Activity

Solute-induced wettability control at naphthalenediimide polymer brushes via anion–π interactions

Masaaki Akamatsu,* Haduki Nakahara, Ayumi Kimura, Kyosuke Arakawa, Shinsuke Ifuku, Kenichi Sakaia, Hideki Sakai*

RSC Applied Polymers 3 (2025),1452–1458. Selected as front cover

OPEN ACCESS

https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00275C

Using a newly recognized type of intermolecular force known as the anion–π interaction, we successfully achieved control over the wettability of material surfaces based on anion recognition. This work provides design principles for constructing selectively wettable interfaces. The findings are expected to contribute to future applications such as sensors and technologies for the capture of hazardous substances.

This study was conducted in collaboration with Professors Hideki Sakai and Kenichi Sakai at Tokyo University of Science.

Chitin/cellulose nanofiber complex from spent mushroom substrate systemically induces plant disease resistance through its cellulose-derived function

Momoko Takagi, Mayumi Egusa, Kayo Terao, Hujun Li, Yoko Nishizawa, Teruyuki Matsumoto, Akira Mine, Shinsuke Ifuku, Hironori Kaminaka*

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 316 (2025) 144746.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.144746

We prepared a chitin/cellulose nanofiber complex from spent mushroom substrate after harvesting mushrooms. This nanofiber induces disease resistance. We investigated its mode of action through the local immune responses and systemic disease resistance induced by the nanofiber

High-yield chitin extraction and nanochitin production from cricket legs

Genki Kitagawa, Toshifumi Mizuta, Masaaki Akamatsu, Shinsuke Ifuku*

Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications,10 (2025) 100816.

OPEN ACCESS

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carpta.2025.100816

We have derived nanochitin from cricket legs produced during the insect food manufacturing process. Due to the high concentration of exoskeleton in the legs, we obtained a yield comparable to that of crab shells. As insect food gains popularity, its leftover residues can serve as a new source of chitin raw material.

Exploring Shrimp-Derived Chitin Nanofiber as a Sustainable Alternative to Urea for Rice (Oryza sativa cv. BRRI dhan67) Cultivation

Md. Iftekhar Shams*, Md. Yamin Kabir, Md. Yasin Ali, Masum Billah, Most. Jakiya Sultana Bristi, Hironori Kaminaka, Dagmawi Abebe, Shinsuke Ifuku*

Applied Nano 6, (2025) 6.

OPEN ACCESS

https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano6020006

Nanochitin, derived from discarded shrimp shells, serves as a nitrogen source, crucial for rice growth. It could potentially replace urea fertilizer, as it is more efficient and has a lower environmental impact than urea.

Nanocellulose-Derived Hierarchical Carbon Framework-Supported P-Doped MoO2 Nanoparticles for Optimizing Redox Kinetics in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Mengjiao Shi, Xue Han, Wen Qu, Meihui Jiang, Qing Li, Feng Jiang, Xiang Xu, Shinsuke Ifuku, Chunlei Zhang, Chao Wang, Junfeng Hu, Liansheng Yang, Yuanjun Lin, Haipeng Yu*, Shouxin Liu, Jian Li, Yiqiang Wu*, Wenshuai Chen*

Advanced Materials 37 (2025) 2419918.

Journal Impact Factor: 27.4

https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202419918

Nanocellulose acted as a scaffold, allowing for the substantial immobilization of P-doped MoO2−x nanoparticles in lithium-sulfur batteries, resulting in impressive discharge specific capacity.

Nanochitin From Crab Shells: Production, Chemical Modification, Composite Materials, and Physiological Functions

Shinsuke Ifuku,* Hironori Kaminaka, and Md. Iftekhar Shams

Macromolecular Rapid Communications 46 (2025) 2400765.

Review Article, Front Cover

https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202400765

This review article summarizes around 200 studies focused on the production and chemical modification of nanocin, composite materials, as well as their physiological functions and impacts on plants.

N-Trimethylation of nanochitin for high dispersibility and pH-independent antibacterial activity

Masaki Kawamoto, Toshifumi Mizuta, Hironori Kaminaka, Masaaki Akamatsu, Shinsuke Ifuku*

Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications, 9 (2025) 100688.

OPEN ACCESS

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carpta.2025.100688

N-trimethylated nanochitosan consistently holds a positive charge, allowing it to retain its dispersibility and antibacterial qualities despite variations in pH.

Root Colonization by Trichoderma atroviride Triggers Induced Systemic Resistance Primarily Independent of the Chitin-mediated Signaling Pathway in Arabidopsis

Ayae Sakai, Hisako Yamagata, Keigo Naito, Mai Yoshioka, Takaya Tominaga, Shinsuke Ifuku, Hironori Kaminaka*

Microbes and Environments 39 (2024).

OPEN ACCESS

https://doi.org/10.1264/jsme2.me24038

Beneficial fungi residing in plant roots enhance growth and boost systemic resistance in the host. Interestingly, it seems that Trichoderma fungi trigger systemic resistance independent of the established chitin-mediated signal transduction pathway.

Chitin nanofibers promote rhizobial symbiotic nitrogen fixation in Lotus japonicus

Mamu Gonnami, Takaya Tominaga, Yukiko Isowa, Sarasa Takashima, Naoya Takeda, Chihiro Miura, Momoko Takagi, Mayumi Egusa, Akira Mine, Shinsuke Ifuku, Hironori Kaminaka*

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 278 (2024) 134910.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134910

Rhizobia penetrate the roots of leguminous plants, converting nitrogen gas into ammonia for the plant's use. Nanochitin serves as a signaling molecule that enhances these symbiotic associations. Consequently, applying nanochitin as a fertilizer significantly boosts nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants and fosters seedling development.