Microbiological Chemistry

Microbiological Chemistry

We are conducting research to elucidate the metabolic functions of microorganisms and others so as to apply them to solving environmental problems and producing useful materials. We are pioneering a new field of bioinorganic chemistry that elucidates the interaction between proteins and minerals at the molecular level, such as microorganisms that breathe iron, marine organisms that produce magnetite, and catalytic mechanisms of metalloenzymes. In our laboratory, we are promoting interdisciplinary education and research that incorporates information systems such as machine learning and computational chemistry into general-purpose experimental methods such as genetic engineering, protein engineering, genome editing, and RNA engineering.

	Prof. TAMURA Takashi E-mail: tktamura [at] okayama-u.ac.jp biofuel hydrogen, chemoautotrophic bacteria, biomineralization Directory of Researchers

Genome modification of sulfate-reducing bacteria and hydrogenase development

[NiFeSe]hydrogenase (Hase) of marine sulfate-reducing bacteria has high oxygen resistance, and it has the potential to invent an energy conversion chip that produces hydrogen from sunlight and seawater. We are developing a technology to purify hydrogenase in one step by modifying the genome of sulfate-reducing bacteria and writing an affinity tag sequence added to the Hase gene.

	Prof. KANAO Tadayoshi E-mail: tkanao [at] okayama-u.ac.jp Applied microbiology, Acidophilic bacteria, Iron- and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria Directory of Researchers

Research and application of iron-oxidizing bacteria and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria

Iron/sulfur-oxidizing bacteria are extreme environment microorganisms that exploit (oxidize) inorganic sulfur compounds such as bivalent iron, sulfur, and highly toxic hydrogen sulfide to assimilate carbon dioxide and grow even in strongly acidic environments with a pH of 3 or less. We are trying to elucidate the mechanisms (metabolism and enzymes) of such extremely special microorganisms that consume iron and sulfur and apply them to the recovery of metal resources and the prevention of heavy metal pollution.

	Assoc. Prof. NEMOTO Michiko E-mail: pyct4x0t [at] okayama-u.ac.jp Biomineralization, Omics Directory of Researchers

Biomineralization

Biominerals are minerals produced by organisms. They possess various superior material properties due to their structure and composition. Understanding biomineralization could contribute to the development of materials science and nanotechnology. We study biomineralization using omics technologies