The Unizlab Sponge Institute is a research organization dedicated to advancing the understanding of sponge biology and exploring its potential uses. We aim to contribute to human health, environmental sustainability, and industrial innovation by bridging the gap between basic scientific discoveries and practical applications. Our comprehensive research encompasses all aspects of sponge science, from in-depth studies of sponges themselves to extracting new materials, uncovering the mechanisms of action of spicules, exploring their applications in cosmetics and agriculture, and developing sustainable aquaculture methods. This multifaceted approach will play a key role in unlocking the endless possibilities of sponges and delivering tangible benefits to society.Basic research on

Sponges are multicellular organisms that have two thin layers of cells surrounding a jelly-like mesoderm.They have numerous pores and channels throughout their bodies that allow water to circulate. They have unspecialized cells that can transform into different types of cells and move between the main cell layers and the mesoderm. They are distinct from other animals in that they do not have a complex nervous, digestive, or circulatory system. Sponges share features such as multicellularity, heterotrophy, lack of cell walls, and sperm cell production, but are unique in that they lack true tissues and organs.Most sponges have asymmetrical forms, and the shape of their bodies is optimized to maximize the flow of water through a central cavity to take in nutrients and expel waste.

Sponges are believed to be one of the oldest animals on Earth, and their existence can be traced in the fossil record dating back about 800 million years. The branch of zoology that studies sponges is called spongiology. Sponges are found in marine as well as freshwater environments, and they are adapted to live in a variety of habitats, from intertidal areas to the deep ocean at depths of over 8,800 meters. Adult sponges are sessile, attached to the underwater surface and immobile. A deep understanding of these basic biological features provides an essential foundation for exploring the many possible uses of sponges.

Sponges play an important role in the ecosystem. They provide habitat for many other marine organisms, contribute to maintaining water quality by filtering water, and are involved in the cycling of carbon, nitrogen, and silicon. In addition, some sponge species obtain the nutrients they need to survive through symbiotic relationships with other marine organisms. This ecological importance suggests that studying sponges is more than just a biological curiosity; it is an essential component of marine ecosystem conservation and sustainable management.Extracting new materials from sponges

Sponges are known to be a treasure trove of various bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites, offering a wide range of potential applications in medicine, cosmetics, and other industries. In particular, compounds exhibiting antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antimalarial, antitumor, immunosuppressive, and cardiovascular activities have been discovered in sponges.These compounds open up new possibilities for the development of therapeutics for various diseases. However, obtaining these useful substances from natural sponges in sufficient quantities is limited by environmental concerns and technical difficulties. Therefore, it is important to develop sustainable production methods.

Sponges have also been recognized as a promising alternative source of collagen and gelatin, which have great potential for biomedical applications. Our lab is developing an environmentally friendly technology to extract collagen/gelatin from sponges.

Silicate spicules, which form the skeletal structure of sponges, are also of great interest in the field of materials science due to their unique physicochemical properties. These microscopic needle-like structures composed of silicic acid exhibit exceptional optical and mechanical properties, offering the potential for innovative applications in the nanotechnology and optoelectronics industries. Sponges absorb silicon from their environment to form spicules, a process that provides important insights into biomineralization research.

Extracting DNA from Freshwater Sponges

Freshwater sponges have unique ecological and genetic characteristics that differ from marine sponges, making it important to understand their diversity and evolution through genomic studies. We have developed and applied a variety of protocols to efficiently extract high-quality DNA from freshwater sponges. Techniques such as CTAB extraction are utilized to effectively isolate genomic DNA from freshwater sponges, which is then genetically characterized by PCR amplification and sequencing.

The study of freshwater sponge DNA is important for a number of reasons, including understanding species diversity and distribution, identifying unique genetic traits, providing the potential to discover new bioactive compounds, and understanding their role as indicator organisms for changes in the water environment. Through molecular phylogenetic studies of freshwater sponges, we are contributing to the elucidation of their evolutionary relationships and environmental adaptation mechanisms.

Production of plant nutrients from fermented sponges

Research into the production of plant nutrients or biofertilizers by fermenting sponges or microorganisms (fungi, bacteria) that live in symbiosis with sponges offers new possibilities for sustainable agriculture. In our lab, we are investigating how to optimize the fermentation of sponge-derived materials to produce metabolites, enzymes, and antimicrobial substances that are beneficial to plant growth. By controlling the fermentation process and conditions, we expect to increase the content of plant nutrients and strengthen resistance to plant pathogens.

Sponge hydrolysate (a substance obtained by hydrolyzing sponges) has the potential to be rich in nutrients necessary for plant growth, including amino acids and minerals. We are conducting research on the use of sponge hydrolysate as a plant nutrient and evaluating its effectiveness compared to other fermented plant-based fertilizers and protein hydrolysate fertilizers. Sponges-derived plant nutrients are expected to contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural methods and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.

Partnerships and support

We donate and support to schools and research institutions on Spicule-related research.

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