Exploring the Broad Potential of Microbial Applications

With an expected transition from a fossil resource-dependent society into a bioeconomy, the exploration of novel microbial functions and the development of bioprocesses based on these functions are crucial for achieving internationally competitive biomanufacturing across various industrial sectors.

Microbial-based manufacturing encompasses a wide array of applications, ranging from traditional fermentation industries to biotransformation processes utilizing enzymes and microbial cells as catalysts, production of recombinant proteins and secondary metabolites, resource recovery from organic waste, and the exploitation of microbial interactions with higher organisms. However, the number of microbial taxa and genes that have been effectively utilized remains limited.

This research team aims to unlock the full potential of microbial resources and contributing to the growth of biomanufacturing industry in Japan. Specifically, we focus on screening and functional analysis of diverse microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, and filamentous fungi, as well as creating high-yield strains, optimizing culture conditions, and advancing fundamental technologies for the construction of bioprocesses.