1. Research Activity

At present NISR is carrying out research in two projects as follows:

1) Functional analysis and application of useful genes of koji mold

Koji mold plays a most important role in soy sauce brewing, in which all materials, the soybeans and the wheat, are cultured with it to make koji. Much effort has been made to develop koji mold suitable for soy sauce brewing. It has, so far, been difficult to genetically analyze koji mold, but with recent progress in molecular biology, and EST and genome analysis of koji mold, Aspergillus oryzae, it is now possible to study koji mold genetically. In this study, the scientific analysis of the role of koji mold in soy sauce brewing is being studied using newly developed techniques and information. From this research, we intend to develop a new koji mold, which is useful for koji making and improving the quality of soy sauce.

2) A molecular approach to the study of salt-tolerant/salt-loving microorganisms and their enzymes

Microorganisms and their enzymes have been used industrially for a wide range of products and processes, from traditional ones like beer, antibiotics and amino acids, to the more recent use of genetically-engineered cells to synthesize human and animal proteins. A critical first step in the creation and broadening of commercial applications using microbes is a deep understanding of their metabolic, genetic and molecular characteristics.

Research on halophiles, salt-tolerant/salt-loving microorganisms, has focussed mainly on understanding the mechanisms underlying their outstanding adaptation to high salt concentration. There are, however, few cases where these organisms are used on an industrial scale.

The goal of this project is the application of halophiles and their enzymes to industrial processes. We will investigate the ecology of halophilic microorganisms and the characteristics of their enzymes using biochemical and molecular biological methods. These approaches should provide practical and fundamental knowledge needed to recognize and develop new strains of salt tolerant/salt-loving organisms, and to enable the production of halophilic enzymes suitable for industrial use

2. Grant Project

NISR started the new project which supports the research fund in the field of applied biology for the purpose of developing the fermentation and brewing industry.

Grants List:

3. Others

Biotechnology Seminar

A lecture and exhibition concerning biotechnology are held annually for citizens living in and around Noda City.

Publication of "Report of The Noda Institute for Scientific Research"

Research articles by our researchers published during the year in academic journals are compiled in "Report of the Noda Institute for Scientific Research". The report has been published annually and distributed to researchers and research organizations in related fields since its first issue in 1957.

Tables of contents: 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

If you need a copy of our annual report, please contact us at info@nisr.or.jp

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