Thu., Dec 4, 2025 16:20-17:50
Onsite & Online Hybrid

3rd Floor, Seminar Room ABC, East Library, Higashi-Hiroshima Campus, Hiroshima University
　(Please note that the venue is different from the usual one.)

If you are online, you need to apply.

Commentary: Yukihiko MATSUMURA
Professor, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University

Lecture: Kosuke YAMADA
M2, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University
“Detail of the catalytic effect of activated carbon on supercritical water gasification of glucose”

This study aims to elucidate the catalytic role of activated carbon in the supercritical water gasification of glucose. It is known that the gasification process involves multiple intermediate products before finally producing gases, and activated carbon has been reported to accelerate the overall gasification. However, which specific reactions are promoted or suppressed by activated carbon remains unclear. To address this, a reaction model is constructed that considers the formation and transformation of intermediates. Through this model, the mechanisms by which activated carbon influences reaction pathways are investigated, thereby clarifying its catalytic function in the process.

Lecture:  Keisuke TAKAKI
M1, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University
“Development of enzyme engineering for the efficient conversion of value-added compounds”

To reduce CO₂, the main cause of global warming, we are constructing a process to produce high-value-added chemicals from CO₂ using bioprocesses with low environmental impact. In this study, we aimed to improve productivity by engineering the conversion enzyme responsible for the downstream reaction. So far, we have succeeded in acquiring promising enzyme modifications through two approaches: random mutagenesis and in silico stabilization design. Currently, we are continuing to screen random mutants and combine mutations that contribute to the improvement of enzyme activity with the aim of further improving the enzyme activity for industrialization.

Lecture: Shota NAKATSUKAWA
M1, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University
“Development of a high-temperature gas fermentation process using genetically modified Moorella thermoacetica”

In this study, we are designing bioreactors and optimizing operating conditions for industrial-scale applications using a strain of Moorella thermoacetica engineered to produce acetone. This presentation will report on the establishment of acetone recovery methods and the results of bioreactor cultivation.

Lecture: Chie SON
M2, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University
“Research on enzyme leakage caused by heat treatment of psychrophile-based simple biocatalysts”

We are developing a psychrophile-based simple biocatalyst (PSCat), which is a type of environmentally friendly biocatalyst. It is constructed by expressing mesophilic enzymes that produce target products in the psychrophilic bacteria as the host of the biocatalyst. By inactivating the psychrophilic bacteria's own metabolic system through heat treatment at medium-temperature (40-50ºC), this leads to converting target compounds without producing byproducts, achieving high-yield production. However, the conversion enzymes introduced into the psychrophilic bacteria for producing the target products were leaking out due to heat treatment. We have already found that inorganic salts in the main components of artificial seawater are effective for protein leakage suppression. Building on this knowledge, the purpose of this study is to develop a stable conversion catalyst by suppressing enzyme leakage caused by heat treatment.

Chair: Yukihiko MATSUMURA
Professor, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University

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