Research
Life is composed of a variety of biomacromolecules with complex functions, showing us the ultimate functions that synthetic molecules potentially possess.
Focusing on the structure and function of biomacromolecules, Kinbara group is challenging to synthesize organic molecules to create new functional materials.
1. Functionalization of Lipid Bilayers
By alternately connecting hydrophilic and hydrophobic units, we have developed multi-block amphiphilic molecules with multi-transmembrane domains. These amphiphilic molecules can self-assemble within a lipid membrane upon external stimuli, inducing the substance transfer across the membrane just like an ion channel in our body.
2. Engineered PEG
Polydisperse, biocompatible polymer linear polyethylene glycol (PEG) was converted to a monodisperse, polygonal PEG. The structured PEG exhibits physical properties quite different from those of linear chains, such as protein stabilization.
3. Fluorescent Plobe for Viscous Organelles
Kinbara group takes advantage of AIE molecules to engineer a water-solubule fluorescent probe for viscous organelles. This probe can accumulate at the specific organelle in living cells to guide us to reveal their new structures and functions.
