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Research paper : Novel functional gels and their commercial distribution as chemical reagents (M. Yoshida)−186−Synthesiology - English edition Vol.5 No.3 (2012) research in the same institute, and we were able to ask for a supply of CNTs and to request the evaluation of the dispersion degree, and this led to the discovery of the phenomenon. Without the presence of such researchers in a totally different field nearby, I think the discovery of this phenomenon would have been greatly delayed. In fact, it is possible to dissolve (isolated dispersion) the water insoluble single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by simply mixing the material with SWCNTs and then applying ultrasonic irradiation using the common ultrasonic irradiator for cleansing. In the CNT dispersion, we think organic electrolyte oligomer interacts with the surface of the SWCNT, resulting in the dispersion in water by the surface wrapping, as in the example in Reference [11]. This solution is a highly stable solution where no precipitation occurs over a long time, and this liquid can be used to fabricate the SWCNT thin film or to prepare the SWCNT dispersed hydrogel under the condition where the concentration is maintained above a certain level. This is likely to make contributions in the preparation of CNT ink for printable electronics and the fabrication of carbon film for transparent electrode as an alternative to ITO, which is expected as a promising application of the nanocarbon material.4.3.5 Antibacterial effectThe compound that possesses the cationic pyridinium group in the molecular structure is known to be an antibacterial agent, and is actually used. Since the new gelator also possesses a similar pyridinium group in the main chain, we subcontracted an external lab to evaluate the antibacterial property. A antibacterial effect was observed in both the Gram-positive bacteria (E. coli) and Gram-negative one (S. aureus).[12] The minimum growth inhibitory concentration was 32 g/ml and 64 g/ml, respectively, or sufficiently low, and these values were equivalent to the general surfactant-type antibacterial material.5 Work on commercialization of the reagent considering the industrial technology applicationThe gelator materials with various characteristics described above were initially studied using the management grant (fund given to AIST from METI) as a core research. After obtaining a certain level of results, the research was selected for the 2005 Grant for Industrial Technology Research (Nanotechnology Material) of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), which greatly accelerated the research and led to further developments. At the time of application to NEDO, although we had a few patents filed, we had no published paper. So we were very lucky that we received high scores in the screening process even at an initial stage of the research. With the grant from NEDO, we participated in activities such as AIST press releases, exhibitions for nanotechnology (Nanotech 2008, 2009, and 2010; Orga Techno 2008), and AIST open labs to publicize our research. While we had experience in the publication and discussion at academic societies, the experience of discussing specific technical issues directly with the people from companies at such exhibitions was quite invaluable. Through the buildup of such activities, we received several technical consultations about gelation from various companies, and we signed agreements to provide samples to conduct gelation performance tests with some companies. One of the major Japanese chemical reagent companies with particular experience in manufacturing and sales of ionic liquids had shown interest in the commercialization of the gelator material from the initial stages of the research, and we were able to actively exchange views and ideas. Later, a formal license agreement was signed with this company through AIST Innovations (at the time), and production was subcontracted to provide samples to companies that requested sample licensing agreements. In autumn of 2009, the product was commercialized as a chemical reagent. Initially, the authors only had experience with synthesis reaction at small-scale laboratory level of about 10~20 gram yield, and much effort was needed in optimizing the condition for large-scale reaction even if it was for a reagent. However, with the perseverance of the corporate researchers, the reproducibility and yield were improved, as the experimental conditions published in the papers were revised. As a result, commercialization of the several gelators with stable performance became possible, including the various anion exchangers (Fig. 6). In writing this paper, I sought comments from the companies on the “condition for commercializing a new reagent.” The emphasis was placed on 1) novelty, where things that could not be done before can be done, and 2) prospect, where things that did not exist before will be created. In creating the reagent of the gelator that we developed, several people commented that it could be used for electrolyte in batteries, electroconductive materials, viscosity enhancer in ink, and for research in wide-ranging areas such as cosmetics. For reference, according to the Chemical Abstracts Service that provides the database of all chemical substances managed by the American Chemical Society, at this point, there are over 65,360,000 chemical substances registered, including organic and inorganic compounds. On the other hand, in the reagent database of Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, one of the leading reagent companies in the world, there are 187,000 reagents registered and marketed. Assuming that about three times this amount is used as reagents including those of other chemical companies, the “percentage of reagents among all chemical substances” is calculated to be 0.86 %, and I think the readers can appreciate the fact that only a few compounds become available as reagents worldwide. In such a situation, our product was fortunate to become a commercially available reagent, and now it can be tested for performance by researchers of various industries, academic fields, and governments. I also think it has become widely known as a novel material.

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