Shigeru Deguchi Receives the 50th Inoue Harushige Prize
A Deep-Sea-Inspired Process Contributing to Real-World Solutions

Dr. Shigeru Deguchi, Director of the Research Center for Bioscience and Nanoscience at JAMSTEC, has been awarded the 50th Inoue Harushige Prize for his joint work with San-Ei Gen F.F.I., Inc. titled “Deep-Sea-Inspired Continuous Production of Functional Emulsifiers for Food Applications.”

The Inoue Harushige Prize was established in 1976 to honor Harushige Inoue, the first Director-General of the Science and Technology Agency of Japan, for his significant contributions to the nation’s scientific and technological advancement. The prize recognizes researchers and companies that have jointly developed and commercialized technologies derived from original academic research, with demonstrated impact on scientific progress, societal well-being, economic development, and public health and welfare.

This year’s award highlights an academia–industry collaboration that successfully developed and implemented a continuous manufacturing process to enhance the functionality of emulsifying polysaccharides used in food applications. The innovation was inspired by the extreme physicochemical conditions found near deep-sea hydrothermal vents and integrates high-temperature, high-pressure processing technologies.

The emulsifying polysaccharides produced through this process are currently used in food colorants and flavorings, and beverages incorporating these ingredients are widely available in the Japanese market. Future applications are expected to include dysphagia-friendly foods, nutritional supplements, and functional food products. These applications offer practical contributions to quality of life and health maintenance in aging societies.

This achievement represents the first case in which deep-sea-inspired chemistry —an approach that views the deep sea as a source of technological inspiration—has demonstrated its potential to deliver real-world solutions.

The award ceremony was held on July 14 at the Industry Club of Japan in Tokyo, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration of the prize’s establishment.

For more information:
https://inouesho.jp/jyusyou/50/index.html

Front row, second from right: Dr. Shigeru Deguchi