Research

Aging-related changes in appearance are known to include gray hair, hair waviness, and loss of hair firmness and elasticity. In the skin, aging causes the development of spots, wrinkles, and sagging.

In this laboratory, we aim to develop and commercialize technologies that improve these aging-related changes in appearance by utilizing advanced green chemical technologies developed at the Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation.

In addition to these technologies, we also work on innovations in a broad range of fields including container design, marketing strategies, and branding. Through collaboration with the social sciences and entrepreneurship-driven approaches, we aim to create new value through interdisciplinary integration of science and humanities.

Development of Hair Texture Improvement Technology Using Bioconjugation

Seeds Category Life Sciences
Research Keywords Hair Care, Hair Texture Improvement, Hair Straightening

Research Overview

We have discovered a novel ingredient based on bioconjugation technology that improves hair firmness, elasticity, and waviness caused by hair aging. Our research focuses on elucidating its mechanism of action on hair and establishing production technologies for this ingredient.

Expected Effects and Applications

This technology has been confirmed to straighten tightly curled African hair. It not only reduces waviness but also improves hair twisting. Furthermore, by applying this technology to hair care products, it may become possible to achieve desired hair textures and hairstyles that were previously unattainable. We believe this technology has the potential to revolutionize the global hair cosmetics industry.

　

Development of Next-Generation Hair Coloring Technology for Gray Hair Using Natural Coloring Techniques

Seeds Category Life Sciences
Research Keywords Hair Color, Natural Pigmentation, Bioreaction

Research Overview

We are developing a novel hair coloring technology based on biotechnology to improve gray hair caused by aging. This technology applies pigmentation reactions that naturally occur in living organisms, aiming to create a safer, simpler, and more convenient hair coloring method compared with conventional hair dyes. In addition to this new technology, we are also working on the sustainable bioproduction of dyes and catalysts with consideration for the SDGs, as well as the development of innovative containers for hair coloring products.

Expected Effects and Applications

In Europe and the United States, there is a growing trend toward avoiding cosmetic ingredients that do not satisfy the following six requirements: 1. Feel, 2. Natural, 3. Biodegradable, 4. Sustainability, 5. Animal origin-free, and 6. Cost-effectiveness. This trend is now spreading worldwide. The technology we aim to develop fulfills these six requirements and is expected to become a next-generation hair coloring technology.

Development of Skincare Applications for the Novel Functional Ingredient Furegride-1

Seeds Category Life Sciences
Research Keywords Furegride-1, Skincare

Research Overview

We have discovered that the functional ingredient Furegride-1, identified from fragrant vinegar traditionally consumed for its health benefits, exhibits PPAR-γ ligand activity and ARE activation activity. More recently, we found that Furegride-1 also possesses XRE inactivation activity and suppresses the expression of Artemin and MMP-9. In addition, RNA-seq analysis using keratinocytes and fibroblasts suggests further biological functions, and we are continuing to investigate the mechanisms and properties of Furegride-1. Furthermore, this ingredient has also been identified in Japanese black vinegar, and in collaboration with black vinegar manufacturers, we are working to elucidate its biosynthetic pathway.

Expected Effects and Applications

We aim to develop technologies that improve wrinkles and skin sagging caused by aging, as well as sensitive skin and atopic dermatitis induced by air pollution. Furegride-1, a functional ingredient discovered in fragrant vinegar, which has long been believed to provide health benefits, as well as black vinegar extracts containing this ingredient, are expected to have high added value as cosmetic ingredients.