Biology DivisionLaboratory of Microbiology

1. Libraries; Microbes, Culture broth and Chemicals

＜Microbial library＞
We are collecting actinomycetes from soil, fallen leaves, marine sediments and insects all over Japan. Collected isolates are characterized by morphology and/or 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny. We also collect non-actinomycete bacteria and filamentous fungi other than actinomycetes.

In the case of collaboration, please contact the Department of Intellectual Property and Public Relations （）.
Link：Photograph of actinomycetes（Colonies on agar media・Electron micrograph）

2. Discovery of new antibiotics for drug-resistant strains

It is said that the post-antibiotic era is coming. Many conventional antibiotics are no longer effective and more pathogenic bacteria obtain resistance against the antibiotics that have been labelled “the last resort”.

As a response to this tough situation, we have been exploring novel antibiotics against the pathogens listed below. To provide compounds which meet the clinical needs, we are continually collecting clinically isolated pathogens. We have up to 2,000 clinical isolates and lab strains in total. If necessary, we can also construct genetically modified strains.

・Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria

Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)

・Drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae
・Drug-resistant mycobacteria

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB, XDR-TB),
M. avium/intracellulare (MAC), M. abscessus

・Drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci  (VRE)

3. Mode of action study of novel antibiotics

Considering the widespread problem of AMR pathogenic bacteria, we understand that drugs with unknown mechanisms of action are unacceptable for clinical use. We start the mechanism of action study in the initial phase of development for promising candidates.

Mechanism of action of antibiotics isolated/developed at IMC

4. Large scale fermenter, filtration device and evaporator

・Gram or kilogram scale production of natural compounds for pre-clinical research are performed with large scale fermenters and other equipment.

＜Large scale fermenter＞
・Fermentation tank VE1000 600L　（B.E.MARUBISHI CO.,LTD.）
・Fermentation tank MPF-U3 200L　（B.E.MARUBISHI CO.,LTD.）
・Jar fermenter MSJ-U3 30L 2 jars　（B.E.MARUBISHI CO.,LTD.）

＜Large scale filtration device＞
・Filter press FP-25S-CL （Cosmic Mechanical Technology. co.,ltd.）
・Ceramic filter filtration machine SA453K （NIHON ROSUIKI KOGYO CO.,Ltd）

＜Large scale evaporator＞
・Rotary vacuum evaporator N-21 （EYELA）
・Thin film flash evapolator F-70 （EYELA）

＜Freeze Dryer＞
・Freezemobile Freeze Dryers FM-25-EL-VP (SP Scientific)

If you would like to collaborate, please contact the Department of Intellectual Property and Public Relations. （）.

5. BIKAKEN products-repositioning and reproducing

We investigate new utilities of BIKAKEN products by new approaches and evaluation. In the current study, we reevaluate new abilities of BIKAKEN products by an index of anti-protozoan activity. We also identify the protozoan targets for the development of the infectious disease-treatment and prevention by using MS analysis and microscope observation.

Appendix    Diversity of actinomycete morphology

Actinomycete colonies on agar media

Electron micrographs of actinomycetes