Date & Time: April 9, 2026

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

Lecture: Yoshiki SHINTO
D2, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University
“Exploration and evaluation for enhancement of ATP synthesis in Moorella thermoacetica using flux balance analysis”

Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) is a computational method that predicts metabolic fluxes that maximize biomass growth or chemical production based on a genome-scale metabolic model (GSM). By modifying the GSM, FBA can simulate the behavior of mutant strains, making it an effective tool for designing metabolic engineering strategies. This seminar introduces an approach using FBA to evaluate the metabolic modifications required to shift the final metabolite of Moorella thermoacetica from acetate to ethanol during H₂/CO₂ fermentation.

Lecture: Kenichiro TANOUE
Professor, Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University
“A proposed grindability index for torrefied biomass and elucidation of mechanisms to improve grindability ”

This study evaluated the effects of torrefaction temperature on the grindability of Japanese cedar and fibrous biomass. To resolve the physical limitations of the conventional Rittinger's law, we proposed a modified Rittinger's law utilizing the skeletal density difference, representing intrinsic volumetric destruction during grinding. This new index consistently maintained validity across all temperatures. Analysis revealed species-specific mechanical responses, such as the peak in grinding resistance for cedar at intermediate temperatures. These findings provide fundamental knowledge for optimizing the pre-treatment and mechanical handling of diverse torrefied biomass fuels.

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