Research findings by Professor Makoto Ashina and colleagues from the Department of Life, Environmental, and Medical Sciences in the School of Integrated Sciences have been published in the Nature journal *Scientific Reports*.

Release Date:

　A research group led by Professor Makoto Ashina of the Department of Life, Environmental, and Medical Sciences at our university has successfully developed a groundbreaking chemical modification method that transforms biopolymers derived from extremophile microorganisms into practical industrial materials such as plastics. These findings were published in *Scientific Reports* (March 15, 2018), a journal published by the Nature Publishing Group.
　Professor Makoto Ashinai and his team focused on the stereoregular poly-γ-glutamic acid produced by Natrialba aegyptiaca, an extremophile microorganism (hyperhalophilic archaeon) inhabiting salt lakes, and have been working to develop a new bio-based nylon material suitable for industrial applications.As a result, they developed a groundbreaking new technology distinct from conventional chemical modification methods such as esterification, which they have named “polymer transformation.” Furthermore, the new material produced by this process is called “poly-γ-glutamic acid ion complex (PGAIC).” It possesses thermal enthalpy (high heat absorption/resistance) comparable to 100% crystalline nylon,(spontaneous coating function that eliminates the need for environmentally burdensome surface treatments) / broad-spectrum and potent antimicrobial activity, among other properties. It has been evaluated as a super-functional bio-based material that transcends the conventional positioning and scope of bioplastics (such as substitutes for synthetic plastics). In fact, part of this research has led to the acquisition of five domestic patents and two foreign patents.

[Published Paper]
Journal Title: Scientific Reports
Paper Title: Engineering antimicrobial coating of archaeal poly-γ-glutamate-based materials using non-covalent crosslinkages
Authors: Makoto Ashiuchi, Yuichi Hakumai, Sawami Nakayama, Haruna Higashiuchi, Kosuke Shimada
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23017-x