Research Topics

Our laboratory focuses on three main themes: (1) high-performance biodegradable polymers, (2) creation of functional materials through self-assembly, and (3) upcycling of existing plastics. While our primary goal is to develop environmentally harmonious materials, some of our research also explores applications in the biomedical field.

Public Resources on External Sites

Converting waste engineering plastics into biodegradable polymers (NEDO Young Researcher Support)
https://wakasapo.nedo.go.jp/seeds/seeds-5255/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbGWPpBH5wo

Research on polymer degradation and biodegradable materials for carbon circularity (Inaugural Lecture Materials)
https://research.web.kit.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/pdf/2024tyakuninkouen_siryou07.pdf

Bio-based aliphatic polycarbonates with tunable thermal and degradation properties (JST Future Society Creation Project Presentation)
https://shingi.jst.go.jp/pdf/2024/2024_mirai1_002.pdf

Functionalization of biodegradable polymers through diverse synthetic techniques and precision polymerization
https://www.liaison.kit.ac.jp/liaison/db/92804d9cd121fac4959dd3ede963388e0ce0ba88.pdf

Efficient polymer degradation using organocatalysts
https://www.liaison.kit.ac.jp/liaison/db/92804d9cd121fac4959dd3ede963388e0ce0ba88.pdf

High-Performance Biodegradable Polymers

Biodegradable polymers are defined as materials that break down into water, carbon dioxide, and other small molecules through biological or microbial action (see: Science of Biodegradable Polymers, H. Tsuji, Corona Publishing). Our research develops polymers with degradable backbones and functional side chains that enable water solubility, ionic interactions, responsiveness to stimuli, and ordered structures. These materials aim to replace conventional non-degradable functional polymers and include biocompatible and antimicrobial variants. Using natural feedstocks also contributes to carbon circularity.

Selected Publications

1. Hydrolyzable and biocompatible aliphatic polycarbonates with ether-functionalized side chains, Polym. J., 2024
2. Organocatalyzed ring-opening reactions of γ-carbonyl-substituted ε-caprolactones, RSC Adv., 2023
3. Organic carboxylate salt-enabled synthetic routes for cyclic carbonates, Polym. Chem., 2022
4. Polydioxanone derivative exhibiting hydration-driven biocompatibility, Macromol. Chem. Phys., 2022
5. Methoxy-functionalized glycerol-based polycarbonate, ACS Biomater. Sci. Eng., 2021
6. Biodegradable nanostructures with microbial membrane lysis, Nature Chem., 2011
7. Poly(trimethylene carbonate)-based polymers for biomaterials, Biomater. Sci., 2016

Functional Materials via Self-Assembly

Self-assembly refers to the spontaneous organization of molecules into ordered structures through intermolecular interactions. Famous examples include DNA double helices and protein folding. In synthetic materials, nanostructure control via self-assembly enables advanced functionality. Our lab applies this concept to enhance biodegradable polymers—for example, tuning cellular interactions through nanomorphology or improving mechanical properties via phase separation of rigid segments.

Selected Publications

1. Degradable elastomers with biobased aromatic mesogens, Macromolecules, 2022
2. Anisotropic degradable polymer assemblies inducing cell responses, Macromolecules, 2022
3. Broad spectrum antimicrobial supramolecular assemblies, ACS Nano, 2012

Upcycling of Existing Plastics

Upcycling refers to converting waste materials into products with added value, as opposed to recycling which restores materials to their original use. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is widely studied for recycling. While mechanical recycling is common, chemical recycling enables depolymerization into monomers with high purity. Catalytic reactions can also transform PET into aromatic compounds usable in functional polymers, optoelectronics, or pharmaceuticals—enhancing the resource value of plastic waste.

Selected Publications

1. Chemical upcycling of polycarbonate into polymer electrolytes, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020
2. Organocatalytic depolymerization of PET into bis-heterocycles, Polym. Chem., 2020
3. Supramolecular antifungal assemblies, Nat. Commun., 2013
4. Advanced chemical recycling of PET via aminolysis, Polym. Chem., 2013
5. Organocatalytic depolymerization of PET, J. Polym. Sci. A, 2011
6. Organocatalysis in polyester/polycarbonate synthesis, Macromolecules, 2020