Inorganic elements have unique characters. Organisms have sophisticated systems to deal with them. Our researches are about Inorganic Biochemistry and Analytical chemistry for inorganic elements.
1. Biomineralization
Biomineralization ＝ mineral ＋ organic material
Molecular mechanisms to control minerals → "Biomineralogical Chemistry"
Pearl consists of multi-layer structure. The pearly luster is produced by this structure through the interference of light. Organic substrates play important roll in constructing the micro-layers. They work as base for calcium crystallization.
We found Pif from nacreous layer, prismalin-14 from prismatic layer, PPP-10 from periostracum and LICP from ligament
2. Nanoparticle production by green chemical methods
Gold nanoparticle is one of the most useful analytical tools. Several microorganisms can create the particles by physiological activity. We use a lactic bacterium Lactbacillus casei and are analyzing how to produce the nanoparticles.
3. Analytical methods to understand life sciences
We are developing nobel analytical methods to understand life sciences, especially to analyze inorganic compounds.
4.Detoxification mechanism for heavy metals