Topic: Cerasomes: A New Family of Bio-nano Hybrid Materials

Speaker: Prof. Jun-ichi Kikuchi

Date: November 5(Tuesday), 3 p.m.
Location: Room 301, Founder Building
Host: Zhifei Dai

Abstract:

Structural and functional hybridization of a biomolecule with another chemical component has been often adopted for design of advanced nanomaterials. Along this line, we have recently developed the cerasome, a liposomal membrane having a ceramic surface, as a novel organic-inorganic hybrid material. Owing to its extremely high morphological stability as compared with the conventional liposomes, the cerasome performs as an excellent biomembrane model to construct artificial multi-cellular systems. We have also revealed that the cationic cerasome can be used as an infusible and cell-friendly gene carrier. In order to break fresh ground for the cerasomes as the nanohybrid materials, we have prepared the metallosome, a metal-coated liposome, by employing electroless plating technique toward the cerasomes. In addition, functionalization of the cerasome surface by introducing titania or hydroxyapatite has been achieved. In this presentation, I will introduce design, preparation, characterization and functionalization of cerasomes as a versatile bio-nano hybrid material.

Brief introduction of speaker:

Prof. Jun-ichi Kikuchi obtained his B.S. degree at Nagasaki University in 1977, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at Kyushu University in 1979 and 1982, respectively. He experienced professional positions as Assistant Professor at Nagasaki University and Kyushu University for 6 years, and Associate Professor at Saga University and Kyushu University for 10 years. Now he is a Professor of Graduate School of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology. He published 186 original papers in Nature Protocol, JACS et al, 31 review articles in Chem Rev et al, and 31 book chapters.