Our Microbe-Attachment Prevention Technology Featured in Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun

On May 27, 2026, an initiative on microbe-attachment prevention technology by a joint development team consisting of Gel Coat Biomaterials, Inc. Institute of Microbial Chemistry (IMC), and The University of Tokyo was featured in the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun.

The article introduces a newly developed coating technology that highly effectively prevents the attachment of "biofilms," which are aggregates of microorganisms. This technology applies "hydrogel"—a polymer containing a large amount of water—and a gel material that encapsulates and stabilizes unstable molecules. It is designed to allow the hydrogel components to be customized according to the substrate being coated. A key feature of this technology is its ability to maintain a high prevention effect by chemically bonding the coating agent to the surface of the substrate.

The technology has already been confirmed to have a high prevention effect against highly adherent freshwater bacteria, fungi, and marine bacteria.

While conventional coating agents have limited applications and some lose their effectiveness within a few weeks, our technology exhibits a broad-spectrum prevention effect against a wide range of microorganisms, including freshwater bacteria, fungi, and marine bacteria. As a result, it is expected to be applied across various industrial sectors to solve the following challenges:

• Semiconductor & HVAC Sectors: By preventing the accumulation of fungi in resin tanks, piping, and air conditioners within semiconductor factory facilities and cleanrooms, this technology will help reduce downtime for maintenance, lower costs, and improve the working environment.

• Maritime & Shipbuilding Sectors: By preventing biofouling on ships, it eliminates the cause of a 35% to 50% increase in fuel consumption, which is expected to lower energy consumption (preventing fuel efficiency degradation).

  
  

We are currently seeking joint research and validation partners to facilitate the social implementation of this technology.

Through our proprietary biomaterial technology, "Gel Coat™," we aim to contribute to solving challenges in industrial sectors and achieving a sustainable society. If your company or research institution is interested in this technology or a collaborative partnership, please feel free to contact us.

▼ Media Coverage Details

• Media Outlet: Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun (Issued on May 27, 2026)

• Headline: "New Technology to Prevent Microbe Attachment: Gel Coat Biomaterials Focuses on Semiconductor and Maritime Applications"

  
  

  (Note: Due to copyright restrictions, the image of the published article is not reprinted on this page.)