Many biological systems and advanced materials make sophisticated use of surfaces and interfaces. These include phenomena such as adsorption and separation, tactile sensing, wettability, the maintenance of biological functions (e.g., cell membranes), and energy conversion. Our research group aims to design functional “interfaces and surfaces” that will support next-generation industries, integrating knowledge from organic chemistry, biochemistry, polymer science, and surface/interface science.

In particular, we study synthetic organic compounds, nucleic acids, and proteins on an equal footing as molecular building blocks, and explore how their interactions can be orchestrated to create functions that surpass those of individual molecules. Such functions emerge at liquid–liquid interfaces and on material surfaces. Examples include gel formation, inhibition of enzyme activity, the emergence of novel therapeutic effects (e.g., anticancer activity), highly selective separation, the development of innovative analytical tools, and the control of microscale structures using nanoscale molecules.

Our research spans a wide range of scales, from molecular-level design and synthesis to large-scale manufacturing technologies. By proposing new materials, concepts, and methodologies, we aim to address pressing global challenges in science and technology.

Major research interests of our lab are
1. Molecular self-assembly for pharmacological function
Anti-cancer, novel enzyme inhibition, antibacterial agent
2. Surface engineering for plastics
Low-fouling, immobilization of biomolecules, biosensor, novel adhesion technique

：molecular selfassembly, surface functionalization, surfactant, biomacromolecule (protein, DNA, RNA), polymer, separation technique, cells, enzyme