Publications

Formation of photoresponsive vesicular molecular assemblies from a complexes of cinnamic acid derivative and cyclodextrin

Masaaki Akamatsu*, Reona Tsubaki, Koji Tsuchiya, Kyosuke Arakawa, Kenichi Sakai, Hideki Sakai*

Chemistry Letters, 55 (2026) upag073.

https://academic.oup.com/chemlett/article/55/5/upag073/8665976

We successfully prepared photoresponsive vesicles using rotaxane-like pseudo-surfactants formed by cinnamic acid derivatives and cyclodextrins. These systems are expected to find applications in new biomass-based drug delivery materials and related fields.

Mechanical properties and soil and marine degradation behavior of environmentally friendly polylactic acid/nanochitin composite films

Hiryu Murayama, Haruko Sakai, Wakako Ohmura, Mariko Ago, Koichiro Ishida, Soichi Tanaka, Masaaki Akamatsu, Shinsuke Ifuku*

Polymer Degradation and Stability, 250 (2026) 112141.

OPEN ACCESS

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141391026002223

Uniform composite films derived from polylactic acid nanoparticles with added nanochitin exhibit improved mechanical and thermal properties due to the interfacial distribution of nanochitin and the formation of a layered structure, while also showing enhanced biodegradability by promoting hydrolytic and microbial degradation of PLA through pore formation induced by the preferential degradation of nanochitin.

Property control and functional expression of partially deacetylated nanochitin with various organic acid counter Ions: antibacterial activity and hydrogel formation

Hayate Nakamine, Masaaki Akamatsu, Shinsuke Ifuku∗

Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications, 14 (2026) 101123.

OPEN ACCESS

https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.carpta.2026.101123

Counter ions derived from organic acids significantly influence the dispersion behavior, nanofibrillation, and functional properties (e.g., antibacterial activity and gelation behavior) of partially deacetylated nanochitin, providing important guidelines for controlling its structure–property relationships.

High-strength and environmentally stable wood conductive eutectogels enabled by metal-based deep eutectic solvents

Muqiu You, Jinhao Xu, Jing Zhou, Yamei Zao, Dagang Li, Yongcan Jin, Zhaoyang Xu, Shinsuke Ifuku, Chuchu Chen∗

Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts in press.

OPEN ACCESS

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100237

By integrating a sustainable wood-derived skeleton with a metal-based deep eutectic solvent and dynamic coordination crosslinking, we developed a novel conductive eutectogel that simultaneously exhibits high ionic conductivity, excellent mechanical properties, and thermal stability over a wide temperature range.

Effect of chitosan and alcohol solvents on uniform structural color formation in partially deacetylated nanochitin films

Dagmawi Abebe Zewude, Toshiki Nokami, Masaaki Akamatsu, Shinsuke Ifuku*

Carbohydrate Polymers 378 (2026) 124976.

OPEN ACCESS

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2026.124976

Nanochitin thin films exhibit so-called structural colors, typified by the iridescent wings of jewel beetles, as a result of light interference. By carefully selecting additives and solvents, we successfully suppressed film inhomogeneity during the drying process, leading to the uniform development of structural color.

Guanidinylated nanochitins: guanidinylated chitin nanocrystals are dispersible at neutral pH

Hironori Izawa,* Sota Ando, Kensei Sone, Wataru Tajima, Dagmawi Abebe Zewude, Yusuke Yamashita, Shinsuke Ifuku*

Journal of Materials Chemistry B 14 (2026),144–152.

Front Cover

https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TB01771H

We prepared guanidinylated chitin nanocrystals. Because the cations generated from the guanidino groups are highly stable, the nanocrystals can be stably dispersed without being affected by pH fluctuations. 

Uniform silver nanoparticles synthesized on the surface of the TEMPO‑oxidized cellulose nanofibers

Soichi Tanaka*, Mizuki Shinozaki, Masataka Kawabata, Hironari Sano, Shinsuke Ifuku, Hiroyuki Yano

Cellulose 32 (2025),5989–6001.

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-025-06595-8

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with an average particle size of approximately 2.5 nm were uniformly synthesized on TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers via a two-step reaction using carboxyl groups as nucleation sites. The distribution, quantity, and thermal properties of the AgNPs were systematically analyzed. The AgNPs exhibited a lower melting point (214 °C) than bulk silver, indicating their potential applicability in conductive inks and electronic devices. These results demonstrate the successful fabrication of Ag-CNF composites.

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.