Homogeneous polyoxyethylene-type and polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene-type nonionic surfactants with novel structures and functions were synthesized, and the adsorption and aggregation properties of these surfactants were investigated. Furthermore, the microstructure of the foam formed by the amino acid-type surfactant was investigated by using small-angle neutron scattering. The size of the foam film and the presence of micelles in the foam film were clarified.

Utilization of biomass feedstocks is one of the essential subjects to achieve a sustainable society. Wood biomass is the most abundant biomass resource on Earth and is mainly composed of three polymers, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Compared with the former two polysaccharides, the utilization of lignin is challenging work due to its inhomogeneous structure and brittle mechanical property. In this study, we have developed a moldable material from lignosulfonate, an industrial byproduct in sulfite pulping process, by taking advantage of the reversible crosslinking via ionic interactions between lignosulfonate and cationic polyelectrolytes. The lignosulfonate/cationic-polyelectrolyte complex could be processed into desired shapes including a dumbbell-shaped test piece and revealed flexibility and elasticity, which was completely different from pure lignosulfonate. In addition, the complex has unique functions such as humidity responsibility, self-healing property, and adhesion properties because of ionic functional groups and reversible crosslinking structure in the complex. This lignosulfonate/cationic-polyelectrolyte complex can expand the application space of lignosulfonate and it will help more appropriate and effective utilization of wood biomass resources.

The proposal for a new human lifestyle based on astrobiophilosophy is presented in this article. Astrobiophilosophy is fundamentally based on the theory of quantum mechanics. Academic knowledge can be described in the following hierarchy of sciences: physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, and philosophy.

All living organisms on Earth have their origin in the environment of the planet and, after their death, these organisms again form part of the environment. Based on scientific evidence, it has been observed that the cycle of life on Earth depends on the circulation of atoms and molecules through processes such as biogeochemical cycles.

Earth can be described as a high-dimensional environmental giant life which has survived for 3.8 billion years. Human beings should take the role of pilot for this spaceship Earth and always participate in the endless practice to be wonderful global citizens.