Laboratory of Biomolecular Chemistry - Faculty and Graduate School of Engineering Hokkaido University・Faculty of Engineering

Associate Professor Tajima gave a lecture on "The Latest Research and Industrial Applications of Bacterial Cellulose" at the 2nd CNF (cellulose nanofiber) Utilization Technology Research Meeting at the Kagoshima Industrial Technology Center. It was a very good opportunity to let people know about our current efforts.
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Laboratory tours will be held on 2025/2/14 and 2025/2/15. We are looking forward to seeing many B3 students. The lab is on the right side of the elevator on the 4th floor!

Four M2 students presented their master's theses. It was a wonderful presentation that marked the end of their three years of research!
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Four B4 students gave their thesis presentations in Suzuki Akira Hall! They all gave excellent presentations!
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The results of our joint research with Dr. Ishida and Dr. Ando of Tokushima University have been published in Biol. Pharm. Bull! We have developed On Gel and Suspension methods, which are novel 3D cell culture systems based on NFBC. These methods are applicable not only to cancer cells but also to non-cancer cells such as human iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells and human MSC (mesenchymal stem cells), and can form spheroids with a high cell survival rate. The NFBC-based 3D cell culture system, as a preparative tool for cell-derived spheroid culture, is expected to be of great help in advancing both in vitro and in vivo studies on the biological functions of cells.
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The 59th Research and Presentation Meeting of the Hokkaido Branch of the Society of Polymer Science, Japan was held at Hokkaido University on January 23. From our laboratory, Dr. Kawabata (M2) gave an oral presentation. Kawabata received the Best Presentation Award! Congratulations!
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The Winter Meeting of the Hokkaido Section of the Chemical Society of Japan 2025 was held at Hokkaido University on January 21 and 22. From our laboratory, Dr. Tanaka (M2) gave an oral presentation!

A joint research project with Polymer Chemistry Laboratory has been published in Carbohydrate Polymers (IF=10.7), authored by Dr. Weeranuch (postdoc), Dr. Chaehun (D3), and Dr. Fukushima (M1)!
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The results of joint research with the Polymer Chemistry Laboratory have been published in Macromolecules with Nishimura (D3), Chaehun (D3), and Nunokawa (M2) as authors! In this study, monodisperse block copolymers consisting of oligodimethylsiloxane and maltooligosaccharides were synthesized and found to form ultrafine microphase-separated structures with domain sizes ranging from 3.59 to 4.99 nm, depending on the degree of polymerization. This domain size is one of the smallest among reported glycan block copolymers. It was also shown that the domain size can be precisely controlled by adjusting the monomer unit.
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A seminar of the Hokkaido Tohoku Branch of the Cellulose Society of Japan was held on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room W109, General Research Building, Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University. In this seminar, lectures were given on cellulose, the ultimate structural material created by living organisms, from various perspectives, including its synthesis under extreme conditions, molding and processing to maximize its potential as a nanomaterial, and application to sustainable energy devices. The lecturers explained in plain language, starting from the basics as much as possible, which was very informative.
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On December 3, 2024, Associate Professor Tajima gave a lecture at the [Hokkaido Branch of the Chemical Society of Japan] Asahikawa Regional Chemistry Lecture Meeting under the title of "Characteristics and Applications of Microbial Cellulose Nanofibers Made from Molasses Derived from TENNA". It was a very good opportunity to let 3rd, 4th, and 5th year students of the Asahikawa National College of Technology's Department of Materials and Chemical Engineering and 1st year students of the Department of Applied Chemistry (Major) know about our current efforts.
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The results of a collaborative study with the Polymer Chemistry Laboratory have been published in Carbohydrate Polymers (IF=10.7) with Weeranuch (PD) as first author! Three new enzymatically synthesized chimeric non-reducing isomaltooligosaccharides were found to encapsulate and form complexes with sulfasalazine, an aromatic prodrug. These results suggest the potential of glycopolymers in drug delivery systems.
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On November 20, 2024, Associate Professor Tajima gave a lecture titled "Structural and Physical Properties of Microbially Derived Cellulose Nanofibers" at a web seminar hosted by Otsuka Electronics. More than 100 people attended the seminar, which provided a very good opportunity to learn about the structural and physical properties of biologically-derived cellulose nanofibers.
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On November 13, 2024, Associate Professor Tajima presented a report titled "Creation of High-Strength Fiber Materials by Mimicking the Mechanism of Cellulose Fiber Formation in Living Organisms" at the Sekisui Chemical Manufacturing Learning from Nature Report Meeting. We were able to have discussions with the review committee members, other professors who received the grant, and many employees, and received various suggestions for future research.

November 11, 2024, a review article written by Mr. Serizawa, Director of Kusano Crop Technology Division, and Associate Professor Tajima was published in the "Monthly Report: Sugar and Starch Information" published by the Japan Agricultural and Livestock Industries Development Organization (JALDA). The article summarizes information on microorganism-derived cellulose nanofibers.
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Associate Professor Tajima gave a lecture titled "Fermented Nanocellulose," a new material produced by microorganisms from sugar beet, at the 30th Heuskole Sapporo Lecture Meeting held on November 6 at Kadaru 2.7. It was a very good opportunity for the general public to learn about our current activities.

On October 31, 2024, Associate Professor Tajima gave a lecture entitled "Structural and Physical Properties of Microorganism-derived Cellulose Nanofibers and Their Applications" at the 62nd Macromolecules Subcommittee of the Nanotechnology and Materials Division of the Council for Promotion of Industrial Technology Collaboration held at the Hokkaido National Research Organization Headquarters. It was a very good opportunity for researchers from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and local public experimental stations to learn about our current efforts. After the sectional meeting, a social gathering was held at the Sapporo Beer Garden to further deepen the friendship among the participants.

On October 24 (13:00-16:00) and 25 (9:00-16:00), we exhibited at the Fujinokuni Cellulose Circular Economy International Exhibition held at Fujisanmesse (Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture). Many people visited our booth and exchanged information with us.
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The 2nd Workshop ASPIRE, Hokkaido University-Grenoble Alpes University-CNRS-CERMAV was held at Grenoble Alpes University (Grenoble, France). PD Takahama and M2 Kaneko gave progress reports.
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Fujihara Seminar was held at Yayoi Auditorium at the University of Tokyo. Dr. Tajima gave an invited talk, and D2 Hamida and M1 Nagai gave poster presentations.
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The results of joint research with Polymer Chemistry Laboratory have been published in Polymers (IF=4.7), with Mr. Suzuki (D3), Mr. Nunokawa (M2), and Mr. Miwa (M1) as authors. Polyesters with various structures were synthesized by changing monomer combinations and initiators, and the correlation between polymer structure and adhesive performance was investigated. Further development of environmentally friendly and highly functional materials by self-switch polymerization is expected in the future.
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A paper by Eiichiro Kaneko, M2, has been published in International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (IF=7.7). The paper shows the possibility of using microorganism-derived cellulose nanofibers (NFBCs) as shear protectants in the suspension culture of animal cells by taking advantage of their long fiber length and excellent viscoelastic properties. It is expected to be applied to mass culture technology of animal cells in the future.
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A paper by graduate Haruto Tsujizaki has been published in Carbohydrate Polymer Applications and Technologies (IF=6.2). The paper is a detailed structural and physical characterization of microorganism-derived cellulose nanofibers (NFBCs), revealing excellent mechanical properties due to long fiber length and high aspect ratio, as well as network formation ability at low concentration. It is expected that these features will lead to the development of new applications for NFBCs.
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We had a Jingisukan party to celebrate B4's success in passing the graduate school exam. Congratulations to all B4 students for passing the exam!
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The study tour was designed to deepen understanding of the crop rotation system in Hokkaido, sugar production from sugar beet, and nanocellulose production from molasses. The study tour to deepen our understanding of the production of sugar from sugar beet and nanocellulose from molasses was held on the following schedule. It was a very good opportunity to understand the process from raw material production to finished products. We would like to thank everyone involved for their kind cooperation.
Day 1 Symposium with Kitami Institute of Technology @ JA Tsubetsu

Jingisukan Party @ Tsubetsu (Detekoi Land)

Day 2 Nichigome Tsubetsu-choi Visitors, Nippon Beet Sugar Bihoro Sugar Factory @ Bihoro Study

Day 3 Tour of the Japan Sugar Beet Research Institute @ Obihiro, visit to the Beet Museum

Day 4 Kusano Sakko Fibnano Plant @ Ebetsu

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A joint symposium with Central University of Taiwan was held. Dr. Tajima gave an invited lecture, and M1 students Aoyagi, Ishidou, Saito, Nagai, and Furuse presented posters.

The results of a collaborative study with Professor Kiyohiko Igarashi and Professor Naoki Sunagawa of the University of Tokyo, Professor Tomoya Imai of Kyoto University, Dr. Akiko Tanaka of Conformal Science, and Dr. Hiroaki Tanaka have been published in the International Journal of Microgravity Science and Application. We have successfully synthesized cellulose in space (microgravity environment) using bacteria. This will serve as foundational technology for synthesizing cellulose in space in the future.
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The 31st Cellulose Society Meeting was held in Kumamoto on 11 and 12 July, where M1 students Ishidou and Furuse gave poster presentations. In addition, the awarding ceremony of the Cellulose Society Award and the winning lecture by Prof Tajima were held.
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The B4‘s first semester midterm presentations have been completed and we had a jingisukan in support of the graduate examinations.Good luck with the graduate examinations to all B4’s.
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A paper by Hamidah (D2) has been published in Composites PartA: Applied Science and Manufacturing (IF=8.1). Polyoxybutylene succinate (PBS)-like alternating copolymers were grafted onto nanofibrillated bacterial cellulose (HP-NFBC) to produce nanocomposites with PBS, which showed that even small amounts could improve the physical properties. The nanocomposites were also found to be as biodegradable as PBS.
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A paper by graduate Dr Kugo has been published in Polymer Journal (IF=2.8). By soaking cotton fibres in low-concentration alkali and rapidly cooling them using liquid nitrogen, he succeeded in preparing a composite fibre with a cellulose type II periphery and a cellulose type I centre. The cellulose type II outer periphery has succeeded in increasing the fracture strength and toughness of the fibres. This is expected to be a simple and easy way to prepare new cellulose fibres with excellent properties.
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Associate Professor Kenji Tajima received the Society Award at the 2023 Cellulose Society!
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The results of joint research with the Polymer Chemistry Laboratory have been published in Macromolecules with Ota (M2) and Suzuki (D3) as first and second authors (IF=5.5). An organobase-catalysed ring-opening alternating copolymerisation system of cyclic anhydrides and oxetanes has been established. The one-pot, one-step synthesis of block copolymers was also achieved by applying this polymerisation system to self-switch polymerisation.
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A new academic year has started in the Biomolecular Chemistry Laboratory. Four new B4 students and one new M1 student have been assigned.

A seminar of the Hokkaido/Tohoku Branch of the Cellulose Society of Japan will be held on March 6, 13:00 - 17:00 at Multipurpose Room W109, General Research Building, Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University. There is no charge for participation. We look forward to seeing you there.
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Laboratory tours will be held on 2024/2/14,15. We are looking forward to seeing many B3 students.

D3 Kugo's paper has been published in Polymer Journal (IF=2.8). We have succeeded in improving the crystallinity of cellulose type II by about 20% by performing multiple dilute alkali post-treatments. This method makes it possible to prepare highly crystalline cellulose type II and is expected to lead to the development of cellulose type II materials with high mechanical strength.
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The results of joint research with the Macromolecular Chemistry Laboratory have been published in ACS Macro Letters with Dr. Mizukami as the first author (IF=5.8). Polysaccharides with various structures can be synthesized by ring-opening polymerization using monomers derived from cellulose, which exists in large quantities as a renewable resource. The polysaccharides can be chemically recycled by depolymerization, and are expected to contribute to the circular economy.
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Master students presented their thesis.
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D3 Kugo's paper has been published in Carbohydrate Polymers (IF=11.2). We succeeded in clarifying the mechanism of crystal transition from cellulose type I to type II in low-temperature dilute alkali treatment. It is suggested that the crystal transition can be controlled by adjusting the treatment conditions of low-temperature dilute alkali treatment, and the creation of new cellulose materials consisting of cellulose type I and II is expected by using this method.
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Bachelor students presented their thesis.
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The open thesis briefing for the D3 Kugo was held on February 1 at 1:00 p.m. Thank you for your hard work.
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On January 20, we visited the Bihoro Sugar Refinery of Nippon Beet Sugar Co. The tour provided a detailed explanation of the sugar manufacturing process at the Obihiro Sugar Refinery, from the storage of raw material sugar beets to the packaging of the final product, sugar beets. We would like to thank everyone involved for their hospitality.
mild sugar beet

On January 19, from 1:30 p.m., Associate Professor Tajima gave a lecture titled "Microbial Cellulose Nanofibers Made from Molasses from Cold Region Crop Rotation and Natural Vegetables Will Change the World" at the "FY2023 JA Tubetsu Area Demonstration and Research Report Meeting" held at JA Tubetsu. It was a very good opportunity for agricultural producers and related people to learn about our current efforts.
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lecture materials 　　
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The Dragon Carrier SpX-29, carrying Kirara 5, left the International Space Station (ISS) on December 22 (Japan Standard Time), the next day, it landed off the coast of Florida, USA, and returned safely to Earth. As soon as the data arrives in Japan, we will analyze the bacterial cellulose produced in space. The results of the analysis will be dedicated to the Cellulose Society and other organizations in the coming year.
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The winter midterm report meeting was held on December 20 and 21, and the cleanup was held on December 22. A year-end party was held in the evening and was a great success. This year we moved equipment and other items from the 6th floor to the 4th floor, and the hardware is almost complete. Thank you for your hard work in moving and cleaning up.

On December 12, from 1:00 p.m., a lecture titled "Manufacturing in Space" was held in the Lecture (Suzuki) Hall on the second floor of the Frontier Applied Sciences Research Building. More than 30 people attended the event, both in person and online. The lectures were all very interesting, and we were reminded of the potential of this new method for creating new products on the ground and in space in the future. We would like to thank all the lecturers and attendees for their presentations.

A lecture titled "Manufacturing in Space" will be held on December 12, from 1:00 p.m. in the Lecture (Suzuki) Hall on the 2nd floor of the Frontier Applied Sciences Research Building. 　　All are invited to attend.
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An interview was published in AERA.com. This article on nata de coco digests our laboratory's efforts in the area of new applications for nata de coco.
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At 10:28 a.m. on November 10, 2023 (Japan Standard Time), Kirara 5, a high-quality protein crystal production service of JAMSS (Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation), was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a Space-X Falcon 9 rocket (CRS-29) Kirara 5 will dock with the ISS tomorrow. It is scheduled to dock to the ISS tomorrow and be installed in the ICE Cubes facility of the European Columbus Test Module on November 13. It will take about one month to synthesize bacterial cellulose, and will return to Earth on December 14.
★The following Youtube link provides a video recording of today's launch.
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（If you play it from around 28 minutes, it will be one minute before the launch, which is just right!）

★Schedule
＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊
October 25th(Wed.)　Space experiment samples shipped from Japan to the U.S.【Completed】

November 2nd(Thu.)　Already arrived at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, U.S.A. 【Completed】

November 8th(Wed.)　Samples are stored in the Kirara device and already loaded on the rocket 【Completed】.

November 10th(Fri.)　Launched by Space-X Falcon 9 rocket (CRS-29) 【Completed】

November 11th(Sat.)　Scheduled to arrive at the International Space Station

November 13th(Mon.)　Scheduled to be installed at the ICE Cubes facility at the European Columbus Experimental Module

December 14th～ Scheduled to return to Earth
＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊・＊

We exhibited at Techtraverse Open Inovation Day held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 25 and 26. Many people visited our booth and exchanged information with us. Associate Professor Tajima also gave a lecture titled "Development of Bacterial Cellulose Nano-Fiber (BCNF) and collaboration with companies" on Thursday, October 26.
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The Sekisui Chemical Group has been conducting the "Sekisui Chemical Monozukuri Research Grant Program for Learning from Nature" every year since 2002 as part of its 55th anniversary commemorative project to support research that utilizes scientific knowledge and natural functions learned from nature in monozukuri. This time, Associate Professor Tajima's proposal, "Creation of high-strength fiber materials by mimicking the mechanism of cellulose fiber formation in living organisms," was selected and the award ceremony was held online. This project aims to create high-strength fiber materials from cellulose nanofibers by mimicking the mechanism of cellulose fiber formation in living organisms.
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On October 2 (13:00-16:00) and 3 (9:00-16:00), we exhibited at the Fujinokuni Cellulose Circular Economy International Exhibition held at Fujisanmesse (Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture). Many visitors came to our booth and exchanged information with us.
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Hoshino（M2）and Kaneko（M1）received the Best Poster Award at the 30th Annual Meeting of the Cellulose Society. Congratulation!
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The 30th Cellulose Society(Hiroshima) was held on September 28,29.
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ICC2022+1(Hiroshima)was held on September26～28.
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Associate Professor Tajima gave a lecture titled "Nanocellulose made by sugar beet and microorganisms will change the world," at the Agri-Seeds Seminar "Plant-derived New Materials from Hokkaido: From Seeds Development to Commercialization" held on September 12 (Tuesday) in the conference room on the 19th floor of the Hoku-Noh Building. Many people attended the lecture. The event was attended by many people and provided a very good opportunity to learn about the efforts currently being made in the laboratory.
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Cellulose Material Symposium & Exhibition 2023 in Sizuoka will be held on October 2 (1pm-4pm) and 3 (9am-3pm) and we will be exhibiting.
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The 75th SBJ Meeting was held in Nagoya, Japan, on September 3-5. Kaneko (M1) gave an oral presentation.
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Associate Professor Tajima gave a lecture titled "Mass Production and Applications of NFBC" at the 15th Robust Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Engineering "Leading Science and Technology Research Meeting" held at TKP Shinagawa Grand Central Tower Conference Center, 3rd Floor Hall 3B. It was a very good opportunity for many people, including members of the Robust Research Society, to learn about the current efforts being made in our laboratory.

We participated in the Young Polymer Meeting & Summer Uni held at Jozankei Onsen Shikanoyu. At the Young Scientists' Meeting, Research Scientist Takayama, M1 students Kawabata, Maeda, and Tanaka, and B4 student Ishidou gave poster presentations.
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Mrs.Hamida(D1) received the Young Scientist Poster Award at IPC 2023. Congratulations!
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Associate Professor Tajima will give a lecture titled "Mass Production and Applications of NFBC" at the 15th Robust Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Engineering "Science and Technology Leading Research Meeting" on Wednesday, August 30 at Hall 3B, 3F, North TKP Shinagawa Grand Central Tower Conference Center.
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Associate Professor Tajima will give a lecture titled "Nanocellulose made by sugar beet and microorganisms will change the world," at the Agri-Seeds Seminar "Plant-derived New Materials from Hokkaido: From Seeds Development to Commercialization" to be held on September 12 (Tue.) in the conference room on the 19th floor of the Hoku-Noh Building.
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Thanks to all B4s for your hard work on the graduate school entrance exam!
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Assistant Professor Fujiwara has moved to the Insutitute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery(ICReDD), Hokkaido University, as a specially-appointed associate professor. We congratulate him on his promotion.
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The 13th SPSJ International Polymer Conference (IPC 2023) held at Sapporo Convention Center on July 19-21 held at the Sapporo Convention Center from July 19 to 21. From our laboratory, D3 Kugo and D1 Hamidah made a presentation.
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The results of our joint research with Polymer Chemistry Laboratory have been published in Angewandte Chemie with Dr. Ebe as the first author. In this report, we succeeded in synthesizing a network polymer incorporating a polycyclic polymer in the form of a rotaxane and named this giant rotaxane "macrorotaxane. Macrorotaxanes have a very large degree of freedom in structure and molecular design because the number and size of rings of cyclic polymers can be freely arranged, and are expected to be applied to a wide range of applications in the future.
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On July 19, Associate Professor Tajima gave a lecture entitled "Development and Utilization of Completely Recyclable New Material Using Sugar Beans (Cellulose Nanofiber Produced by Microorganisms)" at a meeting of the Japan Society of Food and Agriculture held in the 19th floor conference room of the Hoku-Noh Bldg. More than 100 people attended the event and it was a great opportunity to let people know about our laboratory's activities, The event was a great opportunity for the audience to learn about our laboratory's activities.
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We visited the Laboratory of Nippon Beet Sugar Co., Ltd. to conduct culture experiments for efficient production of NFBC.
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We exhibited at Pharmalabo EXPO Tokyo held at Tokyo Big Sight from July 5 to 7. (https://www.interphex.jp/tokyo/ja-jp/search/2023/directory/directory-details.org-276fd45b-1d8d-4ff9-8d26-649270c97cba.html#/)

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Associate Professor Tajima will give a lecture titled "Development and Utilization of Completely Recyclable New Material (Microbially Produced Cellulose Nanofiber) Using Sugar Beans" at the 21st Technical Research Presentation of Green Technobank Tensai Research Group to be held on Wednesday, July 19, at the conference room on the 19th floor of Hoku-Noh Building.
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We will exhibit at Pharmalabo EXPO Tokyo（https://www.interphex.jp/tokyo/ja-jp/about/prd.html） to be held at Tokyo Big Sight from July 5 to 7, and Associate Professor Tajima will give a lecture titled "Structure and Properties of Bacteria-derived Cellulose Nanofibers and Their Applications" on Friday, July 7, from 2:40 p.m.
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A joint Genghis Khan party was held in the Polymer Chemistry, Molecular Integrated Chemistry, and Biomolecular Chemistry laboratories. About 30 people including guests from CERMAV (France), internship students from Taiwan and China, faculty members, post-doctoral fellows, and students enjoyed the party.

Kawabata (M1) received the Best Poster Award at the 72nd SPSJ Annual Meeting. Congratulations!
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Associate Professor Kose of the Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, who used to be a postdoctoral fellow, and his student, Mrs. Hirano, visited our laboratory. From June 5 to 8, Mrs. Hirano conducted NFBC sheeting and tensile test experiments in our laboratory. To welcome them, we had the first Genghis Khan party this year.
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The results of joint research with Polymer Chemistry Laboratory have been published in Polymer Chemistry with Dr. Ebii as the first author (IF=5.364). The authors succeeded in the systematic synthesis of polycyclic polystyrenes by cyclization polymerization and systematically evaluated the effects of the polycyclic structure on various physical properties. We have also succeeded in synthesizing polycyclic copolymers with polystyrene segments.
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The 72nd Annual Meeting of the Society of Polymer Science, Japan (Takasaki) was held on May 24 and 25. From our laboratory, Dr. Tajima, Dr. Kugo (D3), Dr. Hamida (D1), Dr. Hoshino (M2), Dr. Kaneko (M1), and Dr. Kawabata (M1) gave poster presentations. Thank you for your hard work.
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We participated in a softball tournament! Everyone did very well.
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The results of joint research with Polymer Chemistry Laboratory, Dr. Igarashi and Dr. Sunagawa at the University of Tokyo have been published in Carbohydrate Polymers with Katsuhara as the first author (IF=410.723). Katsuhara as the first author, was published in Carbohydrate Polymers (IF=410.723). Acetylcellulose and polycellulose with various degrees of substitution Triblock copolymers of acetylcellulose with various degrees of substitution and poly(decanolactone) (AcCelx-b-PDL-b-AcCelx) with various degrees of substitution. New thermoplastic elastomers containing cellulose The new thermoplastic elastomer is expected to be used as a new thermoplastic elastomer containing cellulose.
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We visited AIKI RioTech to conduct an experiment.
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The online edition of Nature, a comprehensive international scientific journal, has published an advertisement in the online edition of the magazine, "Focal Point on Bioplastics. Bacterial cellulose comes out of the woodwork" was published as part of the special feature project "Focal Point on Bioplastics" in the online edition of Nature, a comprehensive international scientific journal.
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Experiments were conducted in the laboratory of Mr. Kazuyoshi Murata at the Institute of Physiological Sciences, an Inter-University Research Institute.
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Dragon with "Kirara" No. 4, containing cellulose (nata de coco) synthesizing bacteria On April 18, the Kirara 4 cargo ship (SpX-27), carrying Kirara 4, a cellulose (nata de coco) synthesizing bacteria, left the International Space Station (ISS) on April 15. On April 18, Kirara 4 was launched to the Kennedy Space Center. After its arrival, we will analyze its products. The analysis of the products is scheduled to be performed after its arrival.
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The new academic year has started at the Biomolecular Chemistry Laboratory. We are pleased to announce that four new members have joined our lab, including Dr. Tsuyoshi Takayama from Kyushu University and B4 students. Let's work together as One Team to keep the lab running smoothly and injury-free throughout the year! Let's make our lab exciting with One Team and avoid injuries during the year!

The degree conferment ceremony (graduation ceremony) for the class of 2022 was held. Congratulations!

Kawabata (B4) received the Dean of Engineering Award. Congratulations!

Co-sponsored with the One Earth Guardians Development Program of the University of Tokyo , LUC Lecture "Art x The Potential of Biomaterials: Sustainable Manufacturing Made in Space, Destroyed in Space Sustainable Manufacturing Made in Space and Made to Rub Together in Space" was held at LUC. Associate Professor Tajima gave a lecture.

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March 15, 2023, 9:30 a.m. (Japan time),JAMSS (Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation) has announced that Kirara 4, a high-quality protein crystal production service, will be used for Space X's Dragon supply. Kirara No. 4, a high-quality protein crystal production service from JAMSS (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), has been installed on Space X's Dragon resupply ship No. 27 (SpX-27). Kirara 4, a high-quality protein crystal production service, was installed on Space X's Dragon supply ship 27 (SpX-27) ,was launched to the International Space Station (ISS).The next day, it docked to the ISS, and on March 18, it was loaded onto the ICE Cubes Facility of Space Applications Services, Inc. Space Applications Services' ICE Cubes Facility on March 18, and began experiments. After that, it will take about one month to synthesize bacterial cellulose. The experiment will take about one month to synthesize bacterial cellulose.

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Four new B4s have been assigned.

The results of our joint research with Prof. Kono of Tomakomai National College of Technology have been published in ACS Applied Nano Materials (IF=6.140). The cationization of quaternary ammonium salts into NFBCs has enabled their use as antimicrobial materials, nanofillers, and flocculants.

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.3c00616

Master students presented their thesis.

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Bachelor students presented their thesis.

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We had a bean-throwing ceremony👹

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The results of our joint research with Dr. Yamamoto in the Laboratory of Molecular Integrated Chemistry have been published in Polymers (IF=4.967). We synthesized cyclic poly(3-hexylthiophene)s with degrees of polymerization ranging from 14 to 43 and investigated their redox behavior due to their cyclic topology. redox behavior due to their cyclic topology. "Molecular Weight-Dependent Oxidation and Optoelectronic Properties of Defect-Free Macrocyclic Poly(3-hexylthiophene)"

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/3/666

The 57th Society of Polymer Science of Japan Hokkaido branch was held on January 23 and Kaneko(B4) won the Best Poster Award!

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The 7th Supporting Technology Exhibition and seminar for Agriculture & Fishery Industries was held on December 6,7. Prof. Tajima and PhD Takahama exhibited NFBC.

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UV-VIS spectrophotometer (UV-VIS) has been installed to our laboratory.

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2022 FUJINOKUNI CNF EXHIBITION was held on November 8. Prof. Tajima exhibited NFBC at the academic booth.

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The results of our joint research with Dr. Yamamoto in the Laboratory of Molecular Integrated Chemistry have been published in Polymers (IF=4.967).cyclic polymers provide better stability to AgNPs than linear polymers. cyclic polymers confer superior stability to AgNPs compared to linear polymers. In addition, the use of cyclic polyethylene glycol The use of cyclic polyethylene glycol has improved the colloidal stability of AgNPs, making it possible to use their high salt resistance for applications in biological systems. The use of cyclic polyethylene glycol has also improved colloidal stability, making it possible to use the high salt resistance in biological systems. "Size Control and Enhanced Stability of Silver Nanoparticles by Cyclic Size Control and Enhanced Stability of Silver Nanoparticles by Cyclic Poly(Ethylene Glycol)"

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.macromol.2c00656

The results of a joint research with the Macromolecular Chemistry Laboratory have been published in Macromolecules (IF= 6.057). Alkali metal carboxylates can be used as simple and efficient catalysts for ring-opening polymerization of epoxides and episulfides Alkali metal carboxylates can be used as simple and efficient catalysts for ring-opening polymerization of epoxides and episulfides to produce poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (TMB) and low dispersibility polyethers and polythioethers. "Polyether/Polythioether Synthesis via Ring-Opening Polymerization of Epoxides and Episulfides Catalyzed by Alkali Metal Carboxylates"

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/21/4535

Fibnano Plant (Ebetsu) was featured in Hokkaido newspaper on October 21.

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Hamidah(M2) completed her Master's degree.

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We visited the Fibnano plant of Kusano Sakko Inc. This plant can be produced 200t of NFBC per year.

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The results of joint research with the Macromolecular Chemistry Laboratory, with Dr. Isono as the first author, have been published in Biomacromolecules (IF= 6.978) with Dr. Isono as the first author. with Dr. Chen of National Tsinghua University Dr. Chen from National Tsinghua University and Dr. Borsali from CERMAV. Maltooligosaccharides and solanesols Microphase separation of monodisperse block copoligomers composed of maltooligosaccharides and solanesols has led to the development of a variety of nanoscale materials with carbohydrate microdomains. We have succeeded in constructing a variety of nanoscale morphologies with carbohydrate microdomains by microphase separation of maltooligosaccharides and solanesols. The results of this study are as follows. Nanomaterials with GYR, HPL, and Fddd network morphologies, as well as conventional LAM, HEX, and BCC, can now be accessed. nanomaterials with GYR, HPL, and Fddd network morphologies. "Tailored Solid-State Carbohydrate Nanostructures Based on Star-Shaped Discrete Block Co-Oligomers"

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00813

The results of a joint research project with the Polymer Chemistry Laboratory have been published in Polymer Chemistry ( IF=5.364). Hyperbranched polyesters (hyperbranched polyesters) by ring-opening alternating copolymerization of A new synthesis method of hyperbranched polyesters (HBPE) by ring-opening alternating copolymerization of epoxides and trimellitic anhydride catalyzed by cesium pivalerate has been developed. The method was developed. By appropriately selecting anhydrides, epoxides, and alcohol initiators, we have developed a new method for the synthesis of HBPEs with different backbone structures. by appropriately selecting anhydrides, epoxides, and alcohol initiators, a variety of HBPEs with different skeletal structures can be obtained. The versatility and simplicity of this method make it suitable for use as an additive or in biomedical applications. The versatility and convenience of the method may lead to a wide range of applications, such as additives and biomedical applications. The versatility and simplicity of HBPEs make them suitable for a wide range of applications including additives and biomedical applications.s "Synthesis of Hyperbranched Polyester via Ring-opening Alternating Copolymerisation of Epoxide with Cyclic Anhydride having a Carboxyl Group"

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2022/PY/D2PY00571A

37th Summer University in Hokkaido was held from 17th to 18th, August. Kugo(D2), Hamidah(M2), Oka(M2), and Tsujisaki(M2) gave poster presentations. Kugo and Tsujisaki got awarded for their poster presentations.

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Hamidah(M2) presented her thesis. Great job!

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29th The Cellulose Society of Japan Annual Meeting was held from 21st to 22nd, July in Kanazawa. Takahama(PhD), Kugo(D2), Hamidah(M2), and Tsujisaki(M2) gave poster presentations.

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New common space is available!

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A paper co-authored by Prof. Isono of laboratory of polymer chemistry has published an article to nanomaterials (MDPI) (IF=5.076). we propose the use of oligosaccharide and oligodimethylsiloxane as hydrophilic and etch-resistant hydrophobic inorganic blocks, respectively, to build up a novel BCP system. These BCPs microphase separated into gyroid, asymmetric lamellar, and symmetric lamellar structures with domain-spacing ranging from 5.0 to 5.9 nm. "Fabrication of Ultrafine, Highly Ordered Nanostructures Using Carbohydrate-Inorganic Hybrid Block Copolymers"

Hamidah (M2) has published an article to Composites Part A : Applied Science and Manufacturing (ELSEVIER) (IF=7.664). Succesful mechanical properties enhancement of neat polycaprolactone, PCL by grafting of monomer ε-CL from hydroxypropyl NFBC (HP-NFBC) as nanofiller. "Improving the mechanical properties of polycaprolactone using functionalized nanofibrillated bacterial cellulose with high dispersibility and long fiber length as a reinforcement material"

A paper co-authored by Prof. Yamamoto of laboratory of chemistry of molecular assemblies was published in Polymers (IF=4.329). "Topology and Sequence-Dependent Micellization and Phase Separation of Pluronic L35, L64, 10R5, and 17R4: Effects of Cyclization and the Chain Ends"

We grow succulents, cacti and pachira in our laboratory.

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A dynamic light scattering photometer (DLS) has been installed to our laboratory.

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4 bachelor students are working hard on experiments every day.

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The Biomolecular Chemistry Laboratory has been launched by Associate Professor Tajima, Associate Professor Tani, and Assistant Professor Fujiwara.

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