1. Self-assemblies of synthetic molecules for creating functional properties.
Although gels are commonly made from polymers such as gelatin and agarose, they can also be formed using low-molecular-weight gelators, known as supramolecular gelators. These small molecules self-assemble into nanofibers or nanosheets, forming networks that immobilize solvents and produce gels. We have developed various supramolecular gelators that can turn water, organic solvents, and even ionic liquids into gels at low concentrations. Our current goal is to develop functional molecular assemblies, including highly conductive ionogels, hydrogels with anticancer activity, molecular assemblies that inhibit enzymes, and gels that serve as reaction media. 
We recently synthesized
・Supramolecular gelator that can harden a wide variety of water, organic
solvents and ionic liquids.
・Supramolecular gelator that can kill cancer cells.
・Supramolecular gelators that can harden ionic liquids (conductive ionogel).
These gels have potential to be used in pharmaceutical and medical fields
and also in electronic device.
Yamamoto et al., Biomacromolecules, 22(6), 2524–2531 (2021).
Restu et al., Mater. Sci. Eng. C, 111, 110746 (2020).
Restu et al., Langmuir, 34, 8065–80742 (2018).
W. K. Restu et al., Colloid Polym. Sci., 295, 1109–1116 (2017).
Y. Nishida et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 56, 9410–9414 (2017).
Y. Eguchi et al., Chem. Commun., 53, 5802–5805 (2017).
T. Kataoka et al., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 7, 23346–23352 (2015).
A. Tanaka et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 137, 770–775 (2015). Y
. Ishioka et al., Soft Matter, 10, 965–971 (2014).
N. Minakuchi et al., Langmuir, 28, 9259–9266 (2012).
D. Koda et al., Chem. Commun., 46, 979–981 (2010).
2. Surface functionalization of polymer using polymer segregation.
Material surfaces play important roles in our daily lives and various industries.
Phenomena such as friction, wetting, impact, and molecular adsorption are
closely related to surface properties. Our research focuses on developing
methods to control the physical and chemical properties of material surfaces.
To achieve this, we design and synthesize functional polymers and use them
to modify surface properties through coating. Our goals include creating
antifouling surfaces, catalytically active surfaces, and surfaces that
selectively recognize target molecules for applications in separation and
chemical analysis.
R. Sakai et al., RSC Adv. 9, 4621-4625 (2019).
M. Hara et al., Polymer J. 51, 489-499 (2019).
K. Nishimori et al., Langmuir 34, 6396–6404 (2018).
R. Hiraoka et al., Chem. Comm., 51, 17447-17450 (2015).
S. Shiota et al., Langmuir 31, 8824-8829 (2015).
S. Yamamoto et al. Langmuir 31, 125-131 (2015).
A. Shimomura et al. Langmuir, 29, 932-938 (2013).
3. Novel functions derived from self-assembly (aggregation) of synthetic
molecules.
Through our studies of supramolecular gelators, we have found that molecular
self-assembly can generate entirely new functions that individual molecules
do not exhibit. In particular, we have developed novel enzyme inhibitors
and discovered unique interactions between peptides, opening up possibilities
for new drug development. Our goal is to demonstrate that even relatively
simple synthetic molecules can exhibit novel biological and pharmacological
activities through self-assembly.
4. Design and synthesis of functional surfactants that can exceed conventional detergents.
Surfactants are widely used in detergents, but their potential applications extend far beyond cleaning. Our research aims to develop surfactants with novel functions, particularly for the separation and purification of biomolecules. For example, we have developed DNA-conjugated surfactants that selectively recognize complementary DNA sequences, as well as protein-binding surfactants that can be immobilized on membrane surfaces. These surfactants enable the separation and purification of target DNA, RNA, and proteins produced through enzymatic reactions or by recombinant E. coli. We aim to further develop these technologies for applications in biotechnology and industrial processes.
H. Iguchi et al., Sci. Rep., 7, 39937 (2017).
T. Maruyama et al., Chem. Commun., 52, 12376–12379 (2016).
C. Higashi et al., RSC Adv., 6, 88244–88247 (2016).
T. Maruyama et al., ChemNanoMat, 2, 461–465 (2016).
T. Kato et al., RSC Adv., 4, 57899–57902 (2014).
T. Honjo et al., Anal. Biochem., 434, 269–274 (2013).
T. Maruyama et al., RSC Adv., 2, 125–127 (2012).
T. Maruyama et al., Chem. Commun., 4450–4452 (2007). 
5. Design and formation of microstructures prepared by electrospinning
and electrospraying 
Electrospinning and electrospraying are versatile techniques for producing
nano- and microscale fibers and particles. These techniques offer several
advantages, including simple equipment, high productivity, and relatively
easy operation. They have attracted considerable attention in nanotechnology
and materials science. We have applied electrospinning and electrospraying
to prepare polymeric and inorganic microcapsules, as well as short fibers
functionalized with biomolecules.
T. Matsuura et al.,Colloid Polym. Sci. 296, 239-244 (2018). .
T. Matsuura et al.,Colloid Polym. Sci. 295, 1251-1256 (2017); Colloids
Surf. A 526, 64-69 (2017).
Y. Funasaki et al. Colloid Polym. Sci. 292, 3049-3053 (2014).
A. Yunoki et al., ACS Appl. Mater. Interf. 6, 11973–11979 (2014).
T. Maruyama et al. RSC Adv., 2, 11672–11674 (2012).
Y. Fukui et al. Colloids Surf. A, 370, 28-34 (2010).
6. Recycling of precious and rare metal ions using protein-rich biomass.
Precious metals and rare metals are essential for many industrial applications,
but their prices fluctuate significantly due to changes in industrial demand
and market speculation. Industrial waste often contains valuable metals
that can be recovered and reused. Although several methods are available
for metal recycling, they have certain limitations. In biological systems,
metal ions interact with various biomolecules, such as proteins and polysaccharides,
through complex formation. These interactions suggest that biomolecules
could be used to selectively capture and recover metal ions. Based on this
concept, we have explored the recovery of precious metals from industrial
waste solutions using eggshell membranes, a protein-rich biomass material.
T. Maruyama et al., Process Biochem., 49, 850–857 (2014).
T. Maruyama et al., Environ. Sci. Technol., 41, 1359–1364 (2007).
T. Maruyama et al., J. Colloid Interface Sci., 447, 254–257 (2015)..
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