Masayasu Igarashi

Pursuit of novel theories and development of innovative materials opened up by hydrogen-bonded inorganic frameworks

Researcher

Masayasu Igarashi

Outline

By precisely constructing molecules and assembling these into well-defined supramolecular structures, novel physical properties and functionalities can be realized, and new areas of the chemical space can be accessed. In this research, based on the unique spatial arrangements and arrangements of hydrogen-bonding inorganic frameworks (HIFs) that were originally discovered, I pursue the theories of inorganic and organic chemistry. Furthermore, based on these theories, I develop innovative organic-inorganic hybrid materials.

Miyabi Imai

Atomic scale arrangement of photosynthesis dye molecules and investigation of the photoelectric conversion properties

Researcher

Miyabi Imai

Outline

Various functions of biological organisms, such as photoelectric conversion and energy transfer in photosynthesis, are highly efficient, and therefore understanding and artificially imitating them could lead to technological innovation. In this project, the photoelectric conversion properties of dye molecules are investigated at the atomic level using a scanning tunneling microscope combined with a laser. Using an STM tip, individual dye molecules are arranged on a solid surface and the photocurrent generated in photoexcited molecules are measured. Analyzing the results obtained with various arrays with different geometrical structures, the photoelectric conversion properties and the structures will be correlated with atomic level precision. Furthermore, the photoelectric conversion efficiency will be optimized by controlling the structure of the molecular array.

Koji Oohora

Molecular arrangement of chromophores and catalysts with protein assemblies as scaffolds

Researcher

Koji Oohora

Outline

Artificial photosynthesis is one of the most important subjects to achieve a sustainable society. This project aims photo-driven hydrogen evolution by a suitably arranged chromophore and catalyst array within protein assemblies replicating the efficient sun light energy harvesting event observed in a natural photosynthetic system. First, artificially assembled protein systems with photosensitizing chromophores will be prepared toward efficient multiple electron transfer enabled by harvesting the sun light energy. The obtained light harvesting system will be further conjugated with a hydrogen evolving catalyst for sun light-driven hydrogen evolution. The expected findings will contribute to creation of protein-based artificial photosynthetic systems as well as elucidation and design of efficient light harvesting events.

Yasunori Okamoto

Designing a functional multinuclear metal center in a protein scaffold

Researcher

Yasunori Okamoto

Outline

Metal ions are essential for organisms to survive. Proteins regulate the reactivities of metal ions not only as a ligand but also as a characteristic reaction compartment, resulting in a variety of catalytic activities. Among metalloenzymes, those with multinuclear metal centers catalyze highly challenging chemical transformations. Therefore, the bottom-up reconstruction of multinuclear metalloenzymes gives insight into the development of powerful and green catalysts. However, it remains challenging to arrange multiple metal ions in a protein scaffold. In this project, a strategy to construct a multinuclear metal center in a protein scaffold will be investigated, leading to an artificial multinuclear metalloenzyme.

Hiromu Kashida

Development of functional PNA aptamers by using a new sequencing method

Researcher

Hiromu Kashida

Outline

Aptamers can bind various target molecules. However, chemical functions of aptamers composed of DNA or RNA are usually limited. In this study, we aim to develop aptamers composed of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) by using a new sequencing method we have developed. PNA aptamers could target various molecules and could be used to detect biomolecules.

Takuya Kuwahara

Mechanochemical Synthesis of 2D Superlubricious Atomic Layers

Researcher

Takuya Kuwahara

Outline

Diamond-like carbon exhibits superlubricity, the friction coefficient below 0.01, in boundary and non-lubricated conditions. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been understood yet since buried interfaces are not accessible by experimental measurements. Here the researcher employs quantum mechanical/molecular dynamics simulations to reveal the mechanochemical mechanisms of the in situ formation of superlubricious 2D nanostructures, such as nano graphene and molybdenum disulfide nanosheet, which form via mechanically-induced chemical reactions of organic molecules and phase transformations of surfaces. The results will be utilized to develop a theoretical model of mechanochemistry and gain design principles for atomically-controlled “tribo-synthesis” of 2D materials.

Yuta Suzuki

The Creation of Functional Protein Assemblies by Precise Arrangement

Researcher

Yuta Suzuki

Outline

The ultimate goal of this research is to establish “innovative protein design” to create functional protein assemblies that are comparable to biomolecules and potentially provide new functions that do not exist in natural protein assemblies. As the first step, this research aims to establish a modular protein assembly design that can precisely arrange proteins to create assemblies of various shapes and to construct functional protein assemblies with potential applications to biomaterials by enabling structural control and multi-functional loading. The new protein design principle of creating highly ordered assemblies with functions inspired by nature will not only lead to the development of beneficial materials but will also provide additional insights into structural biology.

Shohei Tashiro

Biorefinery based on molecular arrangement in crystals

Researcher

Shohei Tashiro

Outline

The creation of resources and energy through the chemical conversion of biomass is known as biorefinery, and it is one of the important targets in catalytic and materials chemistry. In order to develop innovative biorefinery technologies based on supramolecular and molecular arrangement chemistry, this project aims at realizing highly selective molecular transformation and arrangement of biomass-derived compounds such as furan derivatives, terpenes, polysaccharides, and lignin by utilizing porous crystals with unique molecular arrangement and catalytic ability.

Ai Niitsu

Precise arrangement of transmembrane peptides: design and application

Researcher

Ai Niitsu

Outline

Transmembrane domains of membrane proteins fold into functional arrangements specified by primary amino-acid sequences. This research programme aims to precisely control the stoichiometry and dynamics of transmembrane α-helical peptides through exploring and testing such “sequence-to-structure relationships” on designed peptides. New design methods using molecular dynamics simulations will be developed as means to find design rules, which produce a series of precisely assembled transmembrane peptides. The designed peptides will be further applied to creating artificial membrane proteins with unique functions that can be easily manipulated, unlike natural membrane proteins.

Hiroyuki Mogi

Pioneering innovative information processing technology by developing flexible nanoscale exciton circuits

Researcher

Hiroyuki Mogi

Outline

Application of charge-neutral excitons is the effective way for dramatically improving the energy efficiency of current information processing technology. By applying our unique time-resolved multi-probe technique, the exciton confinement system will be arranged at the nanoscale using a two-dimensional heterostructure platform consisting of superimposed atomically thin materials. By forming an exciton information circuit in this system, all-optical control of exciton flow (nanoscale exciton optical switch) will be realized. These developments will be a basis of innovative information processing technologies.

Daisuke Morikawa

Development of local electron density and physical property analysis method for two dimensional structure

Researcher

Daisuke Morikawa

Outline

In this project, I develop an unprecedented method for analyzing physical properties in the local region by combining first principles calculations with local electron density distribution analysis using electron nanobeams. In particular, I aim to apply this method to the analysis of two dimensional structures, where the arrangement of atoms dominates the physical properties, and to make it a Japan originated technology that enables us to obtain unique information on electron density distribution and band structures in nano regions.

Maho Yagi

Assembly-assisted control of precise protein arrangements

Researcher

Maho Yagi

Outline

In this research, I will establish a strategy to control the precise assembly of multiple protein species by constructing a system that simplifies the essence of assembly-assisted control mechanisms in biomolecular assembly systems. By stabilizing transiently generated assembly intermediates, I aim to create hetero-supramolecular structures in which the component proteins as building blocks are regularly assembled, thereby providing a platform for the development of novel functions.

Yoshihiro Yamauchi

Development of Innovative Phase-Separated Structures based on Bottlebrush Polymers

Researcher

Yoshihiro Yamauchi

Outline

Bottlebrush polymers are unique one-dimensional materials that combine the characteristics of controllability of length, diameter, and chemical properties, covalent bonding, and monodispersibility. This project aims to create innovative phase-separated structures based on the self-assembly of bottlebrush polymers. By imparting electrostatic and mechanical properties in the bottlebrush polymers, I will challenge to clarify the correlation between phase-separated structures and properties transferred to the macroscale.