We have developed a stable growth factor protein that is a promising candidate for a radioprotective drug suitable for treating biological damage caused by high-dose radiation. This stable growth factor, designated FGFC (fibroblast growth factor chimeric protein), demonstrates several advantages over existing drugs. Once approved, it can be stockpiled for radioprotection. We aim to develop this protein into a drug at the highest possible level achievable at a basic research institute.

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We have performed functional proteomics on a large scale in the context of post-human genome research. We have also developed infrastructure for the analysis of protein functions, protein-protein interactions, and human protein structures. An accurate method for profiling autoantibodies in serum is developed using human protein expression resources and protein expression techniques. The human biological defense system responds to abnormalities with extraordinary sensitivity. Hence, this system is an effective tool for detecting human diseases at an early stage. Health safety and security can be achieved by establishing an early diagnostic method using the biological defense system and our protein array.

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To dramatically reduce energy consumption in chemical industry, we propose to construct a database on fundamental technologies for practical applications of HIDiC, as part of a project funded by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization). An application of HIDiC to the distillation process for the enrichment of bioethanol fermented from biomass has been attempted, and a bench plant has been designed and constructed to ensure practical applicability. Testing has shown that the developed HIDiC system achieves the project targets of enrichment and energy savings. We also confirmed that a compressor-free HIDiC system can be scaled to commercial plants.

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Passwords are widely used for encrypting files, authenticating remote users on a communication network, and establishing encrypted channels for authenticated users. However, the possibility of passwords being stolen or abused raises security problems, and having to remember a number of lengthy passwords is often inconvenient. The purpose of this research is to develop new schemes to resolve these problems and make them generally available to society. In this paper, we introduce our research strategies and scenario to achieve this purpose.

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Development of non-adhesive and dewetting solid surfaces has attracted much attention in a wide variety of industrial applications, because such surfaces can prevent staining, corrosion and clogging, and permit control of droplet motion. In this paper, we introduce our strategy for R&D, including classification and analysis of previous work, and establishment of a guiding principle for R&D towards practical and rapid realization of our novel oleophobic coating. Our R&D strategy successfully reduced the transition period from Type 1 to Type 2 Basic Research and its practical realization. Furthermore, by means of seeds-needs matching between AIST and companies through PR activities and sample offers, we were able to establish coating technology on a commercial scale within one year.

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