Research Project
Project. 1 Biofunctional Materials by Glycopolymer
Bioactive saccharides on the cell surfaces play important roles in the living system such as cell-cell adhesion and infection of pathogens. We have functionalized saccharides with polymers, as glycopolymers. We have developed the biofunctional materials to inhibit various diseases such as Alzheimer disease and food poisoning from E.coli O-157. We also developed multifunctional glycopolymers with living radical polymerization.
Project. 2 Biomacromolecule Mimicry Using Precision Polymers
The technology of “precision polymerization” can produce synthetic polymers with well-ordered structures, similar to natural macromolecules. We design synthetic polymers with tailored sequences, lengths, and three-dimensional structures to develop nanomaterials that mimic the superior biological functions of antibodies and enzymes.
Project. 3 Development of catalytic reactor and its application to precision flow synthesis
Recently, a new method of organic synthesis under continuous-flow conditions, i.e. “continuous-flow synthesis” has been attracted much interest. In this system, chemical reactions proceed by continuous permeation of reactants through reactors. We’re developing functional polymers supporting active and selective catalysts for continuous-flow synthesis of fine chemicals.
Project. 4 Development of photo-driven catalytic system for production of valuable materials
A sunlight, which is a renewable energy, could be directly converted into chemical energy using photocatalysts for energy-efficient and clean chemical reactions. We’re developing polymer-photocatalyst hybrids to utilize the light source for useful chemical transformations such as CO2 conversion and production of functional materials. In particular, we’re designing well-structured photocatalytic platform by controlling the lengths and shapes of the functional polymers for high functionality that cannot be realized in homogeneous system.
