Through materials creation research, we will foster the creation of engineering value and the development of female researchers.

In the serene and historic city of Nara, we continue to push the boundaries of polymer and gel materials,
embarking on new challenges alongside the dedicated students of Nara Women's University.

Topics

Presentations 18-20 Mar 2026

We are scheduled to give two oral presentations at the Chemical Society of Japan (CSJ) Annual Meeting, held at the Funabashi Campus of Nihon University.
Link

Event 13 Feb 2026

The 1st Senior Thesis Defense for the faculty of Engineering, Nara Women's University was held.
Link (Japanese)

News 10-10-2025

An interview with Prof. Ohsedo has been published.
Read more..

News 1 Oct 2025

Prof. Ohsedo has been selected for the "2024 MDPI Top 1000 Reviewers.
Read more..

Presentations 16 Sep 2025

We presented three posters at the 74th Symposium on Macromolecules (SPSJ) held at Kansai University.
Link (Japanese)

Publication ３１ Jul 2025

Our collaborative research with Ms. Eguchi, an undergraduate alumna, has been published in Journal of Materials Chemistry C (Press Release in Japanese).
Link
Press release

Presentation 1７ Jul 2025

We gave a poster presentation at the 71th annual Kobe Polymer Research Symposium (SPSJ) held in Kobe.

Publication ３０ Apr 2025

Ms. Hirukawa (M2) has published her second first-author paper in New Journal of Chemistry.
Link

Presentations ２７ Mar 2025

We gave two oral presentations at the Chemical Society of Japan (CSJ) Annual Meeting held at Kansai University.
Link

News ４ Mar 2025

Prof. Ohsedo has been honored with the "Gels 2024 Outstanding Reviewer Award."
Link

Presentations ２５ Spt 202４

We presented three posters at the 73th Symposium on Macromolecules (SPSJ) held at Kansai University.
Link

Publication ２５ Jul 202４

Our collaborative research with Ms. Miyata, an undergraduate alumna, has been published in Gels.
Link

Publication 18 Jul 202４

Ms. Hirukawa (M1) has published her first-author paper in New Journal of Chemistry.
Link

Publication ２５ Jul 202４

We gave two posters at the The 71th annual Kobe Polymer Research Symposium (SPSJ) held in Kobe.
Link

Publication ２５ Jul 202４

Ms. Nitta (M2) has published her first-author paper in Chemistry – A European Journal.
Link

Research

We are conducting research to realize the future of materials through gels.

Research to discover new gels

Research on Utilizing Gels in New Material Processes

Research on Creating Functional Gel Materials

Research to discover new gels

We are working on creating new materials that form gel states.

Building on our work to create new materials capable of forming gel states, we have discovered novel gel-forming systems using combinations of new substances known as “low-molecular-weight gelling agents” or “high-molecular-weight gelling agents,” as well as existing substances not previously known to form gels.
Expanding on these findings, we recently designed and synthesized stearylamide-D-glucamines as new low-molecular-weight hydrogel-forming agents [2]. Furthermore, by appropriately blending alkyl anilides with different alkyl chain lengths, we obtained organogels exhibiting enhanced gel-forming ability compared to the gels formed by each compound alone, along with mechanical properties (extensibility) unattainable in the single-component gels [2].

[1] Y. Ohsedo, Chemistry – An Asian Journal, 2022, 17(16), e202200461.
[2] Y. Ohsedo, Gels, 2023, 9(9), 717.

New gel-forming system [2]

Research on Utilizing Gels in New Material Processes

We conduct research that uses the gel state to create functional materials.

By applying the gel state to material forms and processes, we are discovering the effectiveness of material properties in this state.
Recently, we created a novel gel-like adsorbent material [1] by imparting a gel state to adsorbent materials. This material maintains its gel state during saltwater treatment while exhibiting dye adsorption performance. Furthermore, we demonstrated the effectiveness of applying the gel state to electrode material creation processes where it had not previously been utilized [2].

[1] M. Hirukawa, Y. Ohsedo, New Journal of Chemistry, 2024, 48, 14321-14326.
[2] M. Hirukawa, Y. Ohsedo, New Journal of Chemistry, 2025, 49, 9071-9078.

New Material Form Utilizing Gels [1]

Research on Creating Functional Gel Materials

We are working to create gels whose functionality can be electrically controlled by incorporating light- and electron-functional materials into the gel matrix.

By incorporating light- and electron-functional low-dimensional materials into the gel at appropriate ratios, we have identified the potential for using these novel gel systems as electrochemical electrodes that combine functionality with gel properties.
Recently, we demonstrated that water-dispersible polyaniline [1], a conductive polymer, or water-dispersible tungsten oxide nanoparticles [2], a semiconductor compound, can be incorporated into gels to serve as gel-based electrode materials. Furthermore, we showed that a hydrogel incorporating ferrocene, an electrochemically active yet insoluble compound, functions as a matrix for electrochemical reactions [3].

[1] Y. Ohsedo, M. Sasaki, New Journal of Chemistry, 2023, 47, 17817-17823.
[2] C. Nitta, Y. Ohsedo, Chemistry – A European Journal, 2024, 30(40), e202401469.
[3] Y. Ohsedo, R. Eguchi, Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 2025, 13, 17830-17837.

Functional Gel Materials [3]

Principle Investigator, PI

Yutaka Ohsedo

Associate Professor, Division of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nara Women's University

Ph. D. (Engineering) (Mar, 2000, Osaka University)

Researchers' Profile (Nara Women's University)

researchmap
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-2762-0894
Google Scholar

1. Chiral Photomechanical Behavior of Azobenzene-based Molecular Glass Particles Observed in Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Hydrogel
Yoshiki Aomatsu, Yutaka Ohsedo, Masahiro Kuragano, Kiyotaka Tokuraku, Hideyuki Nakano*
Journal of Photopolymer Science and Technology, 38(5), 315-318 (2025).

2. Copper complexes containing o-phenylenediamine-based pentadentate ligands catalyze TEMPO-mediated alcohol oxidation
Yuji Mikata,* Miyu Akedo, Yutaka Ohsedo, Sunao Shoji, Takashi Matsuo, Attawit Jehdaramarn, Preeyanuch Sangtrirutnugul, Yasuhiro Funahashi
Frontiers in Chemical Biology, 4, 1688400 (2025).

3. Electrochemical Properties of a Ferrocene-Containing Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Based Redox Hydrogel and Its Application as a Matrix for Electrochromic Devices
Yutaka Ohsedo,* Riri Eguchi
Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 13, 17830-17837 (2025).

4. Evaluation of electric double-layer capacitors with electrode materials using a gel derived from a polymer hydrogelator in the device fabrication process
Mai Hirukawa, Yutaka Ohsedo*
New Journal of Chemistry, 49, 9071-9078 (2025).

1. Structural and electrochemical properties of mononuclear copper(II) complexes with pentadentate ethylenediamine-based ligands with　pyridine/quinoline/isoquinoline/quinoxaline binding sites†
Yuji Mikata,* Miyu Akedo, Erina Hamamoto, Shoko Yoshida, Sunao Shoji, Yutaka Ohsedo, Tim Storr, Yasuhiro Funahashi, Takashi Matsuo
Dalton Transactions, 53, 16716-16732 (2024).

1. Evaluation of oxygen-containing pentadentate ligands with pyridine/quinoline/isoquinoline binding sites via structural and electrochemical properties of mononuclear copper(II) complexes
Yuji Mikata,* Mizuho Uchida, Hinata Koike, Sunao Shoji, Yutaka Ohsedo, Yasushi Kawai, Takashi Matsuo
Dalton Transactions, 52, 17375-17388 (2023).

5. Thixotropic molecular hydrogel composite composed of polymer hydrogelator and self-doping polyaniline copolymer for electrochromic and glucose sensing applications
Yutaka Ohsedo,* Mayumi Sasaki
New Journal of Chemistry, 47, 17817-17823 (2023).

Fluorescence spectrophotometer F-2500
(Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation)

Quantaurus-Tau Compact Fluorescence Lifetime Spectrometer C16361-01 (Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.)

HPLC system with SEC column
(Shimazu Corporation)

OptistatDN Nitrogen Bath Cryostats Lab
(Oxford Instruments)

Others

Desktop Cooling Trap UT-1AS (AS ONE Corporation)
Spectrometer HR4000 (Ocean Optics, Inc., Tokyo, Japan), UV-VIS-NIR light source DH-200-BAL (Mikropack GmbH), and variable attenuator FVA-UV (Ocean Optics, Inc., Tokyo, Japan) controlled by PC software OPwave (Ocean Photonics, Tokyo, Japan)
Electrochemical analyzer ALS model 6271E (BAS Inc., Tokyo, Japan)
Dry Block Bath with Stirrer BBS1000 (TOKYO RIKAKIKAI CO., LTD.)×2
High Vacuum Diaphragm Type Dry Vacuum Pump DTC-22 (ULVAC, Inc.)
Ultrasonic Cleaner AS22GTU (AS ONE Corporation)
THINKY MIXER (THINKY Corporation)
Vacuum Dryer AVO-200V (AS ONE Corporation) ×2
Small Electric Furnace mini-BS I (NITTO KAGAKU CO., Ltd.)
Heat stage for microscope PN-121-PCC10A-FL (MSA FACTORY)
Centrifuge without Rotor CN-1050 (AS ONE Corporation)

Rotary Evaporator N-1300E-WB system (TOKYO RIKAKIKAI CO., LTD.)
Oil Rotary Vacuum Pump Super Deluxe Type GLD-202BB (ULVAC, Inc.)
Oil Rotary Vacuum Pump GLD-051 (ULVAC, Inc.)×2
Syringe pump YSP-101 (YMC CO., LTD. )
Perista Pump SJ-1211Ⅱ-H (TTO Corporation.)×2
Franz Cell (Keystone Scientific K.K. )×3
Luminance meter LS-100 (KONICA MINOLTA JAPAN, INC.)
Turntable electric T-AuN (AS ONE Corporation)
3D Printer
pH Meter
ATR-FTIR
Hydraulic press machine 5t
Ice Machine JCMI-40 (JCM Corporation)
Vapor deposition equipment (dormant)
FE-SEM, DSC, XRD, LD, etc. are available for use by other research institutions.

Dedicate yourself to your daily research to truly enjoy the process.
Embrace your daily research with sincerity and find joy in discovery.
Commit sincerely to your daily research life to find the joy in it.

I sincerely hope that through your research, you will become someone others can truly count on.
It is my great hope that you grow into a person who meets and inspires others' expectations.

Nara Women's University | NWUDivision of Engineering, Faculty of EngineeringNWU Ohsedo Lab Website

Through materials creation research, we will foster the creation of engineering value and the development of female researchers.

Highlights of Research Life at Nara Women’s University:

It’s a truly unique and delightful campus where deer wander around freely.In this serene environment where deer rest nearby, you can enjoy a peaceful and productive research life.

Topics

Presentations 18-20 Mar 2026

Event 13 Feb 2026

News 10-10-2025

News 1 Oct 2025

Presentations 16 Sep 2025

Publication ３１ Jul 2025

Presentation 1７ Jul 2025

Publication ３０ Apr 2025

Presentations ２７ Mar 2025

News ４ Mar 2025

Presentations ２５ Spt 202４

Publication ２５ Jul 202４

Publication 18 Jul 202４

Publication ２５ Jul 202４

Publication ２５ Jul 202４

Publication 26 Apr 202４

Research

We are conducting research to realize the future of materials through gels.

Research to discover new gels

Research on Utilizing Gels in New Material Processes

Research on Creating Functional Gel Materials

Research to discover new gels

Research on Utilizing Gels in New Material Processes

Research on Creating Functional Gel Materials

People

This is a laboratory with one faculty member and graduate and undergraduate students.（2020~）

Principle Investigator, PIYutaka Ohsedo

Associate Professor, Division of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nara Women's University

Undergrads and grad students Grad students M2 One student Undergrads B4 Five students B3 Four students

M Hirukawa

M2

K Tatsumi

B4

N Tsukumo

B4

Y Fushimi

B4

Y Hirano

B4

W Ueda

B4

C Iwasa

B3

Y Sekiya

B3

M Doi

B3

M Mami

B3

Alumni (2022.3-)

A Kaneizumi

Master's Alumni

C Nitta

Master's Alumni

M Sasaki

Master's Alumni

M Sugimoto

Master's Alumni

C Morishima

Master's Alumni

H Yamaguchi

Master's Alumni

R Eguchi

Bachelor's Alumni

C Takagi

Bachelor's Alumni

K Miyata

Bachelor's Alumni

T Shinoda

Bachelor's Alumni

M Watanabe

Bachelor's Alumni

E Ito

Bachelor's Alumni

W Ueno

Nara Women's University | NWU
Division of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering

NWU Ohsedo Lab Website

It’s a truly unique and delightful campus where deer wander around freely.
In this serene environment where deer rest nearby, you can enjoy a peaceful and productive research life.

Principle Investigator, PI

Yutaka Ohsedo

Undergrads and grad students
Grad students　M2 One student
Undergrads　　B4　Five students
　　　　　 B3　Four students

Alumni (2022.3-)　

Publications　

2021～
researchmap Yutaka Ohsedo

Electrochemical Analyzer ECstat-302
(EC FRONTIER CO., LTD)

DC Voltage Current Source/Monitor 6214A
(ADC CORPORATION)

LCR Meter IM3533
(HIOKI E.E. CORPORATION)

Spectrometer System SEC2020
(BAS Inc.)

Fluorescence spectrophotometer F-2500
(Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation)

HPLC system with SEC column
(Shimazu Corporation)

OptistatDN Nitrogen Bath Cryostats Lab
(Oxford Instruments)

Refrigerated centrifuge
himac CF16RX
(Hitachi Koki)

UV Curing Device HLR100T-2
(SEN LIGHTS Co.,Ltd.)

Hot Dry Bath HDB-1N
(AS ONE Corporation)

Pure Water Generation Unit Direct-Q UV
(Merck Millipore Corporation)

NWU access map
https://www.nara-wu.ac.jp/nwu/intro/access/map/

NWU campus map
https://www.nara-wu.ac.jp/nwu/intro/access/campusmap/

Please send an email to Ohsedo at the Nara Women's University [ohsedocc.nara-wu.ac.jp (replace with @)].