Research Divisions

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

Surfactants are already familiar as components of detergents, but we are developing entirely new types of surfactants with functions beyond “cleaning.” Examples include surfactants (or gelling agents) with anticancer activity and surfactants that enhance or functionalize existing drugs. In our approach, the surfactant-like molecules we have designed and synthesized self-assemble and aggregate to induce enzyme inhibition or cellular stress, thereby exhibiting pharmacological activity. We expect these systems to open up new mechanisms of drug action and innovative approaches to drug discovery.

We are devoted to developing a synthetic strategy toward functionalized heteroaromatic compounds to impart functions to membrane materials. Specifically, we are focusing on a reaction, which refers to as “halogen dance.” This reaction enables transfer of a halogen atom, e.g. bromo group that is useful for introducing various functional groups. In addition, additional electrophiles can be incorporated in a single operation.

Based on our original synthetic technology, we are developing a new class of nanomaterials tailored for membrane applications. Specifically, our focus is on developing high-performance metal nanoparticle catalysts that efficiently convert renewable biomass and plastic waste into value-added chemicals.

Membrane separation technologies are expected to contribute to the separation, purification, and enhanced productivity of target compounds in bioprocesses. For example, since hydrophobic products are toxic to microorganisms, their production via bioprocesses is difficult. However, by introducing a membrane extraction process using hollow fiber membranes, it is possible to prevent poisoning by hydrophobic products. Furthermore, this enables increased surface area and continuous extraction operations, leading to a dramatic increase in productivity. Our group aims to develop highly efficient production processes for bio-derived compounds by utilizing various membrane separation technologies.

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 (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.