Polymer microsphere is one of the key materials of nanotechnology. Polymer particles have been used traditionally as paint, and ink, etc. Recently, they are very focused as key component of future applications such as purification of chemical/biological materials, biosensor, and photonic crystals. To achieve the applications, design of the polymer microsphere is the most important. The microspheres should have suitable design for each application. For example, our group reported unique microspheres so called, “Janus particles”, which possess gold surface on one side and polymer surface on the other side.
Polymer assemblies, which are usually spatially ordered, show new function, differed from individual components. One of the well known uses of the polymer assemblies is artificial opal (colloidal crystal).
Concept of my research is to create future advanced materials using 4D, Spatio-temporal structures of polymer microspheres developed by our groups previously. Up to now, we achieved self-flocculating/self-dispersing oscillation of the microspheres at around the volume phase transition temperature as well as self-volume oscillation of them. Under going studies are focused on design and synthesis of self-oscillating microgels having complex nano-structures which may be useful for effective colloid assembly.

During a series of discussion with students, we would like to show new concept concerning polymer colloid. I would like to continue working on myself to become not only the researcher but also the educator, who could produce quality graduates.