研究室紹介

Bioresources Chemistry

Our laboratory focuses on the development of novel medical and cosmetic products using forest polysaccharides and microorganisms. We are developing (1) stem cell culture scaffolds for regenerative medicine based on the nanomorphology and interfacial structures of polysaccharide nanofibers; (2) immunoadjuvants that enhance the efficacy of vaccines against infectious diseases and anticancer drugs; (3) wood-mimetic cosmetic microspheres that are biodegradable in marine environments; and (4) cell factories in which basidiomycete genes are engineered to produce pharmaceutical seeds and valuable fragrances.

Research Interests

1. Development of nano-polysaccharide scaffolds for in vitro culture of stem cells and tissues, the most important issue in regenerative medicine
2. Development of immune adjuvants that enhance the efficacy of vaccines against infectious diseases and anticancer drugs
3. Development of marine biodegradable microspheres that mimic the nanostructure of wood and their application in cosmetics
4. Functional development of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are the attractive source of the advanced bioconversion ability of basidiomycetes
5. Innovative drug discovery and design by combining sesquiterpene synthases and P450 enzymes

Laboratory of Bioresources Chemistry is engaged in cutting-edge nano- and bio-research, under the slogan of "Finding and Utilizing Something New from the Architectures and Functions of Living Things in Forests", including the development of medical and cosmetic materials from structural polysaccharides and drug discovery research using forest microorganisms.

Keyword of Research Area