TAKADA laboratory

Research fields/Keywords:Polymer Synthesis, Biobased Polymers, Engineering Plastics, Stimuli-responsive Polymers, Living Polymerization

Location:Building No. 2, 3th floor, 306
Laboratory Website:https://sites.google.com/yz.yamagata-u.ac.jp/takadak-eng/home
Laboratory Introduction:PDF(1.4MB)

Associate Professor Kenji TAKADA

The Takada Laboratory is conducting research to develop novel materials by combining bio-molecules with characteristic structures like a "building block".

For details, please refer to the laboratory's website.

1. Development of Functional Materials using Bio-derived Amino Acids

Amino acids are one of the bio-molecules that are widely contained in nature and in living organisms, and can be produced in large quantities by microorganisms if metabolic pathways are well designed. We synthesize various new polymers using these bio-based molecules to achieve higher performance (higher heat resistance and strength) and higher functionality (water solubilization, gelation, and stimulus response) of polymers.

2. Development and Application of Environmentally Friendly Precise polymerization methods

Living polymerization, a typical polymer precision synthesis method, affects the control of polymer repeating units, primary structures such as termini, and even secondary structures such as helices. We not only examine these synthesis methods, but also investigate what functions can be achieved by the controlled structures and utilize them to improve the physical properties of materials.

Regarding the education of our students, we aim to “reinforcement their ability to write scientific and technical texts” and “enhance their presentation skills". Through conference presentations and writing the research articles, students are encouraged to become world-class researchers. Our lab is looking for enthusiastic students. Let's develop interesting materials together.