Climate change is a global crisis that threatens an unstable future. Because evolution is a naturally slow process, there is an increasing need for novel techniques to induce favourable adaptations. To solve these problems, QFF aims to provide solutions to better protect a plethora of sectors and industries from the rapid effects of climate change.

Using neutron beams (quantum rays), which is a type of ionizing radiation, we can induce mutations in biological organisms. While gamma and heavy ion radiation takes 3 to 5 years to create a desired plant mutant, neutron beam radiation can create new and useful plant varieties in only 1 to 3 years^*1. Moreover, we can create your desired microorganism strain in 2 months, even one week^*2 at the shortest.(*Without screening)

Our technology primarily uses fast neutrons. Using this type of beam is advantageous because it has a high-LET (linear energy transfer) that can efficiently cleave both strands of DNA without reducing survivability. While fast neutron activation induces a stable material into becoming intrinsically radioactive, the activation products have short half-lives. This means that the irradiated organism is safe to handle within a few days.

In the case of rice (Nihonbare) and Arabidopsis thaliana, the mutation rate is 3-26% in the 2nd generation. This is 15-300 times higher than currently prevailing mutation rates achieved by EMS (chemical mutagens), gamma rays or heavy ion rays (radiation).

Neutron beams can cleave DNA double strands in multiple locations at once. The balance between double-stranded DNA repair mechanisms (non-homologous end joining) and DNA damage shifts in favour of mutagenesis. You can use our service to irradiate organisms without doing the extensive genomic research, callus formation and horizontal transfer techniques necessary for CRIPSR/Cas9. This makes it easier and more convenient for our customers.

Unlike other types of radiation, neutron beams have a neutral charge. Therefore, it is highly penetrative and can target microorganisms in liquid culture. Our technology has ample potential; being able to target any biological organism has long as it can fit within our neutron accelerator. This includes: plant seeds, nodes, scions, polyploids and even animal cells.

A neutron beam is a focused stream of fast neutrons produced in a particle accelerator. Neutrons are uncharged, therefore, they are not inherently radioactive but once they interact with radioactive atoms, radioactive isotopes are temporarily produced. Plants and microorganisms naturally have radioactive atoms within their structures and when they interact with a neutron beam, the subsequent radioactive isotope causes a double-stranded DNA break.

Cosmic rays are a source of fast neutrons and minimally influence the natural progression of evolution on our planet. At QFF we accelerate this natural process through human methods.

In order to ensure the safety of our customers, we use survey meters such as “GM” counter to detect the levels of radioactivity in our irradiated products. In accordance to Japanese and international law, we make sure that our products do not exceed the natural background radiation levels so that they are completely safe to handle.

Number of registered varieties by radiation-induced mutation breeding:
about 3,248 varieties* worldwide. *<ref.> https://katosei.jsbba.or.jp/view_html.php?aid=886