construct diverse mutant populations represents a potentially crucial research foundation for discovering new functions and acquiring useful strains.

Mechanism of QFF's non-GMO high-speed breeding technology "Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding®"

Future Outlook

QFF will verify the potential of neutron beam applications in microalgae research and contribute to establishing new R&D methodologies with a vision spanning from basic research to industrial applications.

Microalgae are biological resources with the potential to address various societal challenges, including low-carbon societies, bio-manufacturing, production of valuable substances, and environmental load reduction. QFF will continue to promote value creation through neutron beam technology by collaborating with universities, research institutions, and enterprises.

Comment from Professor Shin'ya Miyashima, National Institute of Genetics

"Microalgae are important research subjects in fundamental studies on photosynthesis mechanisms, aquatic environments, and life evolution, and also hold significant potential for industrial applications. This research aims to explore the possibility of creating new mutant strains using neutron beam technology, thereby providing new options for microalgae research and its utilization. We hope to apply the insights gained from this study to further advance both fundamental and applied research."

Comment from Hideo Kikuchi, CEO/CTO, Quantum Flowers & Foods Co., Ltd.

"Microalgae are biological resources with significant potential for achieving a sustainable society through decarbonization, bio-manufacturing, and the production of valuable substances. We are deeply honored to collaborate with Professor Miyashima's research group at the National Institute of Genetics to explore the potential of neutron beam technology for microalgae.

QFF has previously applied Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding® to plants and microorganisms. We will continue to leverage non-GMO mutation induction technologies in collaboration with research institutions and enterprises to address societal challenges."

About Quantum Flowers & Foods Co., Ltd.

Quantum Flowers & Foods Co., Ltd. is a research and development startup that provides "Neutron Beam Speedy Breeding®," a plant and microbial breeding technology utilizing neutron beams. The company induces diverse mutations in plants and microorganisms to support R&D in agriculture, food, fermentation, bio-manufacturing, environment, and energy sectors.

As a non-GMO technology that does not introduce foreign genes, QFF collaborates with corporations, universities, and research institutions to develop new biological resources for a sustainable society.

Company Overview

Company Name

Quantum Flowers & Foods Co., Ltd.

Headquarters

2-101, Rureibu Mika, 2563-77 Mikawa-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture

Representative

CEO Hideo Kikuchi

Business Activities

Support for plant and microbial breeding and R&D using neutron beam technology

Established

July 2018

URL

https://qff.jp

<Inquiries>

Quantum Flowers & Foods Co., Ltd.

Contact: Shunsuke Naito, CMO & Sales Manager

Email: shunsuke.naito@qff.jp

*1 For plants such as flowers, vegetables, and grains, new strains can be created in as little as one year, compared to three to five years with conventional methods. (Further evaluation of yield and marketability is required for variety registration.) *2 Lab-scale