Deproteinization and Chemical Modification of Natural Rubber
Name

Yoko Aoyama

E-maily-aoyama@numazu-ct.ac.jp

Job Title

Professor

DegreePh.D.

Academic Society and Association

Chemical Modification, Functionalization of Polymeric Materials, Natural

Research Keywords
Technical Fields andpossible for collaboration

American Chemical Society
The Chemical Society of JapanThe Society of Polymer Science, Japan
Japan Research Institute of Material Technology
RubberTopics・・

Deproteinization process of natural rubber
Chemical modification of polymers

Details of the Research Theme
We are focusing on development of deproteinization process of natural rubber (NR) to decrease the allergy concern andchemical modification of NR to obtain the novel functional properties.

Natural rubber (NR) is a highly valuable commercial biopolymer made from Hevea brasiliensis latex. It is mostly
composed of cis-1,4-polyisoprene and trace amounts of non-rubber components, such as proteins, carbohydrates, andlipids. Natural rubber is used and cannot be replaced by synthetic alternatives in various applications including
automotive/aircraft tires, medical devices, countless engineering and consumer products. Over the past years, however,concerns over allergic reactions related to some proteins present in natural rubber latex have been publicized.
We collaborate with chemical scientists and engineers in academia and industry to drive these research projects on natural
rubber.

deproteinization

Chemicalmodification

purificationn(1) Developing deproteinization process of natural rubber using microfiltration
Denaturation of natural rubber protein was made by incubation of high ammonium natural rubber latex (HA-NR)
with urea in the presence of surfactant. We are interested in microfiltration as a removal process of denatured andwater soluble hevein protein from rubber latex other than centrifugal separation.
(2) Chemical modification of natural rubber
We are studying the chain end modification of cis-1,4-polyisoprene from natural rubber to obtain the uniquetelechelic polymers.

Synthesis and Characterization of modified Imogolite
Name
Job Title

OOKAWA Masashi
Professor

Academic Society and Association
Research Keywords
Technical Fields andpossible for collaboration

E-mailmokawa@numazu-ct.ac.jp

DegreeDoctor of Science"The Clay Society of Japan", "Society of computer
chemistry, JAPAN", The chemical society of JAPANImogolite, Nanotubes, Oxidation Catalyst

Topics・・・

analysis using solid state NMR
analysis using FT-IR, XRD and Laser Raman
molecular simulation

Details of the Research Theme
Application for new oxidation catalyst
Synthesis of new nano-scale materials
Imogolite is a naturally occurring, aluminosilicate clay mineral with typical chemical compositionof (OH)3Al2O3SiOH. The tubular structure of imogolite proposed by Cradwick et al. is shown in Fig. 1.
The tube wall consists of a single continuous gibbsite sheet and orthosilicate anions. The imogolite has
an outer diameter of ca. 2 nm and an inner diameter of 1 nm. The FE-SEM image of synthetic imogoliteis shown in Fig. 2. The fibrous morphology was observed. Recently we synthesized Fe-containing imogoliteusing the modified method reported by Suzuki et al.
It was shown that the synthetic material played as catalyst to synthesize phenol from benzene with H2O2.

Fig.1 Structure model of Imogolite

Fig.2 FE-SEM image of synthetic imogolite

Heterogeneous Catalysis for Environmental
Conscious Applications
Name

INAZU Koji

E-mailkinazu@numazu-ct.ac.jp

Job Title

Professor

DegreeDoctor of Engineering

Academic Society and
Association

Chemical Society of Japan, American Chemical
Society, Catalysis Society of Japan, the Japan
Petroleum Institute, Japan Zeolite Association
Heterogeneous catalysis, Supported metal catalyst, Ammonia,
Renewable energy, Hydrogen, Abatement of environmental pollutants.

Research Keywords
Technical Fields and Topics
possible for collaboration

・

Chemical conversion of variety of compounds for utilization of energy
and for environmental protection.

Outline of the Research
Toward novel heterogeneous reactions at solid-gas and/or solid-liquid interfaces, unique and original solid
catalysts have been developed in our research group.
In development of environmental benign processes both in energy utilization and in production/abatement ofartificial chemicals, catalysts play a crucial role by serving new reaction pathways with lower activation energy.
In our research group, variety of solid catalysts especially supported metal catalysts are prepared and examined forsuch processes. Recent activities are of great relation to so-called energy carrier for utilizing renewable energy.
Our current specific target is ammonia, which is well-known fundamental chemicals with huge production mass
worldwide, as an energy carrier for renewable energy. Hydrogen can be produced by electrolysis of water poweredby solar voltaic or wind power generation. Nitrogen is also able to be obtained by various separation techniques suchas cryogenic or membrane ones. Although feeding pressure and rate of such reactants, i.e. H2 and N2, are fluctuating
upon a change in the weather, our original ruthenium, iron, and cobalt based catalysts can work even under theconditions drastically different from conventional industrial ammonia synthesis conditions. Moreover, taking such
advantages of our catalysts, we have been trying to adopt the catalyst as a key device to prevent the boiling-water

Novel Ammonia Synthesis

nuclear reactors from tragic hydrogen explosion upon such a severe accident caused by hectic earthquake.

3H2 + N2
H2 removal upon severe accident
in boiling-water reactor(BWR)
H2 removal via
conversion to NH3

Catalyst

2NH3

Energy Carrier
Transportation of“energy” as liquidammonia

Poping H2

BWR
Zr + 2H2O → 2H2 + ZrO2Preventing explosion
by pressure relief

Hydrogen originatedfrom renewable energy
2H2O → 2H2 + O2

Comsumer sites

Sufficiently Active Catalyst under the conditions
drastically different from conventional processes.

Ｓｕｌｆｕｒ ａｍｉｎｏ ａｃｉｄ ｍｅｔａｂｏｌｉｓｍ ｉｎ ｆｉｓｈ
Name
Job Title

GOTO Takanobu
Professor

E-mailgoto@numazu-ct.ac.jp

DegreePh.D in Biochemistry

Academic Society and Association

The Japanese Society of Fisheries Science

Research Keywords

Fish, Metabolism, Sulfur amino acids, Taurine,

Technical Fields andpossible for collaboration

Topics・・・Enzyme assay
Amino acid analysis
High performance liquid chromatography

Details of the Research ThemeAs demonstrated in previous many reports, some fish, especially marine fish require taurine for its maintenanceof normal physiological condition such as prevention of green liver syndrome and best growth performance.
However, it is still uncertain that why and how fish produce taurine in its body although the biosynthetic
capacities and ways of this amino acid are different among the fish species. Until now, it seems that fresh water
fish has higher capacity to produce taurine compared to marine fish and common carp has a peculiar way tobiosynthesize this amino acid. Many unsolved questions concerning taurine biosynthesis still have been existed
in fish.
In order to answer the questions, we are going to establish suitable methods to measure enzyme activities
about sulfur amino acid metabolism including taurine biosynthesis in fish. In mammals, taurine is thought tobe produced from cysteine in various ways and organs. Our research data will give an additional information
about the metabolic and physiological difference of sulfur amino acids between mammals and fish and theseinformation will be useful in developing new fish feed in future.

Recovery of unused resources from biomass waste
and production of useful substances
Name

TAKEGUCHI Masayuki

E-mailtakeguch@numazu-ct.ac.jp

Job Title

Professor

DegreeDoctor (Engineering)

顔写真

Academic Society

The Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan ， The Chemicaland Association

Society of Japan, The Society for Biotechnology, Japan

Research Keywords
Technical Fields andTopics possible forcollaboration

Biomass,

Socialcirculating

system,Environmentallyconscious

technology,

Wastewater treatment technology
・・・・Technology to recover unused resources from biomass waste
Production of useful substances from biomass waste using microorganisms
Zero-emission technologies for establishment of recycling-oriented society
Substance production using microorganisms from biogas (methane)

Details of the Research Theme
Our laboratory is developing technology to recover unused resources from biomass waste (such as proteins, sugars,
methane, etc.) discharged from the industrial and agricultural fields, and to convert them into useful substances. As an
example, technology for recovering glucose resources from paper waste which is shown below.

Recycle paper

Paper mill

Used paper

Electron micrograph
×100

Paper sludge

OH

Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture

OH
O

O
HO

1 million tons a year

O

HO
O

O
OH

OH

Cellulose fiberOH

E n z ym at i c
S a cc h ar i f i c at i o n

OH
HO
O

O
O
HO

Cellulase

O
O

OH

OH
O
HO
HO

OH

OH

Glucose

Fuel

Industrial
products

OH

Development of Health Beneficial Foods
Name

YOSHINO Kyoji

E-mailk-yoshino@numazuct.ac.jp

Job Title

Professor

DegreeDoctor of Pharmacy

Academic Society and Association
Research Keywords
Technical Fields andpossible for collaboration

Society for free radical research JAPAN, The
Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, etc.
Food, Nutrition, Antioxidant, Lifestyle disease, Immunology

Topics・Evaluation of health beneficial effects, such as antioxidant activity andprevention activity on Lifestyle diseases, of foods by in vitro andin vivo experimental methods
・Analysis of active components including polyphenols in health beneficial
foods.

Details of the Research Theme
Mainly, we evaluate the health beneficial functions of food ingredients. We also receive requests for surveys on
specific ingredients or functions.
Recently, increases in the incidence of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and allergies are social problems. To
prevent these diseases by using the foods we ordinary ingest, we have evaluated the health beneficial effects ofsome food ingredients by in vitro and in vivo experimental methods. Currently, we are investigating some foodmaterials that could suppress oxidative stress, inflammations, and excessive intakes of sugar and lipids. Unlike
the development of pharmaceuticals, in the case of functional foods, it is thought to be desirable for us that many
foods showing the same health beneficial effects are found, because our dietary life will be enriched by the variationof available foods. Therefore, we are conducting research with the goal of finding more food ingredients withsimilar health beneficial effects.
The image of health beneficial foods and the active components

Functions of foods（more functional foods, more desirable)

1st function：Nutrition for life support
2nd function：Senses such as taste and fragrance
3rd function：Regulation of physiological functions
Functional foods
・Physical rhythm adjustment : nerves, digestive tract, etc.
・Biological defense : immunity, allergies, etc.
・Disease prevention : diabetes, hypertension, tumor, etc.
・Disease recovery
・Aging prevention : oxidative stress, inflammation, etc.
・・Plant breeding science and cytogenetics
Name

Furukawa Kazumi

E-mailfurukawa@numazu-ct.ac.jp

Job Title

Associate professor

DegreePh.D. Arg.

顔写真

Academic Society and Association

Society of plant breeding,, Chromosome science

Research Keywords

Plant cell、tissue and organ culture, Chromosome analysis, Transformation

Technical Fields andpossible for collaboration

Topics・・・Somatic embryogenesis induction in tea plant
Chromosome analysis by Fluorescent in situ hybridization
Transformation by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation
bombardment transformationor

Details of the Research ThemeTea plant breeding for sustainable agriculture and human life
The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) has unique functional components such as caffeine, catechin, theanine and so on in
the leaves. Green tea is an important part of the Japanese cuisine. Japanese cuisine has been listed to the world
intangible cultural heritage. And then our aim of research is to produce new tea cultivar.
Thus it is necessary the transformation technique as tools for understanding metabolic pathway. And in vitro culture
technique is essential for transformation.
Our research themes are like below.
(1) Genetic transformation technique of tea plant
We have been experimenting with which of the two experimental systems
is suitable for tea.
・Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system
・Particle bombardment system(2) in vitro tissue or organ culture
As the transformation materials, somatic embryos have been induced
via cotyledon culture.
(3) Chromosome analysis using fluorescence in situ hybridization
After transformation, foreign gene locus should be detectedon the chromosome. Thus each chromosome identification has been examinedusing fluorescence probes.

(Optional)

Produce science education material

Plant material is good for education. We have been produced science education materials
and programs. For example, program of protoplasts isolation from vegetables andobservation for junior high school students.

Study on shaft rotation and ion transport of ATP synthase
Name

MITOME Noriyo

E-mailmitome@numazu-ct.ac.jp

Job Title

Associate Professor

DegreePh.D., Science, P.E. Jp

Japanese
Academic Society and Association

Biochemical

Society,Thebiophysicalsociety of Japan, The Institution of Professional
Engineers, Japan

Research Keywords
Technical Fields andpossible for collaboration

ATP synthase, fish vaccine, Volvox
Topics・・・

Purification and analysis of membrane protein
Biochemical analysis of protein
Genetic engineering

Details of the Research Theme
Purification and analysis of membrane protein, such as ATP synthase using biochemical technique and genetic
engineering.

I am studying protein functions using biochemical and genetic engineering
techniques. We have been studying the functions of ATP synthase, using genetic
recombination technology and biochemical techniques. I am a Professional
Engineer in Japan (biological engineering) and can cooperate in fields such as
expression of various proteins using genetic engineering, development of
purification methods, measurement of enzyme activity, and chemical modificationof proteins.
ATP synthase, which is the main research target, is an important enzyme thatexists widely from bacteria to mitochondria of eukaryotic cells and chloroplasts ofplants and is widely involved in the synthesis of ATP. This enzyme is known to bea rotating molecular motor that synthesizes ATP by rotating the shaft by theenergy of the flow of proton. The rotating shaft of ATP synthase is formed fromseveral proton-binding proteins. I succeeded in producing an active ATP synthasewhich has 10 proton-binding proteins as a rotating shaft.

ATP synthesis

Synthesis of Particles and Organic–Inorganic Hybridｓ based on Natural Polysaccharide

Name

YAMANE Setsuko

E-mailsyamane@numazu-ct.ac.jp

Job Title

Associate Professor

DegreePh.D

Academic Society and Association

Research Keywords
Technical Fields andpossible for collaboration

The Society of Polymer Science, The Chemical Society ofJapan, Japanese Society for Biomaterials
Organic-Inorganic Hybrid, Hyaluronic Acid, Calcium Phosphate

Topics・・・Chemical modification of natural polysaccharide
Measurement of submicron size colloid particles
Measurement of molecular weight of natural polysaccharide

Details of the Research Theme
Chemical modification of hyaluronic acid with small amounts of hydrophobic groups such as cholesteryl groups and alkyl
groups forms colloidally stable particles in water.
The hydrophobized hyaluronic acid particles can trap proteins and release them easily, therefore the hydrophobic
hyaluronic acid particles would be used to protein carrier.
Cholesterol-bearing hyaluronic acid (CHA) is an hydrophobized polysaccharide forms hydrogel particles 100-200 nm indiameter in water. CHA particles can trap proteins through hydrophobic interactions and release them in an active stateby the exchange reaction with other proteins. In this research, we approach the functionalization of CHA particles forapplication of protein carrier.
(1) We synthesize protein carrier by organic-inorganic hybrid method using CHA particle as organic material and calcium
phosphate (CaP) as inorganic material. Mineralization of CaP as hard material against CHA particles would be
prevents the burst release of proteins.
(2) We control the size of CHA particles according to molecular weight of hyaluronic acid or degree of substitution ofcholesteryl groups.

Figure1. Schematic diagram of CHA particle

Figure2. CHA–Calcium phosphate hybrid particle for protein carrier

Analytical Application of Near-IR Absorbing Metal Complexes
Name

WARASHINA, Tomoyuki

E-mailwara@numazu-ct.ac.jp

Job Title

Associate Professor

DegreeDoctor of Engineering

Academic Society and Association
Research Keywords
Technical Fields andpossible for collaboration

The Chemical Society of Japan,
The Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry
Metal Complex・Ligand, Near-IR Absorption, Spectroscopy

Topics・・Investigation of absorption and luminescence of materials (in solutions)
Analysis with TOF-MS

Details of the Research Theme

Synthesis of Near-IR Absorbing Metal Complexes andStudy for Analytical Application

Selling Point: Synthesis of Near-IR Absorbing Metal Complexes (max 700～900 nm,  104～105)

In near-infrared (Near-IR) region (700～1200 nm), there are only weak overtone and combination bands arising fromstretching and bending vibrations of the chemical bondings, such as -OH, -NH, and -CH.

In view of analyticalchemistry, this very low background absorption level thus with the excellently transparent nature is significantly
fascinating, so that Near-IR spectroscopy in biological imaging makes possible nondestructive and noninvasive
analyses in situ, in vivo, and on-line.
We have investigated spectroscopic properties of Near-IR absorbing d8-transition metal complexes with aromatic odiamines. We aim for the application of these metal complexes to industrial and medical fields, e.g., labeling reagent
for target materials and photosensitizer of photodynamic therapy for tumor cells.

Available Equipment and Apparatus
V-670 UV-Visible/NIR Spectrophotometer (Jasco. Co,), F-4010 Fluorescence Spectrophotometer (Hitachi Co.),
MM-60R Multi-Function Water Quality Meter (DKK-TOA Co.), HM-25G pH Meter (DKK-TOA Co.),JMS-T100LP Accu TOF LC-Plus Atmospheric Pressure Ionization High Resolution Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (JEOL Ltd.)
HAB-151 Potentiostat Galvanostat (KOKUTO DENKO Co.)

Fabrication and Evaluation of Solution-Derived Ceramic Materials and Thin Films
Name

ARAI Takashi

E-mailarai.takashi@numazuct.ac.jp

Job Title

Assistant Professor

DegreePh.D. in Engineering

Academic Society and Association

The Ceramic Society of Japan

Research Keywords

Ceramics, Thin film, Chemical solution deposition,

Technical Fields andpossible for collaboration

Topics・・Synthesis of ceramic materials and thin films by solution technique
Evaluation of crystal structure, surface morphology and elemental
analysis

Details of the Research ThemeIn the solution method, which is a relatively inexpensive ceramics synthesis method, the synthesis process affects theproperties of fabricated materials. It is possible to propose a synthesis process and an evaluation method that matches
the characteristics of products.
The advantages and preparation flow of the chemical solution deposition method, which is actively used for the synthesisof ceramics and thin films.
Advantages of chemical solution deposition
・

Low temperature synthesis compared to solid phase method

・Design of chemical bonding at the molecular/atomic level in solution

・No need for large equipment = cost effective method for the industrial application

・Morphology control suitable for the devices

Flow in the chemical solution deposition

In our study, by using chemical solution deposition technique, morphology, structure, composition and stress arecontrolled for a fabrication of ceramics or thin films with desired characteristics. The main aim in our laboratory is the
fabrication of piezoelectric ceramics thin films with high properties.
Our laboratory has also analysis technology to evaluate crystal structure, surface morphology and elemental mapping byusing X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Fig.1. Chemical reaction control

Fig.2 Surface morphology of a film
prepared by chemical reaction control

Energy Conversion from Organic Waste and Unused
Hydrocarbon Resources by Thermochemical
Processing
Name

ITO Takuya

E-mailt.ito@numazu-ct.ac.jp

Job Title

Assistant Professor

DegreePh. D. in Engineering

The Japan Institute of Energy. The Society ofChemical Engineers, Japan. The Chemical society of

Academic Society and Association

Japan. Japan Society of Material Cycles and Waste
Management

Research Keywords

Renewable energy, Biomass, BDF, Waste plastic, Liquefaction, Gasification

Technical Fields and Topics
possiblefor Researchcollaboration
Detailsof theTheme・ ◯◯に関する技術
Conversion of various wastes and unused resources to・ ☓☓の分析various types of energy (liquid and gas fuels, hydrogen,・electricity, etc.)
・We establish local energy production system for local consumption by designing a small but efficient energy conversion
process.
Wastes are inevitably generated in any industry, greater or lesser. It is necessary to use these wastes effectively
from the viewpoint of energy security, especially in our country whit poor energy resources. Among them, biogenous
wastes such as waste wood, waste cooking oil, agricultural residues, sewage sludge are called biomass and they do notincrease atmospheric CO2 concentration by their combustion because CO2 emitted originally came from present
atmosphere (called carbon neutral). On the other hand, waste plastics have a problem of securing landfill sites, and theireffective use is required.
If these wastes are to be used effectively, the collection cost will be a major issue because they are widely dispersedand discharged. Therefore, our laboratory aims to develop a small-scale and efficient energy conversion process whichmakes it possible to produce necessary energy at the place where waste is discharged with reduced collection cost. So
far, we have conducted the following research through actual industry-government-academia collaboration.
Production of light oil alternative from woody biomass and plastics in municipal waste (NEDO, contracted withcompanies)

Development of biodiesel production process from animal oil-and-fats with ill low-temperature properties (joint
research with companies)

Development of highly-efficient hydrogen production process from sewage sludge (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,
Transport and Tourism, contracted with companies)

Development of fluidized bed materials for fluidized bed combustion/ gasification of biomass containing highpotassium (Joint research with companies)
The following are some of the ongoing research themes.
C (S) + H2O (G)CO (G) + H2 (G)Gasification（Endothermic）

C (S) + O2 (G)CO2 (G)

Combustion（Exothermic）

Air blown Gasifier

H2
CO
CO2
N2

Air（O2+N2)
H2O (G)

Biomass

No external energy input required
N2 reduces generated gas heat generation
Heated particles
Cold particles
N2, CO2Air(N2+O2)

Indirectly Heated Gasifier
H2O (G)High calorific value gas can be obtained
Requires external energy input

new horizontal rotary kiln
Combustion
chamber

H2
CO

Biomass

Gasificationchamber

・ Liquefaction is possible under mild conditions
・ Rich in hydrogen atoms
・ Liquefied oil has high polarity and does not
mix with light oil

・ Severe liquefaction conditions
・ Fewer hydrogen atoms
・ Low polarity of liquefied product
Gas

Limonite

Eucalyptus

Water

Brown coal
Solvent

Rotation
Mix

CO, H2
H2O

Biomass and heat
carrier particles

Coal

Woody biomass

Conventional gasifiers

Biomass and heat
carrier particles

Particles move back and forth with a spiral mechanism attached in the center, but no gas is mixed.
This makes it possible to generate high calorie gas even in air blown gasifier.

Liquefaction

Grinding
Residue

Produce alternative fuel to petroleum by co-liquefying eucalyptus
planted in Australia and Cheap brown coal from Australia