| Project/Area Number |
21H01720
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Section | 一般 |
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| Review Section |
Basic Section 27040:Biofunction and bioprocess engineering-related
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| Research Institution | University of Tsukuba |
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Principal Investigator |
Utada Andrew 筑波大学, 生命環境系, 准教授 (90776626)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
尾花 望 筑波大学, 医学医療系, 助教 (00722688)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
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| Project Status |
Completed (Fiscal Year 2023)
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| Budget Amount *help |
¥17,420,000 (Direct Cost: ¥13,400,000、Indirect Cost: ¥4,020,000)
Fiscal Year 2023: ¥5,460,000 (Direct Cost: ¥4,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,260,000)
Fiscal Year 2022: ¥5,070,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,900,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,170,000)
Fiscal Year 2021: ¥6,890,000 (Direct Cost: ¥5,300,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,590,000)
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| Keywords | bioremediation / biofilm / active matter / microfluidics / alcanivorax / liquid crystal / oil degradation / oil-water interface / living liquid crystal / interface / nematic ordering |
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| Outline of Research at the Start |
Environmental bacteria biodegrade significant quantities of global spilled oil. Many genetic and biochemical pathways responsible for oil-degradation are known but, the detailed mechanisms that bacteria use to degrade the oil are still unclear. Harnessing bacterial function for next-generation control will require a deeper understanding of both chemical pathways and biophysical mechanisms. I aim to elucidate the biophysical mechanisms by clarifying cell-attachment dynamics, biofilm formation, and oil-degradation rate using microfluidics, high-resolution imaging and cell-tracking.
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| Outline of Final Research Achievements |
We developed an innovative device capable of trapping oil droplets for the long-term imaging of Alcanivorax borkumensis-mediated oil degradation. Through our research, we determined the physical mechanism underlying this process. In collaboration with theoretical physicists, we constructed a comprehensive theoretical physical model. Furthermore, we meticulously measured the interfacial properties of Alcanivorax borkumensis, providing critical insights into its interactions with oil. Our study also revealed the disruptive effects of chemical dispersants on biofilms. Our findings were published in Science, advancing bioremediation by elucidating bacterial oil degradation mechanisms and the role of dispersants in managing oil spills.
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| Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements |
Our research advances bioremediation by revealing how Alcanivorax borkumensis degrades oil and how dispersants impact biofilms. Published in Science, our findings enhance understanding of oil spill management, promoting more effective environmental cleanup and reducing ecological harm.
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