Project Overview
N. Research Project, which was a specified research in fiscal 2009, is intended to make use of our original nanoscience and nanotechnology inthree fields—information, energy and medicine—and develop innovative technologies to contribute to society.
This project involves the College of Science and Technology, which the project leader Dr. Joe Otsuki belongs to, the College of Humanities and Sciences, the School of Medicine, the College of Bioresource Sciences, the College of Pharmacy, the Institute of Quantum Science, and the Advanced Research Institute for the Science and Humanities, an internationally recognized research center with industry ties.
With the participation and combined wisdom of researchers from many colleges at Nihon University, the project will contribute to the creation of a healthy future through its advanced science and technology.
Research Objectives Feature Full Use of Nanotechnology
This project develops methods to fabricate nanostructures from a bottom-up approach by self-assembly of molecules from one-nanometer scale to relatively large molecules hundreds of nanometers in size, as well as a top-down approach such as nanolithography. We reveal the properties of nanomaterials and nanostructures both experimentally and theoretically aiming to be a pioneer in nanomaterial science. Also we apply these sciences and technologies with the aim of pursuing the limits of the fields of information, energy, and medicine. An overview of the project’s activities in each field is described below.
1. Information
magnetization reversal
In the field of information, by making full use of nanotechnology, we aim at developing technologies that make it possible to record more information at a faster rate in a safer way. By reducing the size of magnetic particles on disk surfaces, more information can be recorded. By applying technology for changing the polarity of the magnetic surface only by applying light, faster recording is possible. We are also developing a secure communication method using a quantum cryptography system.
2. Energy
In the field of energy, we are aiming at commercializing dye-sensitized solar cells that are expected to become the next-generation of solar cells. By incorporating in the electrode nanostructures called "photonic crystals," which have a characteristic that confines light, we are developing efficient power generation. We also promote the development of fuel cells and hydrogen storage materials that make use of hydrogen energy.
3. Medicine
In the field of medicine, we are developing novel drugs for cancer treatment and other purposes. We are creating artificial molecules that recognize DNA and act on it directly. An artificial molecule that recognizes cancer-related genes will suppress the expression of such genes. And an artificial molecule that carries a red luminescence probe will report the locations of cancer genes, and lead to earlier detection of the disease.
