9
Environmental Biochemistry Laboratory
Professor / TAKAHASHI Shouji
Assistant Professor / IMANISHI Daiki
- Let’s play with microorganisms!
- Adventure into the fascinating world of enzymes
- Confront yourself and microorganisms
Professor / TAKAHASHI Shouji, Assistant Professor / IMANISHI Daiki
Prof. Takahashi cheerfully greets us with “Good morning!” and “Are you happy?”, always keeping the lab joyful. Asst. Prof. Imanishi is exceptionally gentle and provides enthusiastic guidance for our experiments. Since both teachers are incredibly kind and approachable, we feel completely comfortable sharing our ideas and asking them any questions.
Research Content
Our laboratory investigates the bioproduction and bioanalysis technologies of amino acids and the bioremediation technologies for organophosphorus compounds. More specifically, we have isolated a lactic acid bacterium that can produce a large amount of D-aspartate, a valuable material for the production of antibiotics, and are developing D-aspartate production technology using the bacterium. We have also found various D-amino acid-degrading enzymes in microorganisms and are developing novel D-amino-acid detection methods using these enzymes. Furthermore, we have obtained bacteria that can degrade organophosphorus flame-retardant plasticizers, toxic environmental.
A part of Environmental Biochemistry lab
A Day in the Lab
We conduct paper presentations and research progress reports at the weekly seminar, and we formulate research plans during bi-monthly meetings with Prof. Takahashi and Asst. Prof. Imanishi. There, we can receive kind and stimulating advice from both students and professors. Since there are no set working hours in this laboratory, we can progress with our research according to our own lifestyle rhythms. Additionally, to foster camaraderie within the lab, we also prioritize various event activities.
Annual lab softball tournament—great activity connecting different generations
Thesis Subjects
- (M)Development of a genetic manipulation system and an aspartate transporter gene knockout strain in a high D-aspartate-secreting lactic acid bacterium
- (M)Development of an enzymatic quantification method for 2-chloroethanol and its application to the isolation of degrading microorganisms
- (M)Attempt to create D-serine oxidase using D-serine deaminase-deficient Escherichia coli
The number of
PhD Graduates
4
Major employers of Graduates
- Daiichi Yakuhin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
- J-Oil Mills Inc.
- RIKEN KEIKI Co., Ltd.
- DuPont Japan
- HORIBA, Ltd.
- Swing Co.
- Nipro Pharma Co.
- Kajima Co.
- Kobelco Eco-Solutions Co., Ltd.
- EN Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
