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Outline of Laboratories

Functional Chemicals R & D Laboratories

As the research and development department of the Functional Chemicals Group, the Functional Chemicals R & D Laboratories are involved in a variety of research and development areas, including functional resins such as resins for the encapsulation of semiconductors, UV-curing type resins for optical disks, and resins for sealing liquid crystals; functional colors such as colors for inkjet printers, infrared absorption dyes, and colors for CD-R and DVD-R, functional films such as polarized films and anti-reflecting films, dye-sensitized solar cells, catalysts for the production of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, and new materials that are derivatives of the abovementioned products.

IT (information technology) is progressing at a rapid pace and the Functional Chemicals R & D Laboratories is involved in the development of materials that provide internal support to the various information related equipment enumerated above. For this reason, new materials are constantly being pursued and with the perspective of materials that are appropriate to the environment that can satisfy needs for green procurement, the facility develops products that comply with the laws and regulations concerning chemical substances of Japan as well as the world and undertakes research and development with the environment of the earth as a whole in perspective.

Development of "dye-sensitized solar cells" - Development of high-efficiency solar cells using organic dyes -

Dye-sensitized solar cells are composed of titanium oxide nanoparticles, dyes, and resin paste. These materials are produced by the fusion of the dye and resin technologies developed by Nippon Kayaku. We have been developing new dyes and resins and combining them to create unique next-generation solar cells.
By developing eco-friendly sources of energy, we are contributing to the prosperity of our future.

Principle of dye-sensitized solar cells

Dyes absorb light (photo energy absorption).

Dyes pass electrons to nano-size titanium oxide (sensitization)

Electron flow is realized (electric power generation)

Since titanium oxide particles are nanosized, the total surface area of the particles becomes very large. Since a large surface area can adsorb a large number of dyes, light is efficiently absorbed.

Characteristics of dye-sensitized solar cells

The following types of solar cells can be produced:

Colorful & see-through
Various colors and transparencies can be prepared.
Flexibility
Lightweight and bendable solar cells can be produced.
Cost performance
No silicon which is expensive and no large-scale facilities are required, therefore, products are manufactured at low cost.

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Pharmaceuticals Research Laboratories

The Pharmaceuticals Research Laboratories undertake research and development dedicated to anti-cancer drugs.
Our aim is to improve the lineup of our anti-cancer drugs through research and development of polymeric micelle anti-cancer drugs using nanotechnology, development of generic anti-cancer drugs, and research and development in collaboration with external companies and organizations.

Polymeric micelle anti-cancer drug

Nippon Kayaku has been conducting full-scale research and development of a polymeric micelle anti-cancer drug.
The polymeric micelle anti-cancer drug comprises chain polymers in which hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (A) and a polyamino acid processed to exhibit hydrophobic property (B) are aggregated to form nanoparticles while encapsulating the anti-cancer drug.
Although the molecular weight of the chain polymers is in the order of tens of thousands, the molecular weight increases to a few million when they are aggregated. In water, the aggregated polymers appear as a spherical aggregate with a diameter of 20-100 nm, as shown in this figure.

Why does the polymeric micelle anti-cancer drug accumulate at a cancer site?

Due to various reasons, large molecules such as polymers easily leak from capillaries at a cancer site.
When the micelle is intravascularly administered, it leaks from the capillaries at a cancer site during blood circulation.
The size of the polymeric micelle is adjusted so that it easily leaks from the capillaries at a cancer site, but not from normal capillaries. Consequently, a large number of polymeric micelles are accumulated at a cancer site.

How is the drug released from the micelle particle?

The micelle particle is an aggregate comprising approximately 100 densely gathered chain polymers in water.
In a cancer tissue, the aggregate, and subsequently, the micelle are broken down to pieces.
Consequently, the drug in the aggregate is released into the cancer tissue.
In other words, the anti-cancer drug that is carried to a cancer tissue by a vehicle (micelle) gets off the vehicle and is activated.
This is the drug delivery system of a polymeric micelle anti-cancer drug, which can carry and release the drug.

It is expected that by selectively concentrating an anti-cancer drug on a cancer tissue, the effect of the drug can be fully exerted, and the side effects of the drug on normal tissues can be reduced.
Nippon Kayaku has started conducting clinical experiments on this polymeric micelle anti-cancer drug with an aim to bring a new beam of hope to cancer therapy as soon as possible.

Expansion to generic products, proprietary preparations, diagnostics, and medical equipment

We have initiated the development of generic anti-cancer drugs by applying the technologies cultivated through the development of new drugs. We aim to achieve the "one-stop service" at medical facilities and institutions by means of adding generic drugs in our product lineup. Furthermore, we will continue our endeavor to expand our scope to proprietary preparations, diagnostics, and medical equipment with the aim of providing not only pharmaceuticals but also other products to broadly meet the needs of the medical field.

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Safety Systems Development Laboratories

The Safety Systems Development Laboratories began developing auto safety parts based on our technologies related to explosives, such as electric detonators. They are responsible for research and development within the Safety System Group.

Airbag inflators and micro gas generators for seatbelt pretensioners now being developed consist of the squib as the ignition device and the combustion gas generator. In an emergency such as a collision, they are activated by the combustion of explosives.

Researchers are striving to develop environment-friendly products by using high-quality, reliable explosives and parts in order to meet the demand for lighter and smaller products.

The use of auto safety parts is increasing as passenger protection methods diversify and pedestrian protection methods expand. The Safety Systems Development Laboratories are engaged in R & D activities to satisfy new performance requirements.

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Agrochemicals Laboratories

In order to contribute to an abundant, safe, and reliable food supply, the Agrochemicals Laboratories conduct research and development of environmentally friendly chemical pesticides, new agrochemical formulas, and biological pesticides by applying our compounding and formulation technologies and our bioassay technologies.

One of Nippon Kayaku's strengths lies is in the area of microcapsule technology. The use of microcapsules for agricultural chemicals makes it possible to increase safety levels, reduce the amount of chemicals used, and make chemicals more effective over long periods of time. Agrochemicals Laboratories have developed the pesticide "Safrotin MC" in the form of a microcapsule formulation to control infectious diseases, and this product has been well received for its outstanding effectiveness in controlling pests such as cockroaches for sanitary purposes.

In the area of biological pesticides, we have developed the product "HASUMON Tenteki," which targets and controls cluster caterpillars. This product has been well received by the agricultural community as an integrated pest-management (IPM) method that takes into consideration natural predators and the environment. It is characterized by a low-level impact on the environment and by the fact that it promises long-term results. In addition, we are working toward developing user-friendly formulations and new agricultural chemicals with outstanding results against hard-to-control pests.

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