Research Divisions
Bio-process Membrane Division
We are studying two subjects. One is to combine a membrane separation technique with bio-refinery processes to achieve efficient, safe and low-energy bioproduction. Another is a film technique based on polymer coating that allows surface functionalization of a broad range of materials to provide selective separation and bioanalysis.
Members
- Tatsuo Maruyama (Professor)(Division Head)
- Atsunori Mori (Professor)
- Keizo Nakagawa (Associate Professor)
- Kentaro Okano (Associate Professor)
- Kenta Morita (Assistant Professor)
- Chiaki Ogino (Professor)
Research Topics
Novel Synthetic Organic Reactions for the Synthesis of Membrane Materials
We are engaged in the development of transition metal-catalyzed coupling reactions directed to the preparation of heteroaromatic compounds with extended π-conjugation. In particular, our objective is focused on the development of novel multiply-substituted heteroaromatic compounds through the efficient carbon–carbon bond formation, which are available for the design of membrane materials.
Development of Polymer Synthesis directed to the Development of Membrane
Development of novel polymerization reaction employing cross coupling with heteroaromatic compounds as a monomer. Synthesis of polymer materials which functional groups at the side chain is tolerable toward polymerization is our major concern.
Condensation of Saccharides Used in Microbial Fermentation
- Chiaki Ogino
- Keizo Nakagawa
Physical pretreatment and enzyme based saccharization treatment are needed for biomass used in microbial fermentation where, generally, high-concetrated Saccharides are needed but, it is clear that biomass-derived enzymic saccharification liquid has a low concentration of glucose and its diversity of subproducts act as inhibitors of Microbial fermentation. We develop and evaluate techniques to perform at the same time saccharide condensation and removal of subproducts by applying biomass-derived enzymatic hydrolyzates.
Selective Separation of Fermented Metabolites from Post-Microbial Fermentation Culture Solutions
- Chiaki Ogino
- Keizo Nakagawa
Selective separation (Condensation) of objective metabolites coming from fermented liquid obtained post-microbial fermentation is an extremely important technique if material settlement is economically considered. As an example of this: in order to implement the usage of Bio-ethanol, combustible obtained by alcoholic fermentation of yeast (ethanol) at a lower cost while its demand rises, several technological developments are required.
Material Surface Functionalization through Simple Coating with SyntethicPolymer
We are developing a novel technique to control discretionally the physical properties of surfaces (physical, chemical characteristics). here, concretely, we aim to control the physical properties of a surface through “painting” it with an special polymer syntethized by us. From here, it is possible to produce (applicable in separation – analysis) molecular detection surfaces, uncontaminated surfaces and surfaces with catalytic functionalities.
Development of Novel Surface-Acting Agents with Separation Functionality
Surface acting agents already have a familiar presence in detergents but we aim to develop surface acting agents with new functionalities different than “cleaning”. For example, Surface acting agents with separation functionalities. We are developing DNA surface acting agents with the ability to separate DNA depending on its base arrangements, also, Surface acting agents with the capacity of separating different types of fat particles through its insertion into separation membranes.
