Shimadzu Journal Vol. 10 - Forensics / Toxicology

Significance of the Topic

As forensic, toxicology and clinical diagnostic markets evolve, integrating advanced analytical instruments with biological and microbial testing tools becomes critical. Shimadzu’s recent business developments, landmark research milestones and new microscopy innovations illustrate how synergy between instrumentation, reagents and data-driven methods advances public health, forensic investigations and life science research.

Objectives and Overview

• Explain Shimadzu’s strategic acquisition of Nissui Pharmaceutical (now Shimadzu Diagnostics) and investment in MiCAN Technologies to expand clinical diagnostics, microbial testing and cell-based assays.
• Review 20 years of achievements at the Koichi Tanaka Mass Spectrometry Research Laboratory in biomolecular analysis and next-generation MS development.
• Introduce the AIRsight infrared-Raman microscope and its capabilities for complementary chemical imaging.
• Summarize key new products that enhance throughput, sensitivity and ease-of-use across LC-MS/MS, sample preparation and mass spectrometry imaging.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Corporate strategy: merger and equity investments to integrate Shimadzu’s LC-MS, PCR and reagents with SDC’s clinical sales and MiCAN’s Mylc cell technology.
• Research: MALDI-MS, LC-MS, glycan profiling and cell-based assays developed at Tanaka Lab under Nobel Laureate leadership.
• Instrumentation: AIRsight uses a single stage and shared optics to acquire infrared and Raman spectra without moving samples; new CLAM-2040 automates blood sample prep for LC-MS.
• Software: AMsolution controls dual-technique imaging; Nexera lite inert prevents corrosion in salt-rich LC methods; LabSolutions MD applies AQbD for robust HPLC methods.

Main Results and Discussion

• SDC integration positions Shimadzu to provide combined solutions in clinical chemistry, infectious disease diagnostics and regenerative medicine testing (MylcMAT for pyrogen testing).
• Tanaka Lab’s two decades of output includes ~150 publications on ultra-early disease detection, biomolecular structure analysis and high-sensitivity MS innovations.
• AIRsight demonstrates complementary data: infrared imaging visualizes organics and bond-specific features; Raman maps inorganics, aqueous samples and microplastics.
• New products such as LCMS-2050, AIRsight, CLAM-2040, HRAM libraries and MALDI-TOF imaging workflows enhance sensitivity, reduce sample prep and consolidate technologies.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Comprehensive clinical testing platforms that combine Shimadzu instruments and culture media for drug response assays and microbial diagnostics.
• High-throughput, walk-away sample preparation and screening for forensic toxicology and workplace drug testing.
• Advanced imaging and spectral analysis for material defect inspection, contaminant identification and microplastic studies.
• Streamlined method development via AQbD software increases laboratory productivity and data consistency.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

• Expansion of cell-based assays (MAT) to replace animal testing in pyrogen and toxicity testing, leveraging Mylc cells for global distribution.
• Further integration of dual-technique microscopes with AI-driven spectral libraries for automated contaminant screening in manufacturing and environmental monitoring.
• Continued development of high-resolution accurate mass libraries for non-targeted forensic screening and metabolomics.
• Growth of multiplexed LCMS platforms enabling low-, medium- and high-volume assays to run concurrently, maximizing instrument utilization.

Conclusion

Shimadzu’s strategic acquisitions, laboratory research and product innovations collectively address challenges in forensic science, clinical diagnostics and materials analysis. By combining instrumentation, reagents, cell technologies and data science, Shimadzu is driving more efficient, reliable and comprehensive solutions that will shape the next generation of analytical workflows.

References

• Shimadzu Corporation press releases on SDC acquisition and MiCAN investment, 2022–2023.
• 20-Year Review of the Koichi Tanaka Mass Spectrometry Research Laboratory, Shimadzu Journal vol.10 Issue2, 2023.
• Shimadzu product brochures: AIRsight infrared Raman microscope; CLAM-2040 sample prep module; LCMS-2050 single quadrupole MS; Nexera lite inert; HRAM library for forensic toxicology; Benchtop MALDI-TOF Imaging Starter Kit.
• Analytical methods and application notes, Shimadzu global website.