Outline
This research area aims to create new basic technologies for bioenergy production using algae and other aquatic microorganisms. Some algae and other microorganisms have high lipid or carbohydrate content, produce various hydrocarbons, and show high growth capability. These properties can be applied to innovative technologies for bioenergy production.
Specifically, research proposals should focus on improvements in the efficiency of energy production through the elucidation of the physiological functions and metabolic pathways of algae and other aquatic microorganisms, which are effective bioenergy producers, using advanced scientific technologies from the fields of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and cell analysis. Moreover, the results of proposed research may also benefit various other technologies related to the production of useful chemicals and water treatment using algae and other aquatic microorganisms.
Challenging research themes in broad areas including biology, chemistry, and engineering are welcome for the future realization of innovative technologies leading to bioenergy production.
Strategic Sector
Establishment of basic technologies to create bioenergy from algae and other aquatic microorganisms, including growth rate control and metabolic network construction based on genome analysis and function modification
Research Projects
Research Director | Affiliation | Research Project |
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Mitsuyoshi Ueda | Professor, Kyoto University | Focused biotechnologies suitable for complete utilization of marine macroalgae |
Hiroyuki Ohta | Professor, Tokyo Institute of Technology | Strategic Construction of Algal Lipid Production System Utilizing Plant Vegetative Organs as a Model |
Tatsuo Omata | Professor, Nagoya University | Development of an efficient system for free fatty acid production using cyanobacterial mutants affected in nitrate assimilation. |
Toru Hisabori | Professor, Tokyo Institute of Technology | Research on the efficient biosynthesis of nitrogenous substances using artificially optimized nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria |
Shin-ya Miygaishima | Associate Professor, Research Organization of Information and Systems, National Institute of Genetics | Creation of heat and acid tolerant algae toward high biomass production |
Research Director | Affiliation | Research Project |
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Haruyuki Atomi | Professor, Kyoto University | Enhancing and fusing archaeal metabolism: a new approach towards bioenergy production |
Shigeru Okada | Associate Professor, The University of Tokyo | Characterization of hydrocarbon biosynthesis and secretion mechanisms by the green microalga, Botryococcus braunii to control biofuel production |
Shigeyuki Kawano | Professor, The University of Tokyo | Establishment of innovative technology to create new microalgal strains increasing biofuel production by polyploidization and heavy-ion beam irradiation |
Yoshihiro Shiraiwa | Professor, University of Tsukuba | Research on the metabolic pathway of alkenones in marine haptophte algae and the development of new algal oil production technology |
Koji Sode | Professor, Tokyo University of Agriculture & Technology | The Cyanofactory |