ASOH Laboratory
Functional polymer materials engineering
We develop environmentally friendly materials for next-generation.
We create functional materials that contribute to a sustainable society by using an approach of "assembling" synthetic and naturally derived polymers. Materials that function with low energy consumption and long lifespans are attractive as next-generation environmentally friendly materials. To make materials work with low energy, we design materials that respond to small changes in temperature, pH, strain, etc. By imparting toughness and self-healing properties to materials, we extend material life and contribute to reducing waste. We create innovative materials with these functions that contribute to a sustainable society by appropriately controlling the chemical composition and arrangement according to the function based on molecular and structural design. Through hierarchical design from the molecular level to the macroscale, we promote the creation of materials that can contribute to a recycling-oriented society.
Three-dimensional modeling based on adhesive control
Three-dimensional processing of hydrogels is being actively researched as scaffolding materials for tissue regeneration, drug delivery carriers, and even soft actuators. For example, living organisms are soft materials that are formed and function by complex hierarchical structures, including not only microstructures but also chemical compositions. In order to reproduce this complex hierarchical structure, we believe that we can easily construct a tailor-made three-dimensional structure by sequentially assembling "molecularly designed hydrogel parts."
Langmuir 2022
Mater. Chem. Front. 2017
Colloids Surf. B 2014
Chem. Commun. 2012
Electrophoretic adhesion of hydrogels
We developed electrophoretic adhesion for the purpose of controlling hydrogel adhesion. We discovered that when an anionic gel is placed on the cathode side and a cationic gel is placed on the anode side and an electric field is applied, the two gels immediately adhere to each other. No adhesion occurs when an opposite electric field is applied. This suggests that electrophoresis of the polyelectrolyte caused by the application of an electric field contributes to gel adhesion. It is thought that by applying an electric field, cationic polymers move toward the cathode, and anionic polymers move toward the anode. We currently conclude that the gels adhere as a result of the formation of a polyion complex at the interface of the two gels. It has been found that this method can also be used to bond conductive polymer gels, and can also be applied to intermolecular forces other than ionic bonds.
Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2020
J. Mater. Chem. B 2015
RSC Adv. 2013
Soft Matter 2012
Chem. Commun. 2010
Functional materials using wrinkle structure
In nature, various functions are controlled by extremely precisely controlling the morphology of surfaces and interfaces. Among these, the wrinkle structure is formed when a relatively hard thin film is formed on the surface of an elastic body, and it undergoes buckling deformation due to compression deformation from the lateral direction. Wrinkle structures, which are found at soft interfaces in the natural world, such as in biological tissues such as fingertips, brains, internal organs, and the epidermis of plants, are involved in many phenomena as physical boundary conditions, but they play a role other than acquiring surface area. is little understood. We have developed a unique method to form wrinkle structures on hydrogel surfaces and interfaces, and are conducting research to clarify its adhesive ability and dynamic functions.
Macromol Rapid Commun. 2022
Langmuir 2020
Macromol. Rapid Commun. 2019
Chem. Commun. 2019
J. Phys. Chem. B 2016
Development of anisotropic gel and soft actuator
Stimulus-responsive hydrogels significantly change their shape in response to external stimuli, making them a promising material for artificial muscles that can be driven in aqueous environments. We focused on gradients as a way to design gels that curve in response to external stimuli. By combining electrophoretic deposition and photopolymerization, we fabricated an organic-inorganic hybrid gel with a nanostructure gradient and a gel with a vacancy density gradient. We found that these gradient gels all curve significantly in response to temperature through different mechanisms. We have also succeeded in forming a pH-responsive polymer gradient within a temperature-responsive polymer gel. Functionally graded materials like these are materials whose chemical composition and physical properties change continuously, and can be seen as the most ideal combination of materials with different functions.
Chem. Commun. 2009
Adv. Mater. 2008
Functionalization of materials through compositing
By effectively combining two or more types of materials, it is possible to impart new functions that far exceed the capabilities of a single material, and the combinations are endless. We are creating composite materials with rare mechanical properties by skillfully controlling the synthesis and compositing of polymer materials as a matrix and fine particles as fillers. For example, we are developing soft materials whose rigidity and adhesion can change depending on external stimuli while maintaining dimensional stability, and self-healing materials that can return to their original state upon contact with a cut site.
Sci. Rep. 2020
J. Mater. Chem. B 2020
Chem. Commun. 2018
Macromol. Chem. Phys. 2013
Research funding (As research representative)
Public research funds (KAKENHI)
2019-2022 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research B
2017-2018 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research Young Researcher B
2014-2015 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research Challenging Exploratory Research
2010-2011 Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research Young Researcher B
2007-2008 Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research Special Researcher Grant
Public research funds (other than Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research)
2020-2021 Basic research on production technology of JOGMEC metal resources
2019-2021 NEDO New Technology Leading Research Program
2018-2020 ERCA Environmental Research Comprehensive Promotion Fund Innovative R&D
2014-2015 JST tenure track promotion project
Private research funds
2022-2023 Precision Measurement Technology Promotion Foundation Research Grant
2020-2021 Izumi Science and Technology Foundation Research Grant
2019-2022 Ogasawara Science and Technology Foundation Research Grant
2019 Ikeya Science and Technology Foundation Research Grant
2017-2018 Asahi Glass Foundation Research Encouragement
2016 Futaba Electronics Memorial Foundation Natural Science Research Grant
2015 Sumitomo Foundation Basic Science Research Grant
2015 Sasakawa Scientific Research Grant)
2012 Ion Engineering Foundation