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Objectives |
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We propose the development of a novel concept, that of the
"Biorefinery", in which basic chemicals are produced from
renewable resources, specifically biomass, before being
converted to a broad range of chemical products, including
fuels, fine chemicals and advanced materials using
sustainable processes. In order to support the shift from
oil-dependant societies to recycling-oriented societies, and
to contribute towards the prevention of global warming,
research into biorefineries has been promoted all over the
world. To establish Japan as a world leader in the
development of a recycling-oriented and sustainable society,
we have established a biorefinery research center to
accelerate fundamental and practical research via close
academic cooperation and collaboration. In summary, the
objectives of our center are to contribute towards the
establishment of a sustainable society by developing novel
biorefinery technologies and processes, as well as human
resource development through education, research and the
practical application of these technologies.
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Concepts and Outline |
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In order to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, to reduce
the production of greenhouse gases such as CO2,
and to establish a recycling-oriented society that can
develop in a sustainable manner, biorefinery research and
development are being promoted enthusiastically worldwide.
It is intended that biorefinery processes will replace the
energy and products derived from fossil fuels with those
derived from biomass, which is a renewable and
carbon-neutral resource. In order to realize the concept of
the biorefinery through the development of innovative
technologies and highly efficient production processes, we
promote research and education in the four core areas
described below:
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Mechanisms of enzymatic reactions and cellular functions |
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Research in this area contributes to the development of novel
and sensitive technologies for detecting and observing phenomena
that occur in solution and/or at interfaces. Various analytical
techniques are used to conduct theoretical and fundamental
research on complex reaction processes. In addition,
investigation of cellular functions is conducted using
technologies employed in system biology and integrated
bio-informatics.
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Design and creation of
super-enzymes and cell factories |
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Based on fundamental research, we are creating super-enzymes
that possess advanced functions and stability. We are also
producing novel cell factories based on the re-programming
of metabolic pathways using synthetic biological approaches.
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Production of
genetically modified biomass crops |
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Separation systems based on highly functional nano-structured
membranes will be developed and applied to the conservation
of water resources. We are also developing biomass crops
suitable for biorefinery processes by genetic modification,
for example, plants with higher cellulose content, which can
then easily be converted to carbohydrates by external
enzymes.
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Development of biorefinery processes |
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Utilizing super-enzymes and cell factories, we are developing
biological processes in which biomass is converted into the
basic chemical building blocks which can then converted into
a broad range of value-added materials via
environmentally-benign processes. We are also developing
novel technologies and processes to produce
highly-functional nano- and eco-composites. |