The objective of this course is to develop a molecular-level understanding of the relationships among structure, properties,
and function of biomolecules, and to learn rational design strategies for artificial biomolecules and biomaterials. Through
learning techniques for the design and modification of biomolecules, students will cultivate research skills that enable them
to independently analyze problems and propose molecular designs to achieve desired functions.
Biomolecules such as DNA and proteins have attracted increasing attention not only as molecules responsible for biological
functions but also as highly designable functional materials. In particular, the development of novel biomaterials based on
the modification and rational design of biomolecules has rapidly advanced in recent years as an interdisciplinary field integrating
chemistry, life sciences, and materials engineering. In this course, biomolecules are reexamined from the perspective of materials
science, and students will learn the principles of structural design, mechanisms of functional expression, and strategies
for converting biomolecules into functional materials. In addition, through recent research papers and specific case studies,
new material design strategies using biomolecules will be discussed.
- Students will be able to explain the structures and properties of biomolecules such as DNA and proteins.
- Students will be able to outline major techniques used for the synthesis and modification of biomolecules, as well as for their structural and functional analysis.
- Students will be able to survey recent research trends in biomolecular design based on the literature, and logically analyze and discuss future perspectives and challenges.
| Exercise assignments | Reports | Presentations | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 20% | 5% | 5% | 30% |
| 2. | 30% | 5% | 5% | 40% |
| 3. | 5% | 15% | 10% | 30% |
| Total. | 55% | 25% | 20% | - |
| Class schedule | HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) | Amount of Time Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1． | Introduction | Confirmation of the syllabus and review of basic chemistry | |
| 2． | DNA Engineering (1): Structure and Properties of DNA | Review of basic organic chemistry previously studied | |
| 3． | DNA Engineering (2): Chemical Synthesis and Analytical Techniques | Review of basic analytical chemistry previously studied | |
| 4． | DNA Engineering (3): Structural DNA Nanotechnology | Review of previous content and exercise assignments | |
| 5． | DNA Engineering (4): Introduction to Genetic Engineering | Review of previous content and exercise assignments | |
| (Students who have taken biochemistry courses at the undergraduate level are encouraged to review the material, as it will help deepen their understanding of the course content.) | |||
| 6． | DNA Engineering (5): DNA Aptamers (Nucleic Acid Antibodies) and DNAzymes (Nucleic Acid Enzymes) | Review of the previous lecture and exercise assignments | |
| 7． | DNA Engineering (6): Artificial DNA and Its Applications | Review of previous content and exercise assignments | |
| 8． | Protein Engineering (1): Structure and Properties of Proteins | Review of basic organic chemistry previously studied | |
| 9． | Protein Engineering (2): Protein Synthesis and Mutagenesis | Review of basic organic chemistry previously studied | |
| (Students who have taken biochemistry courses at the undergraduate level are encouraged to review the material, as it will help deepen their understanding of the course content.) | |||
| 10． | Protein Engineering (3): Functional Modification of Enzymes and Applications to Materials | Review of the previous lecture and exercise assignments | |
| 11． | Artificial Cell Engineering | Review of the previous lecture and exercise assignments | |
| 12． | Molecular Robotics and Molecular Computing | Review of the previous lecture and exercise assignments | |
| (Students who have studied robotics, information science, or control engineering are encouraged to review the material, as it will help deepen their understanding of the course content.) | |||
| 13． | Recent Progress in Biomolecular Design (Report and Presentation) | Literature survey, report writing, and presentation preparation | |
| 14． | Recent Progress in Biomolecular Design (Report and Presentation) | Literature survey, report writing, and presentation preparation | |
| Total. | - | - |
Evaluation will be based on exercise assignments and reports and presentation on advanced research topics. Exercise assignments
account for 50 points, and the report and presentation account for 50 points. A total score of 60 points or higher out of
100 is required to pass the course.
| ways of feedback | specific contents about "Other" |
|---|---|
| Feedback in/outside the class. |
Lecture materials will be distributed as needed.
The following books are recommended as reference materials (only in Japanese)
杉山 弘・板東 俊和 著「基礎ケミカルバイオロジー」（化学同人）
杉本 直己 編著「生体分子化学 基礎から応用まで」（講談社サイエンティフィク）
分子ロボティクス研究会 著「分子ロボティクス概論 ～分子のデザインでシステムをつくる」（CBI学会出版）＊pdf版は無料で手に入ります
The following books are recommended as reference materials (only in Japanese)
杉山 弘・板東 俊和 著「基礎ケミカルバイオロジー」（化学同人）
杉本 直己 編著「生体分子化学 基礎から応用まで」（講談社サイエンティフィク）
分子ロボティクス研究会 著「分子ロボティクス概論 ～分子のデザインでシステムをつくる」（CBI学会出版）＊pdf版は無料で手に入ります
- Questions and consultations are available after class. If another time is more convenient, please contact me by email to make an appointment.
- Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
- Course that cultivates a basic self-management skills
- Course that cultivates a basic problem-solving skills
| Work experience | Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
- 2.ZERO HUNGER
- 3.GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
- 7.AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
- 12.RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION
Last modified : Sat Mar 14 14:08:42 JST 2026