Apr 03, 2008

Hamamatsu, Japan - April 3, 2008 - Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. has developed the world's first biophoton assay system (a bioassay based on ultra-weak bioluminescence) for making fast, inexpensive, and easy measurements of the ecotoxicity of chemical substances. The system is based on the detection of delayed luminescence in photosynthesis, and uses a method that follows a specific OECD guideline for chemical testing (TG 201: alga, growth inhibition test). Key technology of the system was jointly developed by Hamamatsu Photonics and the National Institute for Environmental Studies, under the sponsorship of Japan's Ministry of the Environment.

By some estimates, there are tens of thousands of chemical substances for which ecotoxicity has yet to be determined. The newly-developed biophoton assay system is intended to accelerate the testing of such substances, and thus contribute to the development of less environmentally-harmful forms of pesticides, detergents, and other chemicals. Among the other possible applications of the system are simplified monitoring of industrial effluents or wastewater, and also plant breeding.

A commercial device is currently scheduled for release in October 2008. It will be offered in Japan to university-based research institutes (in fields such as plant physiology, environmental studies, and agriculture) as well as agrichemical manufacturers and detergent manufacturers.