Everyone’s Euglena Project (MinMido PJ)
Discovering a New Potential in the World: Seeking New Applications for Euglena!
Hello everyone, I'm Kengo Suzuki from the RIKEN Institute. I encountered Euglena during my time at the University of Tokyo, and for over 15 years, I have been researching the potential of Euglena, a microorganism that has the power to change the world. In pursuit of implementing "Health for Earth and People" with Euglena, I founded a venture company called Euglena Co. Ltd. while in university. We've been cultivating Euglena on Ishigaki Island and selling Euglena-based foods and cosmetics. Throughout this journey, as the head of research, I've come to realize the various possibilities that Euglena holds.
In the "Everyone's Euglena Project (MinMido PJ)," we're investigating the further potential of Euglena by examining Euglena specimens from various regions across the country. I'm quite ambitious in wanting to share any discoveries that might change the world together with all of you.
About Euglena:
Euglena is the Japanese name for microalgae belonging to the genus Euglena. It's a familiar microorganism often observed in scientific experiments and can be found in freshwater lakes, rice paddies, and other environments. Among the 200+ known species of Euglena, Euglena gracilis has been used as a model organism for over 50 years. It's also being considered for industrial applications due to its rich nutrients and the functional β-glucan called paramylon stored within its cells. Since the establishment of large-scale production technology in 2005, it has been used as a raw material for health foods. Euglena gracilis is relatively rare in nature, but it thrives under controlled conditions, making it the most suitable species for industrial use. Furthermore, Euglena has the ability to accumulate oil when oxygen levels are low, making it a potential source for biofuel.
World's First Citizen-Participatory Euglena Distribution Survey!
Japan is home to numerous independent water sources, meaning there might still be Euglena species with various potentials waiting to be discovered. Although we've been collecting samples bit by bit during business trips and travels, we've only managed to survey a portion of places such as Fukushima, Kagawa, Kumamoto, and part of Okinawa. Collecting a substantial number of water samples is quite challenging. In Euglena PJ, we'll collaborate to collect water samples from all over Japan, conducting a citizen-participatory Euglena distribution survey!
Additionally, we'll analyze the genes of Euglena from each region and perform phylogenetic analyses. This could yield interesting insights into whether Euglena varies across regions or not.
About the Analysis Method
Aiming to Create the Euglena Map!
In Euglena PJ, we will add the information about the Euglena specimens you've discovered (details below) to the Euglena Map and create a database.
Location and date of water collection
Photos of microorganisms in the water
Presence or absence of Euglena
Name of collector or team (ID)
Notes (sample number)
About the Database
From as far north as Hokkaido to as far south as Okinawa, we request your assistance in collecting water samples from water sources nationwide. Thank you very much for your support!
MinMido PJ achievements
Media coverage
- 理化学研究所トピックス 「みんなのミドリムシプロジェクト」を開始
- プレミドリムシハンティング報告【前編】ご当地ミドリムシを探せ！（横浜サイエンスフロンティア高校）
- プレミドリムシハンティング報告【後編】出会え！「ご当地ミドリムシ」―水はすくった、次は発見できるかだ（横浜サイエンスフロンティア高校）
- 朝日新聞デジタルでのプロジェクトの紹介
- U.S.Front Lineでのプロジェクト紹介〔マレーシア〕ユーグレナ、ミドリムシ題材の体験学習開催
- NNN ASIAでのプロジェクト紹介「ユーグレナ、ミドリムシ題材の体験学習開催」
- リバネスマレーシアとユーグレナ社などによる中高生向けワークショップ“Euglena for ALL”をマレーシア工科大学で開催
- 理化学研究所 バトンゾーン研究推進プログラム Future Navi「日本全国、ミドリムシを探せ！ Part1」
- 理化学研究所 バトンゾーン研究推進プログラム Future Navi「日本全国、ミドリムシを探せ！ Part2」
Kengo Suzuki - Curriculum Vitae
2003: Graduated from the University of Tokyo, Faculty of Agriculture, specialized in Biological Systems Engineering.
2005: Appointed as Director at Euglena Co. Ltd.
2006: Completed the Master's program in Agricultural Life Sciences at the Graduate School of Agriculture, University of Tokyo.
2016: Awarded a Ph.D. in Agriculture from the University of Tokyo.
2018: Assumed the position of Team Leader in the Microalgae Production Control Technology Research Team of the Baton Zone Research Promotion Program at RIKEN (Current Position).
2018: Appointed as Executive Officer in charge of Research and Development at Euglena Co. Ltd. (Current Position).
2019: Earned a Ph.D. in Medicine from Kitasato University Graduate School.