- (Joint Research)
- (Collaborative Lab)
Research
Our laboratory aims to "create food that contributes to physical and mental health," evaluating food quality, function, and ingredient dynamics using a wide range of analytical chemistry methods.
Staff
Access & Contact
About the Laboratory of Food Analysis
Our Laboratory of Food Analysis was featured in the journal "Bunseki"! Seeing is believing — please read the article. (Click here)
Latest Topics
Professor Toshiro Matsui has been awarded the Purple Ribbon Medal (Spring 2025 Decoration)!
Our research result "A memory-improving dipeptide, Tyr-Pro, can reach the mouse brain after oral administration" has been published in Scientific Reports!
(Figure) We were the first in the world to demonstrate that the dipeptide YP reaches the brain intact after oral ingestion.
(Figure) We clarified that polyphenol metabolites accumulate in organs after ingestion.
Our research has demonstrated, for the first time, the simultaneous detection of taste and aroma compounds by using graphite carbon black nanoparticles (GCB), which have adsorption capacity for both volatile and non-volatile compounds, as an ionization-assisting agent for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS). This breakthrough enables the conversion of flavor component information — which was previously difficult to quantify — into unified digital data, opening new possibilities for the objective evaluation of food flavor and quality. Press release here
(Figure) In contrast to conventional methods that separately analyzed taste and aroma compounds, our newly developed GCB-LDI-MS method enables simultaneous detection of flavor compounds from food samples directly.
In collaboration with the Kyushu University School of Dentistry (Professor Noritake Shigemura and Lecturer Keisuke Sanematsu), our laboratory successfully identified Tyr-Pro, a bioactive small peptide with agonistic activity toward adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1). Tyr-Pro is the first naturally occurring food component to exhibit AdipoR agonist activity, and is expected to serve as a novel food ingredient capable of improving insulin resistance and exerting anti-diabetic effects. Press release here
(Figure) In rat skeletal muscle cells (L6 cells), the small peptide Tyr-Pro activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway via AdipoR1, translocates glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) to the cell membrane, and promotes glucose uptake independently of insulin.
In a collaborative study through the Research and Development Center for Five-Sense Devices at Kyushu University (Director: Professor Toshiro Matsui), our laboratory successfully identified medium-chain unsaturated fatty acids highly secreted by breast cancer cell lines. These medium-chain unsaturated fatty acids were found to oxidatively decompose into characteristic volatile compounds present in the breath of cancer patients, suggesting a possible link to the characteristic breath odor observed in cancer patients. Press release here
(Figure) Medium-chain unsaturated fatty acids generated during the breakdown of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids abnormally accumulate in breast cancer cells and are secreted at high concentrations into the culture medium. These were further shown to oxidatively decompose into breath odor compounds. The identified medium-chain unsaturated fatty acids are candidate biomarker compounds for breast cancer diagnosis.
In collaboration with Associate Professor Shinya Dogo of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, our laboratory was the first in the world to demonstrate that orally administered dipeptides that cross the blood-brain barrier and reach brain tissue can improve memory impairment in an acute Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Press release here
(Figure) Two weeks of oral administration of Tyr-Pro (a dipeptide composed of the amino acids tyrosine and proline), which crosses the blood-brain barrier and reaches the brain parenchyma, improved both short-term and long-term memory impairment in an acute Alzheimer's disease mouse model.
In collaboration with Associate Professor Shinya Dogo of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, and Bruker Japan Co., Ltd., our laboratory was the first in the world to demonstrate that peptides cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissue, using a mouse perfusion assay. Kyushu University press release here
(Figure) Gly-Pro (a dipeptide of glycine and proline) and Tyr-Pro (a dipeptide of tyrosine and proline) cross the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain parenchyma. Furthermore, these dipeptides were shown to accumulate around brain regions such as the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cerebellum.
Our laboratory has successfully visualized the intestinal absorption and metabolism of polyphenols using MALDI-MS imaging! (Sci. Rep. 9, 3166, (2019))
Intestinal absorption and metabolic behavior of epicatechin gallate and theaflavin 3'-gallate revealed by intestinal in situ MALDI-MS imaging.
Introduction
The staff of the Laboratory of Food Analysis always pursue food functionality with "two scientific eyes." Why not join us and develop new ways of uncovering food function? We warmly welcome motivated individuals, including those applying from other universities or as working adults.
Two Scientific Eyes
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INFORMATION
- 2026-3-25
- Four doctoral students, three master's students, four bachelor's students successfully completed their degrees. We wish them all the best!
- 2024-3-25
- Ms. Saya Nakamura (3rd year doctoral student) received the 2025 Kyushu University Student Award!
- 2026-03-24
- Ms. Saya Nakamura (3rd year doctoral student) received the 27th Kyushu University Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences Award!
- 2026-03-24
- Ms. Yuka Ichiba (2nd year master's student) received the 27th Kyushu University Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences Award!
- 2025-11-11
- Ms. Saya Nakamura (3rd year doctoral student) received the 8th Kyushu University Young Female Researcher / Female Graduate Student Excellence Award (Sanae Ito Award)!
- 2025-11-9
- Mr. Koki Sakashita (4th year undergraduate) received the Outstanding Presenter Award at the 2025 Japanese Society of Nutrition and Food Science Kyushu/Okinawa Branch Meeting!
- 2025-10-11
- Ms. Li Xixi (3rd year doctoral student) received the FNS2025 - Food Nutrition and Health International Symposium - Graduate Student Symposium Outstanding Graduate Student Award!
- 2025-9-25
- Two doctoral students and one master's student successfully graduated. Congratulations!
- 2025-9-25
- Mr. Akira Tsujita (Academic Research Collaborator) received the Japan Analytical Chemistry Society 2025 Technical Achievement Award!
- 2025-8-28
- Ms. Yuki Koga (1st year master's student) received the Young Researchers' Excellence Award at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Food Science and Technology!
- 2025-7-26
- Mr. Zhuofei Liu (3rd year doctoral student) received the 2025 Kyushu Analytical Chemistry Encouragement Award!
- 2025-7-26
- Ms. Reina Ito (1st year master's student) received the Kyushu Analytical Chemistry Activation Award at the 43rd Summer Seminar of the Kyushu Analytical Chemistry Young Researchers' Association!
- 2025-7-26
- Ms. Rinna Okamoto (1st year master's student) received the Kyushu Analytical Chemistry Young Researcher Award at the 43rd Summer Seminar of the Kyushu Analytical Chemistry Young Researchers' Association!
- 2025-7-5
- Ms. Yuki Koga (1st year master's student) received the Kyushu Analytical Chemistry Poster Award at the 62nd Joint Kyushu Meeting of Chemical-Related Branches!
- 2025-7-5
- Ms. Rinna Okamoto (1st year master's student) received the Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry Western Japan Branch Outstanding Presentation Award at the 62nd Joint Kyushu Meeting of Chemical-Related Branches!
- 2025-6-10
- Ms. Hui Luan (1st year doctoral student) received the 4th ISBP in Kyoto Flash Talk Competition Award Second Prize!
- 2025-6-10
- Mr. Yang Xiaoqi (1st year doctoral student) received the 4th ISBP in Kyoto Flash Talk Competition Award First Prize!
- 2025-6-10
- Ms. Saya Nakamura (3rd year doctoral student) received the 4th ISBP in Kyoto Flash Talk Competition Award First Prize!
- 2025-5-26
- Ms. Saya Nakamura (3rd year doctoral student) received the 2025 Japanese Society of Nutrition and Food Science Student Outstanding Presentation Award!
- 2025-4-28
- Professor Toshiro Matsui was awarded the Purple Ribbon Medal!
- 2025-4-1
- Four new 4th-year undergraduate students and two new master's students joined the laboratory!
- 2025-3-25
- Two 2nd-year master's students successfully completed their degrees. We wish them all the best!
- 2024-11-10
- Ms. Rinna Okamoto (4th year undergraduate) received the 2024 Japanese Society for Food Science and Technology Western Japan Branch Young Researcher Outstanding Presentation Award!
- 2024-11-10
- Ms. TINT NI NI TUN (3rd year doctoral student) received the 2024 Japanese Society of Nutrition and Food Science Kyushu/Okinawa Branch Outstanding Presenter Award!
- 2024-11-10
- Ms. Yuka Ichiba (1st year master's student) received the 2024 Japanese Society of Nutrition and Food Science Kyushu/Okinawa Branch Outstanding Presenter Award!
- 2024-11-1
- One new visiting student joined the laboratory!
- 2024-10-1
- Prof. Yumiko Toyama joined the Research and Development Center for Five-Sense Devices at Kyushu University (Five Senses Fusion Wheel Division)!
- 2024-10-1
- Dr. Ryosuke Kaneko (Assistant Professor) joined our laboratory!
- 2024-10-1
- One new doctoral student and one new visiting student joined the laboratory!
- 2024-9-25
- Mr. Shinpei Watanabe (working adult doctoral student) successfully obtained his doctoral degree!
- 2024-9-25
- Ms. Yizhi Xiao successfully completed her master's degree!
- 2024-8-1
- Dr. Shinta Sakano has been appointed as a specially appointed assistant professor at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kochi University!
- 2024-6-29
- Ms. Mariko Furushi (1st year master's student) received the Kyushu Analytical Chemistry Poster Award at the 61st Joint Kyushu Meeting of Chemical-Related Branches!
- 2024-5-31
- Ms. Saya Nakamura (currently studying in Canada) sent us a photo of the aurora!
- 2024-5-24
- Professor Toshiro Matsui received the Japanese Society of Nutrition and Food Science Academic Award!
- 2024-5-24
- Ms. Yuka Ichiba (1st year master's student) received the Topics Award at the 78th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Nutrition and Food Science!
- 2024-4-17
- Professor Toshiro Matsui received the Kyushu University Graduate School of Agriculture Award!
- 2024-4-1
- Four new master's students and three new 4th-year undergraduate students joined the laboratory!
- 2024-4-1
- Prof. Ayumi Yahada joined the Research and Development Center for Five-Sense Devices at Kyushu University (Five Senses Fusion Wheel Division)!
- 2024-4-1
- Dr. Lihong Cheng (JSPS Overseas Research Fellow) has been appointed as an assistant professor at Tokyo Medical and Dental University!
Photo Gallery
To view photos of the laboratory, please visit this page.
