R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2023

Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group
Members (As of Apr. 2023)
Masayuki Inui, Group Leader, Chief Researcher
Haruhiko Teramoto, Associate Chief Researcher
Kazumi Hiraga, Associate Chief Researcher
Hajime Terasaki, Associate Chief Researcher
Masato Miyamoto, Associate Chief Researcher
Yuya Tanaka, Senior Researcher
Masako Suda, Senior Researcher
Yukihiro Kitade, Senior Researcher
Naoto Kato, Senior Researcher
Satoshi Hasegawa, Senior Researcher
Akira Watanabe, Senior Researcher
Takahisa Kogure, Senior Researcher
Takeshi Kubota, Senior Researcher
Kiyoshi Oi, Senior Researcher
Tetsu Shimizu, Researcher
Akiyoshi Higo, Researcher
Natalia Maria Theresia, Researcher
Norimasa Kashiwagi, Researcher
Jyumpei Kobayashi, Researcher
Ryoma Hashimoto, Researcher
Naoki Saruya, Researcher

Yuki Nozaki, Researcher
Dyah Candra Hapsari Subagyo, Researcher
Takafumi Shimizu, Researcher
Dita Grinanda, Researcher
Miyuki Shintaku, Researcher
Takayuki Kuroishikawa Researcher
Junko Watanabe, Assistant Researcher
Yuko Ikenaga, Assistant Researcher
Shoko Minakuchi, Assistant Researcher
Miyuki Nagamori, Assistant Researcher
Kae Naito, Assistant Researcher
Noriko Ikeda, Assistant Researcher
Kazuyo Yoneda, Assistant Researcher
Mayu Koizumi, Assistant Researcher
Junko Nishi, Assistant Researcher
Kayoko Mori, Assistant Researcher
Motomi Iwashima, Assistant Researcher
Kayo Yoshida, Assistant Researcher
Aya Okada, Assistant Researcher
Maki Faulkner, Assistant Researcher

Development of a Biorefinery Technology that Contributes to Carbon
Neutrality
1. Introduction

cells. Moreover, bioproduction of complex chemical

The global trend toward decarbonization is acceler-

structures containing a large number of carbon atoms

ating, and each country is actively implementing sup-are more competitive than alternative methods of gen-port for green research and development activities anderating these chemicals. At the 4th Conference for the

support for the introduction of advanced green tech-Realization of New Capitalism in March 2022, Prime

nologies. In October 2020, the Japanese government

Minister Kishida positioned "bio-manufacturing" as one

declared that Japan would be "Carbon Neutral byof the five fields of science, technology, and innovation

2050," and therefore aims to reduce greenhouse gasthat will be target for intensive investment in the future.

emissions to net zero by 2050. Because bioprocess

At the conference, it was also stated that "'bio-manu-

manufacturing proceeds under normal temperature

facturing' will be promoted as a research field that canand pressure conditions, CO2 emissions are expected topursue both solutions to the problem of global warm-

be lower than for comparable chemical processes,

ing and economic growth."

which are manufactured under high temperature and

Rapid progress has been made in recent years, in bi-high pressure conditions. In addition, unlike chemicalotechnology, synthetic biology, genome editing tech-processes, "bio-manufacturing" generally involves syn-nology, and in similar scientific fields. Furthermore,thetic processes involving multi-step reactions withintechnological innovation in “bio-digital technology,” a35

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2023

fusion of biotechnology with (digital) information tech-value-added fragrances, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fi-nologies (i.e., internet of things, IoT, and artificial intel-

bers, and polymers. (see Chapter 3).

ligence, AI) are also developing at a rapid pace. The an-

In addition, to develop new technologies—and to

ticipated “bio-digital technology” will accelerate the so-

integrate biotechnology and digital technology—wecial implementation of “bio-manufacturing” that canparticipated in the New Energy and Industrial Technol-

convert a wide range of raw materials, including petro-ogy Development Organization (NEDO) “Smart Cell”

leum, biomass resources, and even atmospheric CO2. It

project, the Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Pro-is therefore expected to make a significant contribution

motion Program (SIP), and the NEDO “Bio-Manufactur-to achieving carbon-neutrality and/or carbon-negativ-ing” project. We also promote research and develop-

ity.

ment, for example, by using "Smart Cell Creation techGiven this background, and with the aim of helping

nologies" to improve the efficiency of biosynthesis andthe global environment and the economy to coexist,

the production processes for highly functional chemi-

our group has been developing biorefineries. A biore-cals that are difficult to produce using conventional syn-finery is a biofuel and green chemical production tech-thesis methods. In July 2022, a project to demonstrate

nology that uses renewable resources (e.g., biomass) as

and commercialize the production of fragrances and ca-a raw material for processing by microorganisms. We

rotenoids in collaboration with private companies using

have observed that coryneform bacteria (a typical in-"Smart Cell Creation technologies" was adopted as a

dustrial microorganism) show suppressed growth un-

NEDO bio-manufacturing demonstration project. We

der reducing (anaerobic) conditions, but they maintainare also participating in the NEDO Moonshot Projectnormal metabolic function. Under such conditions,and are working on research and development of ma-these bacteria can metabolize saccharides to produce

rine-degradable multi-lock biopolymers produced us-organic acids and related compounds efficiently. We

ing non-food biomass (see Chapter 4).

therefore developed a growth-arrested bioprocess

In this overview, we first explain our core technology,

called the “RITE Bioprocess.” In addition, we have estab-i.e., the "RITE Bioprocess," as well as our new core tech-lished the essential technologies for industrial imple-

nologies, i.e., "Smart Cell Creation technologies." Next,

mentation of this process, as shown in the "complete

we introduce the development results we will target us-

simultaneous use of mixed sugar derived from non-ing these. We then describe national projects based onfood biomass" and "high resistance to fermentation in-innovation in "bio-digital technologies,” which have

hibitors" sections (see Chapter 2).

made remarkable progress in recent years. Finally, com-Using these technologies, we seek to develop themercialization efforts are introduced.

world’s most highly efficient process for producing biofuel products, including ethanol, isobutanol, and biohy-

2. The core technologies of RITE

drogens, among others, and green chemicals, including

2.1 “RITE Bioprocess”

lactic acid, succinic acid, alanine, valine, tryptophan, shi-

RITE Bioprocess, developed by our group, is a pro-kimic acid, protocatechuic acid, 4-aminobenzoic acid,prietary technology that enables highly efficient pro-and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Currently, we focus on theduction of biofuels and green chemicals such as amino

development of production technologies for aromatic

acids and aromatic compounds (Fig. 1). The three fea-

compounds, which are used as raw materials for highertures of RITE Bioprocess are described below (for details,

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R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Groupsee RITE Today 2022).

RITE Today 2023

utilization rate of C5 sugars to that of C6 sugars by introducing a C5 sugar transporter gene in addition to a
C5 sugar metabolism gene (Fig. 3). This has enabled full
simultaneous utilization of C5 & C6 sugars and efficientutilization of cellulosic (non-food biomass) materials.

Fig. 1 Biorefinery concept using the “RITE Bioprocess”

2.1.1. Feature 1: Growth-arrested bioprocess
Anaerobic conditions and the removal of factors essential for proliferation allow the desired series of reactions to take place even when cell proliferation is arrested (Fig. 2). That is, nutrients and energy previously
used for propagation can now be used for the production of the target substance. This has made it possible
to use microbial cells extremely efficiently like a chemical catalyst, realizing a bioprocess with high productiv-

Fig. 3 Feature 2 of the “RITE Bioprocess”

ity equal to or greater than that of ordinary chemical(Simultaneous usage of mixed sugars)

processes.
2.1.3. Feature 3: High tolerance to fermentation inhibitors
RITE Bioprocess has demonstrated high resistanceto fermentation inhibitors because the microorganisms
do not proliferate as described above (Fig. 4). Therefore,
it can be applied to the use of saccharification solutions
containing various fermentation inhibitors, and even to
the production of fermentation inhibitors.

Fig. 2 Feature 1 of the “RITE Bioprocess”(Growth-arrested bioprocess)2.1.2. Feature 2: Complete simultaneous use of C5 andC6 mixed sugars
Most non-food biomass (cellulosic biomass) is composed of a mixture of C5 sugars such as xylose andarabinose and C6 sugars such as glucose.
Our group has succeeded in increasing the

Fig. 4 Feature 3 of the “RITE Bioprocess”(High tolerance to fermentation inhibitors)

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R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group

2.2. New core technologies of RITE

RITE Today 2023

2.2.2. Continuous reaction system

In recent years, biotechnology has become more so-

Our group has developed biotechnological processes

phisticated, and new applications of IT and AI technol-

for the production of various compounds. During thisogy are becoming more common. In multiple national

development, we found that production can cease due

projects, we have collaborated with universities, re-to the cytotoxicity caused by the accumulation of thesearch institutes, and companies to design and breed

target compound itself in the reaction solution. For ex-“biological cells with highly functionally designed andample, the production of catechol, which is under de-controlled functional expression” so-called smart cells

velopment in both the NEDO Smart Cell Project and the(see Chapter 4). Some of these new and useful technol-

NEDO Bio-Manufacturing Project, generated sufficientogies are introduced below.

cytotoxicity to cease production when using a conventional batch method. Therefore, in order to avoid cyto-

2.2.1. Smart Cell Creation technologies

toxicity and maximize high production, we constructed

In general, a “Smart Cell" is a finely designed cell ina continuous reaction system that can selectively re-which protein and RNA expression is controlled by ge-

move and recover the target compound from the reac-

netic modifications. More specifically, our group referstion system. For example, by constructing a continuous

to cells whose functions have been designed using

reaction system that combines resin adsorption andcutting-edge information analysis technology and bi-

membrane separation (shown in Fig. 6). When we ap-

otechnology to maximize the production of target ma-

plied it to catechol production, we achieved a very highterials as “Smart Cells.”

catechol yield.

The technologies that efficiently create smart cells
are called "smart cell creation technologies" or "smart
cell design systems" (Fig. 5). Our group has participated in the NEDO Smart Cell Project (2016-2020) andthe NEDO Bio-Manufacturing Project (2020-ongoing)
and has developed these technologies. We have also
demonstrated the effectiveness of these technologies
by developing highly productive C. glutamicum strains.
Fig. 6 A continuous reaction system using
membrane separation and resin adsorption

2.3. Substances produced by the “RITE Bioprocess”
Fig. 7 shows some of the substances that are currently produced in high quantities by our group. As
Fig. 5 Smart Cell Creation technologies

mentioned above, this process has resulted in highest
recorded production yields for many materials. We are
expanding from ethanol and biohydrogen to butanol
and high-performance bio-jet fuel. We have also expanded from L-lactic acid, D-lactic acid, and amino acids

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R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Groupto high-performance chemicals, including green chemicals that contain aromatic compounds.

RITE Today 2023

3.2. Biohydrogen
Hydrogen is a key energy carrier for realizing carbon
neutrality because (i) its combustion generates only water; (ii) it can be produced from diverse energy sources,
including renewables; (iii) it can be stored in large quantities for long periods; and (iv) it can be distributed andused for power generation, transportation, and industrial processes. However, current-generation hydrogenproduction processes use fossil fuels as a feedstock andtherefore present problematic levels of CO2 emissions.
Therefore, a Basic Hydrogen Strategy was drawn up at
the Ministerial Council meeting on Renewable Energy,

Fig. 7 Substances produced using the “RITE Bioprocess”

Hydrogen, and Related Issues in 2017. This conference
noted the importance of developing innovative tech-

3. Target product development

nologies for CO2-free hydrogen production to build a

3.1. Bio-jet fuelshydrogen society over the medium to long term (i.e., byStarting from ethanol (C2) or butanol (C4), jet fuel2050). Moreover, hydrogen strategies have been devel-(C9-C15) can be produced via chemical conversion.

oped in many countries around the world. For example,

Given the importance of replacing crude oil products

the US Department of Energy launched the “Energy

with plant-derived raw materials for reducing CO2 emis-

Earthshots Initiative,” in which the first “Hydrogen Shot”

sions from aircraft, industry groups are accelerating ef-

was set as a challenging goal, i.e., reducing the cost offorts to produce bio-jet fuels from plant-derived bio-

CO2-free hydrogen by 80% within one decade. Regard-

ethanol or biobutanol. Jet fuel made from bioethanol oring the promising CO2-free hydrogen production path-biobutanol is called ATJ (“Alcohol to Jet”) fuel. Such fuels

ways, fermentative hydrogen production from bio-

have been approved by the American Society for Test-

mass/waste has been under development, as has large-

ing and Materials (ASTM) and can be used for commer-

scale hydrogen production in combination with CCUS

cial flights.

from fossil resources and water electrolysis using re-

Our group has developed a highly efficient bioetha-

newables.

nol and biobutanol production process using the RITE

Fermentative hydrogen production using microbial

Bioprocess. Moreover, this process is the world's mostfunctions (biohydrogen production) can be a sustaina-

productive for the bioproduction of ethanol and isobu-

ble CO2-free hydrogen production technology of thetanol.

future, but a great increase in productivity is needed to

In the future, we will further optimize the RITE Bio-establish an economically feasible biohydrogen pro-

process technology, integrate it with other elemental

duction technology. The key to achieving this is the cre-technologies, and utilize various non-edible raw mate-ation of highly efficient hydrogen-producing microor-rials. Ultimately, we aim to commercially produce jetganisms through advanced biotechnology. Our groupfuel from bioethanol and biobutanol.

has developed a biohydrogen production process witha very high production rate (i.e., max 300 L H2/h/L). This

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R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2023

process uses the formate-mediated dark fermentative

production processes. Bacterial cells can synthesize var-hydrogen production pathway. Building on thisious aromatic compounds, including amino acids (i.e.,achievement, our group is now working on improving

phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan), folate (vita-hydrogen yield from biomass-derived sugars by inte-

min B9), and coenzyme Q, all of which are derived fromgration with photofermentation (Fig. 8). We have en-

the shikimate pathway. Therefore, by employing thehanced a heterologously expressed hydrogen produc-

metabolically engineered C. glutamicum, our grouption pathway that can utilize the excess reducing power

successfully established a highly efficient bioprocess for

not utilized in the formate-mediated dark fermentative

producing the aromatic compounds from non-foodhydrogen production pathway, and have also suc-feedstocks. These include shikimate, an essential build-ceeded in establishing a photofermentative hydrogening block of the anti-influenza drug Tamiflu; 4-amino-

producing microorganism by engineering regulators ofbenzoate, the building block of a potentially usefulhydrogen metabolism, carbon storage, and acetate me-functional polymer; and aromatic hydroxy acids, having

tabolism.

potential applications in the polymer, pharmaceutical,
cosmetic, adhesive material, and flavor (vanillin) industries.
Since 2022, our group has also participated in the
NEDO “Bio-Manufacturing” project with Takasago International Corporation. We are driving development of an"industrial smart cell" that can produce rose fragrance
and a bioproduction system that can avoid microbial inhibition derived from fragrance materials (Fig. 9).

Fig. 8 Metabolic engineering of dark fermentative andFig. 9 Production of rose fragrance material

photofermentative hydrogen-producing microorganisms

3.3. Green-aromatic compounds
Aromatic compounds are essential industrial chemicals for synthesizing polymers and various value-added
chemicals for use in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical,
flavor, cosmetic, and food industries. Although they are
currently derived from petroleum or natural plant resources, environmentally friendly biotechnological production from renewable feedstocks is desirable to create a sustainable society that is no longer dependent on
petroleum resources and but maintains highly efficient

4. Fundamental technology development (national projects)
4.1. NEDO Bio-Manufacturing Project
We are developing Next-generation production
technologies for the foundation of the bio-manufacturing industry in the "Development of bio-derived product production technology that accelerates the realization of carbon recycling" (NEDO Bio-Manufacturing
Project).
Bio-based material production is expected to saveenergy relative to conventional chemical processes. In

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R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2023

addition, the use of biomass as a raw material instead

4.2. NEDO Moonshot-type R&D Project （Developmentof fossil resources can greatly contribute to the realiza-of Multi-lock Biopolymers Degradable in Ocean fromtion of a carbon recycling society.

Non-food Biomasses）

During the predecessor of this project, "Develop-

The project is carrying out research and develop-

ment of Production Techniques for Highly Functional Bi-

ment to introduce a "multi-lock mechanism" for plastic

omaterials Using Plants and Other Organisms" (NEDO

degradation. In other words, multiple stimuli such as

Smart Cell Project), our group—in collaboration withlight, heat, oxygen, water, enzymes, microorganisms,

universities, research institutes and companies—devel-

and catalysts should be required to trigger for start

oped technologies to design and construct Smart Cells.

degradation, but prevent degradation and maintain du-

We then demonstrated the effectiveness of these tech-rability and toughness when in use, and when acci-

nologies by constructing hyper producer cells in a shortdentally dispersed in the marine environment, theperiod of time. To further promote the social implemen-multi-lock mechanism is unlocked to enable fast on-de-tation of Smart Cells, the Bio-Manufacturing Project will

mand degradation.

develop production process technologies including upscaling and purification.

Products targeted for practical application in thisproject include tires and textiles, which generate sec-

Our group has been participating in this project,ondary fine debris when used, as well as plastic bottles,

which started in 2020, from the first year, and is devel-fishing nets and fishing tackle that contribute to ghost

oping new technologies to solve the problems associ-fishing, all of which have a negative impact on the en-ated with the practical application of biomanufacturingvironment due to runoff into the ocean.

technologies (Fig. 10).

In FY2022, our research group successfully

In FY2022, we promoted the development of newachieved high production of several monomers re-technologies to help overcome product toxicity. In ad-

quested by some companies by designing artificial met-

dition, we developed information analysis technologies

abolic pathways, constructing high production strains,to determine optimal components of culture media.

and testing production conditions. In the future, we aim

This year, we will develop other useful technologies andto further increase of the production titer through mod-verify their effectiveness. We aim to accelerate the social

ification of the artificial metabolic pathway. In FY2022,

implementation of bio-derived products through thewe succeeded in improving the production concentra-

development of these technologies.

tion of plastic-degrading enzymes by introducing mutations, and achieved remarkable improvement of functionality. In the future, we aim to conduct research anddevelopment, including the development of technology
to artificial control for the timing of the starting point ofdegradation of multi-locked plastics (development of
new technology utilizing degradation enzymes).
(The HP of the project can be found at:

Fig. 10 Social implementation of bio-derived products

http://www.moonshot.k.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/index.html).

using Smart Cell Creation technologies

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R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2023

response to market desire—using monomers bio-synthesized from biomass and other cheap raw materials.
To date, ultra-high heat-resistant polymers and polymers used as battery materials have been successfully
developed (Fig. 12). In order to design monomer biosynthetic pathways for constructing such polymers, ourFig. 11 Marine-degradable multi-lock biopolymers

group, in conjunction with external research groups, hasfabricated from non-food biomass

been developing and validating technologies for improving enzymatic function. We have focused on en-

4.3. The Cross-ministerial strategic innovation promo-

zymes involved in the biosynthesis of monomer sub-tion program (SIP)

strates underlying polymers of interest. In greater detail,(Development of biomonomers for high-performance

we are developing technologies for the efficient selec-

plastics)

tion of promising enzyme mutants from the activity

In bio-based material production, production ofdata of many mutant enzymes using machine learning.

the target compound is made possible by a successfully

We are also developing technologies for discovering

constructing a specific biosynthetic pathway for thatnovel enzymes possessing desired functions based oncompound. Biosynthetic pathways are constructed us-

enzyme amino acid sequence data. These techniques

ing multiple enzymes, and the starting compound or

have allowed us to improve the substrate specificity of

substrate is converted via enzymatic reaction to a bio-target enzymes and enhance activity. In 2022, not only

compound, which in turn becomes the substrate for thewere we able to increase productivity by metabolic en-

next enzyme and undergoes conversion. More thangineering and optimization of culture conditions, but

8000 enzymatic reactions are currently known, and by

we also produced monomers from a biomass-derived

combining these in specific ways, biosynthetic pathways

raw material provided by the collaborative consortium

are improved and expanded.

as a substrate. Moreover, we are verifying the effective-

RITE is participating in the theme “Technologies forness of enzyme modification technology by targeting a

Smart Bio-industry and Agriculture” of the SIP, a joint

new enzyme involved in the biosynthetic pathway for

program between industry, academia, and the govern-

aromatic diamine.

ment designed to apply findings from basic research forpractical and industrial applications beyond the scopeof government ministries and traditional disciplines.
The goal of this project is to realize a sustainably growing society and is made possible by manufacturing
technologies that employ bio-capabilities developed byfusing biotechnology and digital resources.
Our group participates in the consortium “Development of Technologies for Functional Design and Production of Innovative Biomaterials.” This consortium

Fig. 12 Synthesis of developing monomers and polymers

aims to synthesize polymers with new functions—infor polymer applications

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R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2023

5. Future industrialization of our technologies
5.1. Green Chemicals Co., Ltd. (GCC)(Head Office ・ Laboratory: in Kyoto headquarters,
RITE; Shizuoka Laboratory: in Shizuoka plant, Sumitomo
Bakelite Co., Ltd.)(Click here for GCC)In February 2010, The Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE) established the"Green Phenol and High Performance Phenolic Resin
Production Technology Research Association" (GP Association) with and Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd. to develop fundamental technologies related to phenol production and phenolic resin production through the application of bioprocesses that use cellulosic raw materials (non-food biomass).
In May 2014, the GP Association reorganized as"Green Phenol Development Co., Ltd." (GPD). This was
the first example of demutualization of a technology research association.
In April 2018, given that GPD's technology is capableof producing useful compounds in parallel with phenol
production, the trade name of Green Phenol Development Corporation was changed to Green Chemicals Co.,
Ltd., (GCC).
Since GCC's phenol-producing technology andknowledge apply to the production of various other aromatic compounds (Fig. 13), we are developing a bioprocess for other high value-added chemicals and commercializing products that meet customer needs.
We are also making active use of non-food biomass
resources. One of the candidate feedstocks we are focusing on is the squeezed residue (extra-liquid fractions) of orange juice lees. We are currently studying thepotential use of various non-food biomass resourcesthat have not yet received significant attention.

Fig. 13 Major product lineup of Green Chemicals Co., Ltd.

5.2. Green Earth Institute Co., Ltd. (GEI)(Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan; ResearchInstitute: Kisarazu City, Chiba, Japan. Mobara City, Chiba,
Japan)(Click here for GEI homepage)
GEI is a RITE-launched venture company establishedon September 1, 2011, to facilitate the quick commercialization of research results based on the RITE Bioprocess (described above). GEI is currently conducting joint
research and commercialization activities with RITE torealize the practical uses of green chemicals and biofuel
production technologies manufactured using microorganisms.
From August 2021, as a member of the core of theGreater Tokyo Biocommunity, as well as the global biotechnology community, GEI is implementing a bio
foundry project (i.e., a NEDO-commissioned business)to build a biorefinery technology platform. This is in linewith a cornerstone of the government's biotechnology
strategy.
The company was listed on the TSE Mothers in December 2021. (Due to the revision of the Tokyo Stock
Exchange's market divisions on April 4, 2022, the nameof the listed financial exchange after that day will be theTokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market.)43

R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Group

Currently, we are working with GEI to realize com-

RITE Today 2023

6. Closing remarks

mercial production of a different type of amino acid,

In recent years, due to the development of “bio-dig-based on the successful commercial scale production ofital technology” and accompanying research methodol-

amino acids.

ogies, the efficiency of smart cell development has dra-In addition to this, we are working together to de-matically improved, mainly related to the national pro-velop other chemicals that can be used as raw materials

jects introduced in Chapter 4. Moreover, efforts related

for bioplastics and biodegradable resins, with the aim

to smart cell production demonstration have been car-of realizing bio-production that contributes to sustain-ried out, improving their social implementation. As a re-able development, as well as marketing for commercial-sult, a new industry (i.e., the smart cell industry) is being

ization and scaling up for mass production.

created. This is expected to have a large ripple effectnot only on the energy sector but also in industrial sec-

5.3. Joint research with companies

tors related to manufacturing (Fig. 14).

In response to requests from companies, we are

In 2023, our group will continue research and devel-

conducting joint research on the production of many

opment related to the production of green chemicals

substances other than the biofuels and green chemicals.

including aromatic compounds and the production of

For example, we are conducting a joint research andbiofuels such as biohydrogen. We will use the above-

development project with Harima Chemicals, Inc. as amentioned "RITE Bioprocess" and "Smart Cell Creation

NEDO-commissioned project regarding the develop-

Technologies," and will participate in national projects

ment and demonstration of a mass production system

and joint research with companies. Furthermore, we

for highly absorbent natural carotenoids.

would like to contribute to the realization of carbon

We are also collaborating with Takasago International Corporation, again with support from NEDO, toneutrality by developing practical production technologies at scale.

demonstrate a rose fragrance production system using
a continuous flow isolation method and a growth-arrested bioprocess.
We are also conducting joint research projects withmany other companies, but it is not possible to introduce them all in detail here. In many of these cases, torealize early commercialization, research and development can be used to convert one of the company's
products (i.e., substances currently derived from fossil
resources) to a bio-derived version. In addition, we areconducting multiple medium- to long-term research

Fig. 14 Fusion of industrial/energy fields impacted

and development projects to identify processes to gen-by new bio and digital technologies

erate bio-derived versions of the major products ofthese partner companies.

Since the “2050 carbon neutral” declaration in October 2020, inquiries from companies have increased, andthe number of joint research projects with companies

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R&D Activities ● Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology GroupRITE Today 2023

has also increased. However, our group continues tolook for new research partner companies, in addition to
those introduced in Chapter 5, Section 3. We also notethe possibility that compounds that are difficult to produce in microorganisms can be manufactured in combination with other technologies, as in the abovementioned aromatic compound example. Therefore, if there
is a compound that you want to make bio-derived,
please contact us.
※ “RITE Bioprocess” is a registered trademark of RITE.

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