Exploring chemical reactions in living organisms from the quantum mechanical behavior of spin.
Nanotechnology (Saitama University Research Seed Collection 2025-25 p.108)
Keywords: electronic spin, quantum biology, radical pair, animal magnetoreception mechanism, arbitrary waveform generator
It has been revealed by many studies that animals such as migratory birds can sense the Earth's magnetic field and use it for behaviors like migration. We are researching the chemical reactions of radical pairs, which are considered candidates for the mechanism, and how they sense magnetic fields. Based on the idea that the isolated electrons in radicals behave like small magnets (spins) in a quantum mechanical manner, we aim to clarify phenomena in biology that are woven by quantum mechanics. Such fundamental research has potential applications in currently focused areas like spintronics, so-called quantum devices, as well as in the visualization of biological tissues and the construction of new biological models.
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Kiminori Maeda, Associate Professor Graduate School of Science and Technology, Department of Materials Science, Field of Material Functions 【Recent Research Themes】 ● Elucidation of low magnetic field response mechanisms using pulsed magnetic fields. ● Development of a method for large-scale synthesis of cryptochrome and spin labeling techniques through improvements in protein expression methods. ● Exploration of photochemical reaction mechanisms within proteins using molecular dynamics calculations. ● Development of methods that combine molecular dynamics and spin dynamics calculations. ● Control of chemical reactions through spin manipulation using arbitrary waveform generators.
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【Appeal Points to the Industry】 ●Basic research on the effects of electromagnetic waves and magnetic fields on living organisms. ●Mechanisms related to the relationship between magnetic fields and the circadian rhythms of living organisms. ●Applications expected from research on living organisms to new quantum devices such as spin electronics. 【Examples of Practical Applications, Use Cases, and Utilization】 ●By clarifying the existence of molecular systems that sense magnetism from both natural and artificial perspectives, new applications such as biosensors are anticipated. ●To make the relationship between quantum mechanics and biomolecules clearer. ●Development of new methodologies to discover magnetic field effects in biological processes such as chemical reactions.
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Super cavity ring-down device for highly sensitive observation of light-induced radical reactions and their magnetic field effects.
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The Saitama University Open Innovation Center is a center that functions as a liaison office for industry-academia-government collaboration. It consists of three departments: the Industry-Academia-Government Collaboration Department, the Intellectual Property Department, and the Startup Support Department, each staffed with coordinators well-versed in various fields. The center's activities include solving technical challenges in companies, supporting the implementation of joint research, and conducting technology transfer aimed at introducing and utilizing Saitama University's intellectual property.