Antimicrobial polymers
We design antimicrobial materials that selectively recognize and disrupt bacterial membranes while minimizing the induction of drug resistance.
NARA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYLaboratory of Macromolecular Systems DesignDivision of Materials ScienceRESEARCH 01
Biofunctional Polymers
Inspired by natural membrane-active peptides, we translate their design principles into synthetic polymers with simple molecular structures to create new biofunctional materials that act on cell membranes.
OVERVIEW
We control physicochemical properties encoded by polymer structure to realize biological functions through interactions with target cell membranes.
RESEARCH FOCUS
Research focus
Anticancer and cellular regulation
We exploit differences in membrane composition and state to achieve selective action on cancer cells and applications in drug delivery.
Amyloid regulation
We use polymers to regulate interactions between lipid membranes and amyloid proteins and explore principles for suppressing fibril formation and cytotoxicity.
METHODS
Methods supporting our research
- Polymer synthesis by precision polymerization
- Membrane-interaction analysis using model cell membranes
- Interaction analysis by spectroscopy and thermal analysis
- Evaluation of biological functions and toxicity using cultured cells
VISION