Research

Our vision

In our lab, we’re passionate about creating molecules and using the power of organic synthesis to tackle big questions in the life sciences. Our research is built around four main themes: catalytic asymmetric reactions, novel reaction development, low-molecular-weight gelators, and molecular probes.

For catalytic asymmetric reactions, we design new catalysts and reactions to efficiently make optically active compounds—important building blocks for medicines and natural products—while also keeping things environmentally friendly.

In novel reaction development, we’re trying to invent creative and useful reactions that can do what traditional methods can’t. These new reactions could lead to breakthroughs in drug discovery and materials science.

With molecular probes, we design molecules that help us “see” what’s happening inside cells and living systems. One exciting goal is to better understand how liquid–liquid phase separation works inside cells, using specially designed probe molecules.

We’re also working on low-molecular-weight gelators to make soft materials like biocompatible gels and smart materials that respond to stimuli—potentially useful in medical and biotech fields.

What really drives us is curiosity—the thrill of discovering something surprising. We’re always on the lookout for new molecules, new reactions, and new phenomena that no one has ever seen before. Through the exciting blend of chemistry and life science, we aim to open up new possibilities for the future.

Research topics

1) Catalytic Asymmetric Reactions

2) Novel Reactions Development

3) Molecular Recognition

4) Molecular Probes