Publications by authors named "S Mayama"

Frustules, whose length spans from a few micrometers to more than a hundred micrometers, have been the subject of various modifications to improve their physical properties because of their complex porous silica structure. However, three-dimensional measurements of these changes can be challenging because of the complex 3D architecture and limitations of known methods. In this study, we present a new method that applies digital holographic microscopy (DHM) to analyze controlled etched frustules and observe real-time degradation of frustules at the single-cell level.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Nitzschia is a diverse genus of diatoms important for both ecology and biotechnology, found in various aquatic environments and some species acting as indicators of water pollution.
  • Researchers developed a transformation method for the marine diatom Nitzschia sp. strain NIES-4635, utilizing plasmids to introduce a specific gene and achieve high transformation frequencies, with many transformed cells showing resistance to nourseothricin.
  • This new method enables gene functional analysis in Nitzschia species, paving the way for advancements in environmental studies and biotechnological applications.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Strategies for gene and nucleic acid delivery to skeletal muscles have been extensively explored to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and other neuromuscular diseases. Of these, effective intravascular delivery of naked plasmid DNA (pDNA) and nucleic acids into muscles is an attractive approach, given the high capillary density in close contact with myofibers. We developed lipid-based nanobubbles (NBs) using polyethylene-glycol-modified liposomes and an echo-contrast gas and found that these NBs could improve tissue permeability by ultrasound (US)-induced cavitation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Immobilization of enzymes enhances their reusability and stability, but it can limit their movement and weaken their activity under certain conditions.
  • A new "floatable" enzyme device using diatom frustules was developed to improve the flexibility and effectiveness of immobilized enzymes like papain.
  • The frustule device outperformed traditional materials by maintaining high enzyme activity across various temperatures, demonstrating its potential for more efficient enzyme reactions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF