Research Introduction

We are working to develop new sustainable materials to solve environmental problems such as global warming and plastic pollution. In particular, we are exploring the use of thermoplastic cellulose esters and cellulose nanofibers that are made from renewable and biodegradable cellulose and have a low environmental impact.
Cellulose is the most abundant natural polymer on earth, but its use as an alternative material to conventional plastics has not yet progressed sufficiently. This is due to the challenges of conventional synthesis methods, such as the environmental burden and the need for large amounts of solvent. In this study, we investigate new approaches to overcome these challenges and aim to establish an efficient and environmentally friendly method. Our goal is to contribute to the sustainable development of bioplastics by making wood biomass easier to handle and promoting its practical use.

小型二軸エクストルーダー、中型二軸エクストルーダー、自動乳鉢、ポットミル、オートクレーブ、ホモジナイザー、凍結乾燥機、遠心分離機、ゲル透過クロマトグラフィー、接触角測定装置、引張試験機、フーリエ変換赤外分光光度計、紫外可視分光光度計、顕微FTIR、サイクリックボルタンメトリー、スピンコーター、熱プレス機、熱重量分析機、電子顕微鏡、動的光散乱測定器、小型射出成型機

We are conducting research to create materials that show high biological affinity to living tissues and apply them to the repair of hard tissues such as bones and teeth, and to deep-seated cancer treatment. Furthermore, inspired by these synthesis processes, we are attempting to synthesize ceramics, organic-inorganic hybrids, and nano/microparticles using aqueous processes with low environmental impact and biomimetic processes learned from living organisms.

• Elucidation of interactions between materials and microorganisms
• Creation of novel photocatalytic materials and their application to medical materials
• Computer simulation of biomineralization processes.

X線回折装置（粉末・薄膜），生体試料用走査型電子顕微鏡，エネルギー分散型X線分析装置，材料試験機，表面性測定機，フーリエ変換赤外分光分析装置，ゼータ電位測定装置（微粒子・平板），熱分析装置，可視紫外分光光度計，接触角計，マイクロプレートリーダー，表面粗さ計，真空プラズマ装置，超音波ホモジナイザー

Maeda Laboratory is conducting research with the aim of developing technologies that utilize the functions of microorganisms to be useful for the environment and human healthcare. Environmental pollutants, waste, and substances of concern are increasing as a result of human activities. We are conducting research on using the power of microorganisms to purify environmental pollutants, reduce waste and produce valuable materials, and develop technologies that are useful for environmental conservation and purification by converting greenhouse gases and other substances into valuable materials. We are also conducting basic research to establish technologies that utilize predatory bacteria to inactivate drug-resistant bacteria, which have become a serious problem in recent years.

次世代シーケンサーMiSeq、イオンクロマトグラフ、サーマルサイクラー、蛍光プレートリーダー、ガスクロマトグラフ（TCD搭載）、ガスクロマトグラフ（FID搭載）、凍結乾燥機、オートクレーブ（高圧水蒸気滅菌機）、乾熱滅菌機、インキュベーター、バイオシェーカー

Photocatalytic reactions are expected to be an environmentally friendly reaction process because they can cause chemical reactions at room temperature and normal pressure using light energy such as sunlight. In photocatalytic reactions using semiconductors, the positive holes and excited electrons generated by photoexcitation undergo an oxidation-reduction reaction, so it is important to investigate their behavior. Our research group has been evaluating semiconductor materials and analyzing reactions in situ by using photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), which is effective for measuring fine particle materials. In addition, we are developing new photocatalytic reaction systems by utilizing the information obtained from the analysis. In the reaction system currently being researched, it is possible to shift the timing of the oxidation and reduction reactions by utilizing the electron accumulation function of semiconductor fine particles. If this is utilized effectively, it is possible to suppress the reverse reaction that is a problem in photocatalytic reactions, and obtain substances that have been difficult to recover.

FTIR Niclet is10、FTNIR PerkinElmer Frontier、GC-TCD GLサイエンス GC3210、GC-FTD 島津製作所製 GC-2014、紫外可視分光光度計（拡散反射測定） 島津製作所製 UV-2600、比表面積測定装置 QUANTACHROME NOVA4200e(旧モデル)、蛍光分光光度計 日本分光 FP-8500

Aiming to develop new materials that can be used in the medical and healthcare fields, we are conducting research centered on three main themes.
1. Silicon-related structures and cell responsiveness
Silicon is an essential element for the body, and it has been reported that silicate ions contribute to the growth and regeneration of our bodies. In order to clarify the relationship between chemical species with different silicon-related structures and the responsiveness of various cells (osteoblasts, neurons, fibroblasts, etc.), we are conducting basic research using chitosan-siloxane composites.
2. Creation of scaffolding materials for biological tissue regeneration
We are working on the development of materials that can help regenerate nerves, bones, ligaments, etc. when they are lost. We are investigating the possibility of biological tissue regeneration using organic-inorganic composites in the form of membranes, gels, fibers, etc., created using the sol-gel method.
3. Creation of antibacterial materials
We are also working on the creation of new antibacterial materials to prevent infectious diseases. It has been reported that chitosan has antibacterial properties, but we are designing a form that can be used comfortably in daily life.

多機能型プレートリーダー（Varioskan Flash S250040）、走査電子顕微鏡（JSM-6010PLUS/LA）、クリープメータ（RE2-3305C）、微量分光光度計（DS11）、トランスブロット（Turbo TM）、化学発光スキャナー（C-DiGit）

Charcoal derived from biomass (biochar) is a relatively familiar material that has been used by humans since ancient times. Traditionally, biochar has been used mainly as solid fuel around the world. However, the use of biochar as solid fuel has significantly decreased, and it is not expected that its use will increase significantly in the future. In recent years, from the perspective of actively utilizing biomass, a renewable resource, research in various fields related to new ways of using biochar has become active. For example, research on creating highly functional porous carbon materials by controlling the pore size distribution and constituent elements using biomass or biochar as a raw material, and research oriented toward engineering applications such as the production of gasification fuel, have been actively conducted. Future research related to biochar will require cross-sectional collaboration between researchers in various fields.

By using smart soft materials, we aim to be able to freely switch between the flexibility and multiple degrees of freedom of soft robots and the precision and high rigidity of metal robots that have traditionally been used in factories.

With “environmental harmony” as a major concept, we are developing polymer materials made from readily available and abundant resources such as waste sulfur and carbon dioxide, and plant-derived raw materials. We are also working on the synthesis of materials that contribute to resource circulation, such as polymers with excellent reprocessability (shape memory, self-repairing, and recyclability), metal adsorbents, and easily dismantled adhesives, using solvent-free or water-based materials and light irradiation. We aim to develop new functional polymer materials that are environmentally friendly based on the 4Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle, and renewable).

高速GPC装置HLC-8220GPC（DMF用）、高速GPC装置HLC-8420GPC（THF用）、A&D 卓上型引張圧縮試験機（フォーステスター） MCT-1150（最大500N）、イマダ 卓上型引張圧縮試験機（デジタルフォースゲージ） ZNS-5000（最大5000N）、SHIMADZU 示差走査熱量計 DSC-60、SHIMADZU TG / DTA同時測定装置 DTG-60、SHIMADZU 熱機械分析装置 TMA-60、A&D 剛体振り子型物性試験器 RPT-3000W、アントンパール 多波長型デジタルアッベ屈折計 AbbematMW

Calcium carbonate exists in seashells in a form coated with protein, and is stable in seawater. Noting that vaterite-type calcium carbonate has a crystal face that is favorable for the coordination of organic matter, we created composite microparticles by coating them with organically modified silicic acid with optional decomposability.
In seawater, these microparticles undergo a gradual dissolution and reprecipitation reaction, and we discovered a phenomenon in which low-concentration strontium ions and other substances are highly efficiently absorbed and precipitated in the process.
These results suggest that this may be a promising material for seawater purification.

赤外分光計 JASCO FT/IR4100 with ATR、ラマン顕微鏡 Lucir ApaRAMAN micro/CZ 532nm、示差熱分析装置 Rigaku TG8120、微量分光光度計 Thermo scientific Nanodrop、qRT-PCR装置 Takara bio Thermal Cycler Dice Real Time System III

Organic synthetic chemistry provides new methods for efficiently synthesizing various organic compounds, and contributes to the effective use of resources and the reduction of environmental burden, making it important from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, there is still room for development in the application of computational chemistry and information science to organic synthetic chemistry.
Therefore, we are conducting research on the development of new organic compound synthesis methods using computational chemistry and information science techniques.
Through this research, we aim to establish an efficient supply method for organic compounds and accurately understand the reaction mechanisms.

日本分光 高速液体クロマトグラフィー（PU-2089, UV-2075）（光学活性化合物分析用、順相専用、キラルカラムIA-3, IB N-3, IH-3所有）

We are developing tiny electrically driven machines called MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) to evaluate the properties of microscopic materials on the order of 10 micrometers.
In one research topic, we are using pin-type MEMS and MEMS tweezers to measure the hardness and viscoelasticity of cancer cells and evaluate the relationship between cell motility and mechanical properties.

His specialty is environmental economics. His research is focused on environmental policies in Japan and Taiwan, proper disposal of disaster waste, and promoting environmentally conscious behavior among citizens. His research group is currently examining the implementation status and issues of plastic waste reduction policies in Japan and Taiwan, and is aiming to inductively find suggestions for encouraging change in lifestyles that rely on disposable plastics by clarifying the factors behind the increase in plastic waste generated from households, the environmental burden of alternative products, and the influencing factors of people’s preferences and behavioral changes regarding disposable plastics.

1. Economic analysis related to smart communities
2. Economic analysis on carbon neutrality
・Field survey to promote the introduction of net zero energy houses (ZEH)
・Survey on social acceptance of offshore wind power
・Economic analysis of green hydrogen

In research into the prevention of oral-related diseases using biomass-derived ingredients and medicinal herbs, a new approach focusing on the suppression of oral pathogenic bacteria has been attracting attention. Oral diseases such as periodontal disease and dental caries are mainly caused by the proliferation and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans. In response to this, research is being conducted to balance oral bacteria using medicinal herbs such as tea catechins, propolis, chamomile, and sage, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, biomass-derived polyphenols and polysaccharides are expected to activate beneficial bacteria and suppress the establishment of pathogenic bacteria. These natural ingredients have fewer side effects than synthetic chemicals and are promising from the perspective of sustainable resource utilization, and future clinical trials are required to verify their effectiveness and safety.

Since the development of structural and functional materials requires various properties depending on the application, it is no exaggeration to say that the success or failure of the development depends on the efficient use of computational science. We are researching new material search methods and material structure control methods by making full use of “first-principles calculations” that clarify the electronic state inside materials, and “phase diagrams” that are also called maps of materials. Specifically, we are applying these methods to solar cells, thermoelectric materials, secondary batteries, etc., and developing next-generation structural and functional materials from the perspectives of condensed matter physics and material structure science.