2) Biotechnology

Separation of Low Temperature Active Enzymes

A lipase which has an optimum temperature (20☆) lower than other industrial lipases and is stable at wider temperature range was searched and isolated from Typhula ishikariensis. A protease which has an optimum temperature of 25☆ was also identified from intestinal flora of Pleurogrammus azonus which lives in cold sea. Search for conditions of mass purification of the enzymes and elucidation of enzymatic characteristics are under investigation.

Elucidation of the mechanism of gene the expression which varies by low temperature.

Investigation of the enzymes specific to living things in cold region to elucidate physiological functions such as acclimatization to low temperature.

Elucidation of the constituents of the membrane lipids of psychrophiles.

Pretreatment of Fermentation Feed, and Separation/Purification of L-Lactic Acid

In Hokkaido we have a large amount of agricultural products in every year. By using a common product of potato as a feed, a noble fermentation process of L-lactic acid, from which biodegradable polymers are derived, is under development as a national project. Liquefaction of potato starch by a use of produced L-lactic acid as a catalyst, separation and concentration of L-lactic acid from broth by using electro-dialysis, and purification of L-lactic acid as di- lactide produced by catalytic depolymerization of raw L-lactic acid polymer, are investigated.

Cycle of Polylactic Acid

Chemical use of Lactic acid

There are two optical isomers of lactic acid, D-and L-type, of whose molecule has hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. Hence they are very reactive and can be used as chemicals to synthesize unique functional organic compounds. Short cut rout of polymerization of L-lactic acid, and synthesis of low-temperature active copolymer of L-lactic acid are studied.

Multi-dimentional NMR Study on Proteins, Peptides and Biopolymers

The variety of the 2D- and 3D-NMR experiments have been carried out to clarify the structure and function of the Ice-Nucleation Polypeptides (INP), the Antifreeze Proteins(AFP), and the Copolymer of lactic acid which forms an unique peptide-like conformation. Among them, we are expecting to utilize the INP and AFP for the industry, such as artificial snow/rain, eatable freezing detergents, antifreeze vegetables. One of the indispensable idea to realize them is to improve the activity of these proteins, which can be done by chemical modification or mutation on the basis of the structural analysis of these bio-materials.

Solution structure of the N-domain of troponin C solved by NMR spectrometer (stereo view)

Two-dimensional NMR spectrum of a protein (an expansion)

Study of Bioremediation

The aim of this study is to purify the underground water and soils, which are polluted by crude oil and aromatic organic compounds.
We are also studying the search and separation of the microorganisms which are decompose these pollutants, and the methods of teaming and immobilization of these microorganisms at the low temperature.

Production of Useful Substances from Psychrotrophic Microorganisms

Isolation of psychrotrophic microorganisms which produce useful substances is performed in a cold region. Identification of the microorganisms and productivity of the useful substance are examined. The propose of the study is development of effective process to convert resources in cold regions.

Studies of Isolation of Useful Psychrotrophic Microorganism and Its Adaptation Mechanism in Extreme Environment

Isolation of a hydrogen peroxide tolerant microorganism is performed. Investigation are performed on hydrogen peroxide tolerant mechanisms and development of technology to treat the water containing hydrogen peroxide.

Taxonomy of Psychrotrophic and Psychrophilic Microorganisms

There are only limited number of taxonomic approaches on psychrotrophic and psychrophilic microorganisms. Phenotypic and genotypic studies are performed on psychrotropic and psychrophilic microorganisms.

Microphotograph of hydrogen peroxide tolelant microorganism

Direct Fermentation of Starch to L-lactic Acid

Lactic acid can be used in food technology as preservation or taste enhancing additive, and the source of polylactic acid, a polymer used as biodegradable plastic. Fermentation procedures of L-lactic acid from starch by lactic acid by Lactobacillus amylophilus are used. The fermentation procedures will reduce the cost of hydrolysis of starch to glucose prior to fermentation.

Fermentation facility of L-lactic acid producing microorganisms

Biocatalytic Transformation

Our current research interest is focused on applications of biocatalysis in enantioselective organic synthesis of biologically active compounds and other fine chemicals. Biocatalytic transformations have been studied for resolution of racemates and asymmetrization of prochiral substrates into enantiomerically pure compounds.

Energy-dependent Protease Complex Involved in Oocyte Maturation

In many animals meiosis of oocytes arrests at the meiotic prophase in ovaries and reinitiates by the stimulation of a specific hormone, which leads oocytes to matured eggs ready to fertilize. The aim of this study is to reveal the mechanism of oocyte maturation, especially proteolytic regulations by protease complexes.

Search for Sugar Chain Probe and Active Sugar Chain and Development of Synthetic Technique of Them

Characteristics of a novel glycosphingolipid deacylase separated from Rhodococcus sp. has been investigated to contribute synthetic technique of glycolipid probe for elucidation of function of sugar chains.

Study on Recovery of Useful Compounds from Biomass

Searches for the physiology activator contained in the plant body are studied by the method such as bioassay to contribute to highly developed use of the natural resource. The effective components and the composition are confirmed, and also effective separation method is examined.

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