1. Applied Biochemistry
2. Applied Microbiology
3. Enzyme Engineering

1. Microbial degradation of persistent flame retardants
2. Physiological roles and applications of D-amino acid-metabolizing enzymes
3. Genetic engineering of applicable yeasts

Shake-flask incubator，Jarfermentor，Autoclave, Clean bench, High-speed centrifuge, Phase-contrast and fluorescence microscope, DNA electrophoresis apparatus, Thermal cycler, DNA sequencer, UV/Vis spectrophotometer, Fluorescence spectrophotometer, High-performance liquid chromatography, Fast protein liquid chromatography, Gas chromatography, GC/MS system

・Isolation and identification of microorganisms
・Cultivation of microorganisms
・Analysis of enzymes and proteins
・Recombinant DNA techniques
・Analysis of amino acids
・Analysis of organophosphorus compounds
・Production of polyclonal antibodies
・Determination of biomarkers using ELISA

・Microbial products for bioremediation (Proposal)
・Environmental impact assessment using biomarker (Proposal)
・Applications of enzymes and antibodies (Proposal)
・Isolation of environmental yeasts and development of foods and beverages using the yeasts (Proposal)
・Production of valuable materials from biomass using microorganisms (Proposal)

・Food industry
・Agricultural industry
・Pharmaceutical industry
・Environmental industry
・Chemical engineering industry

A gene encoding D-aspartate-specific D-aspartate oxidase (P2004-321075A)

Enzymes and microorganisms efficiently and specifically catalyze various chemical reactions below 100 degrees Celsius under atmospheric pressure. They are therefore useful to develop safe, energy-saving and eco-friendly processes and devices. Our laboratory is interested in microbial degradation of environmental pollutants, biological production of chemicals and biofuels, and physiological roles and applications of D-amino acid-metabolizing enzymes. The ongoing research activity includes the identification of novel and valuable enzymes and microorganisms from the environment and genomic information, the genetic and protein engineerings to improve their properties, and the creation of bioprocess and analytical methods using these enzymes and microorganisms.