Kondo & Yada Lab | Tokyo University of Science - Colloid and Surface Chemistry, Surfactant Science

  Established in April 2007, the Kondo Lab is embarking on an exciting new chapter as the Kondo & Yada Lab starting April 2026.
  Our research focuses on amphiphilic molecules, with a particular emphasis on surfactants. These unique molecules possess both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) groups. You can find them all around you—from the detergents and shampoos in your home to the biological membranes that form the very structure of our bodies.
  Surfactants and their molecular assemblies also play a vital role in many everyday items, such as milk, butter, lotions, and creams. In short, they are essential compounds that support both our daily lives and our biological existence.
  Since the mid-20th century, the industrial application of surfactants has grown significantly. Thanks to their ability to lower surface tension, solubilize substances, emulsify mixtures, and create foam, they have become indispensable in diverse fields, including cleaning products, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.
  At the Kondo & Yada Lab, we aim to push the boundaries of what surfactants can do. We synthesize novel surfactants with unconventional molecular structures and investigate their properties in solution, focusing on their self-assembly and foaming behavior.
  By uncovering the factors that determine their structure and the underlying mechanisms of how they form and function, we strive to translate our findings into innovative applications across a wide range of industries.