Developing supply methods aimed at the application of natural products
Previous research has revealed that there are many organic compounds (natural products) in nature that are beneficial to humans.
This is one of the important abilities that the Earth possesses.
If we can make good use of this, we may be able to enrich our lives without harming the global environment.
However, in most cases, these useful natural substances can only be obtained in trace amounts from nature.
Therefore, application research is difficult to advance.
Organic synthetic chemistry is the science of manufacturing, which enables us to freely create desired substances from readily available raw materials.
By utilizing organic synthesis technology, it is possible to supply substances that are attractive but found only in trace amounts in nature in sufficient quantities.
However, substances created by nature often have complex structures, making their chemical synthesis difficult.
From an agricultural science perspective, I focus on attractive natural organic compounds that may enrich our lives, and I mainly research methods to efficiently supply them in sufficient quantities using organic synthesis.
Recently, we have been conducting in-depth research on methods that combine enzyme reactions with organic synthetic chemistry.
Educational approach
Think about what to make and put it to good use
Organic synthetic chemistry is, simply put,“the chemistry of manufacturing”.
By mastering organic synthetic chemistry, you will be able to create the compounds you want with your own hands.
The ultimate goal of studying and researching this academic discipline of“manufacturing”is to acquire and master the skills of a“master craftsman”by learning the existing methodologies and technologies as well as developing new methods.
I educate my students with that as my top priority.
I belong to a laboratory specializing in organic synthesis, which is quite rare in the Faculty of Agriculture.
There are many laboratories researching organic synthetic chemistry in the Faculties of Science, Engineering and Pharmaceutical Sciences, so I always consider the significance of researching organic synthetic chemistry in the Faculty of Agriculture together with all members of my laboratory.
Recently, we have been conducting research and education with a focus on selecting natural products that have high potential for development into applied research from an agricultural perspective, and incorporating agricultural elements such as enzyme reactions into the synthetic chemical methods used to produce them.
Due to the focus on such education and research, most graduates are employed by pharmaceutical companies, pesticide companies, and general chemical manufacturers.
Vision for industry-academia collaboration
Find seeds and nurture them so that they can be given back to society.
I conduct research because I want to create something that will be useful to people.
Therefore, if something I have created myself has beneficial biological activity, I would like to collaborate with biologists to conduct structure-activity correlation studies and develop useful pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals. If it is something that could be useful to society in the immediate future, I would like to seek out relevant companies and move forward with joint development.
For example, recent research has focused on substances that can control the honeybee mites, which parasitize Western honeybees and causes colony collapse, leading to the discovery and development of useful substances.
In this way, I conduct my research every day with the constant goal of developing compounds that are useful to society and actively collaborating with companies to contribute to society.
If there is anything I can do for you, please feel free to let me know.
