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Research paper : Development of massive synthesis method of organic nanotube toward practical use (M. Asakawa et al.)−176 Synthesiology - English edition Vol.1 No.3 (2009) (22)−evaluations to be done?Also, in Section 4, you conducted safety tests on rats, and according to the paper, it seemed that the Authors conducted the tests in their own laboratory. There is no problem if this is correct, but if the tests were subcontracted to outside institution, you should state clearly that they were subcontracted. In addition, what is the reliability of the tests?Answer (Masumi Asakawa)Safety assessment technologies for nanosized materials, including organic nanotubes, have not been established firmly in every field. While the reactivity and permeability are expected to increase as a result of the nanoscale dimensions, unexpected effects must also be considered. For example, when using a nanomaterial in food or medical fields, while we can expect certain effects that are due to the size, it is necessary to develop assessment technologies to protect against unexpected effects.Currently, we are working on an investigation system with researchers from the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization. We have also established a new subcommittee, “Food Nanotechnology,” in the Materials Forum at AIST to investigate the relationship between food and nanotechnology.We subcontracted the safety tests to outside institutions, as stated in Note 1. Concerning their reliability, we have added additional information regarding the test methods.3 Understanding of Type 1 and Type 2 Basic Research and scenario compositionQuestion (Hisao Ichijo)I understood that design, synthesis, and structure-function analysis conducted in the early stage of organic nanotube research are Type 1 Basic Researches, and “mass synthesis” conducted based on these findings is Type 2 Basic Research, but were they positioned as Type 1 Basic Research? In Section 2, it is mentioned that working hypothesis and experiments were repeated between (1) and (2), but does this mean that optimal method was found by trial-and-error? Moreover, it is written that utilization development is Type 2 Basic Research, and Figure 4 shows it is done mostly by companies. It is described that only the development of Fluorescent organic nanotube is utilization development and no other specific examples are given. Are there other researches?Answer (Masumi Asakawa)(1) Type 1 Basic Research and positioning:If it is judged that “mass synthesis” was achieved through the integration of two forms of Type 1 Basic Research, namely (i) molecular design and synthesis technology and (ii) self-assembly technology, then I believe that it can be considered as Type 2 Basic Research.(2) Finding optimal method by repeating working hypothesis and experiment, and by trial-and-error:Yes, the optimal procedures and materials were developed this way. Once the concept and landing point of a research program have been determined, no matter where the starting point is, the landing point is approached using a so-called PDCA (plan-do-check-act) cycle that involves planning out a working hypothesis, doing the experiments to investigate the hypothesis, checking the results, and acting on the issues. The optimal solution for the starting point obtained between stages (1) and (2) will become a greater cycle as it progresses on to stages (3) and (4), and we can bring stage (5) closer to an optimal solution that will satisfy our customers. I believe that how we determine the starting point depends to a great extent on the background of the research conducted so far, as well as on the experience and insight of the researcher.(3) Other research:In Figure 4, we present, in a mixture of yellow (AIST) and green (company) hues, how much can be achieved through collaboration of the AIST with external companies for utilization development. Other research includes the development of suitable methods for organic nanotube decomposition through the addition of a cyclodextrin. We have described a specific example.

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