Niigata University

4 ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN JoVE

Biology

Preparation of Giant Vesicles Exhibiting Visible-light-induced Morphological Changes

Masanari Hirahara¹, Akira Tsukamoto², Hiroki Goto¹, Shigeru Tada², Masayuki Yagi³, Yasushi Umemura¹

¹Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Applied Science, National Defense Academy of Japan, ²Department of Applied Physics, School of Applied Science, National Defense Academy of Japan, ³Department of Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Niigata University

The synthesis of ruthenium complex surfactants exhibiting photoisomerization in giant vesicles is described. The preparation and light irradiation of the giant vesicles are also described.

Engineering

In Situ Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles without Aggregation in the Interlayer Space of Layered Titanate Transparent Films

Kazuhisa Sasaki¹, Kazuki Matsubara¹, Shiori Kawamura¹, Kenji Saito¹, Masayuki Yagi¹, Tatsuto Yui¹

¹Department of Material Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Niigata University

Here, we present a protocol for the in situ synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) within the interlayer space of layered titanate films without the aggregation of AuNPs. No spectral change was observed even after 4 months. The synthesized material has expected applications in catalysis, photo-catalysis, and the development of cost-effective plasmonic devices.

Neuroscience

Analyzing Synaptic Modulation of Drosophila melanogaster Photoreceptors after Exposure to Prolonged Light

Atsushi Sugie^1,2,5, Christoph Möhl³, Satoko Hakeda-Suzuki⁴, Hideaki Matsui^1,2, Takashi Suzuki^*4, Gaia Tavosanis^*5

¹Department of Neuroscience of Disease, Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Niigata University, ²Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, ³Image and Data Analysis Facility, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), ⁴Graduate School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology (Titech), ⁵Dendrite Differentiation, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE)

Here we show how to quantify the number and spatial distribution of synaptic active zones in Drosophila melanogaster photoreceptors, highlighted with a genetically encoded molecular marker, and their modulation after prolonged exposure to light.

Biology

Isolation and Culture of Primary Oral Keratinocytes from the Adult Mouse Palate

Yen Xuan Ngo^1,2,3, Kenta Haga⁴, Ayako Suzuki⁴, Hiroko Kato⁴, Hiromi Yanagisawa^1,5, Kenji Izumi⁴, Aiko Sada^1,3

¹Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, ²Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, ³International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, ⁴Division of Biomimetics, Faculty of Dentistry and Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, ⁵Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba

The present protocol describes the isolation and culture of oral keratinocytes derived from the adult mouse palate. An evaluation method using immunostaining is also reported.