▲ Associate Professor Yuji Yamashita

Associate Professor Yuji Yamashita specializes in interfacial and colloid chemistry, focusing on fundamental research into the emulsification of cosmetic ingredients, solution properties, and skin physiology.

His research has received high acclaim in Japan and internationally. In 2013, his work on “Development of a Novel Index Representing Surfactant Properties” earned the Gold Poster Award at the Materials Technology Research Association Symposium. In 2015, his study on “Emulsion Breakdown Processes: A Novel Evaluation Method Using a Simulated Microgravity Field” won the Poster Award at the 54th Annual Meeting of the Japan Oil Chemists’ Society. He was also named a finalist in The Cosmetic Victories 2020, hosted by Cosmetic Valley in France.

Currently, he serves as the project leader for the Japanese team on the international collaborative “EDDI Project,” which continues to advance research in this field.

EDDI Project:

An international project approved by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2018 to investigate and elucidate the properties and behavior of surfactants, foams, and emulsions under microgravity conditions. The project brings together a team of researchers in interfacial science from Europe, the United States, Japan, and other countries.

Ongoing International Collaborative Project

――― Kyowa/Kamei: Could you tell us about your field of research?

Assoc. Prof. Yamashita:  At the Cosmetics Science Laboratory at Chiba Institute of Science, I collaborate with students on basic research on emulsification and the assessment of emulsifier (surfactant) functions.

Most of our work focuses on basic research that cosmetic companies or raw material manufacturers cannot address. That said, sometimes raw material manufacturers ask us to evaluate the interfacial properties of new active ingredients. For those evaluations, we often use Kyowa Interface Science's tensiometers.

――― Kyowa/Kamei: Are you serving as the project leader for the Japanese team in the international collaboration known as the “EDDI Project”?

Assoc. Prof. Yamashita: Yes, this project investigates how emulsions behave in microgravity. On Earth, water and oil typically do not form stable emulsions without surfactants or other additives, but in space's zero-gravity environment, they can. This raises questions about whether such emulsions could remain stable forever in microgravity. Despite this, much remains unknown about the properties and behavior of emulsions in such conditions. Unraveling these mysteries is the primary aim of our research.

The core data collected through this research could prove highly valuable as humanity eventually begins living in space. I started this project in 2013, and over the years, we have gained support from Kyowa Interface Science and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). In 2018, the European Space Agency (ESA) officially recognized it as an international collaborative effort, allowing us to collaborate with universities and research institutions across Europe.

――― Kyowa/Kamei: Have any previous experiments observed emulsions in microgravity conditions like these?

Assoc. Prof. Yamashita: Only one experiment has been conducted so far. However, space experiments are costly and time-consuming. To overcome this, our collaboration utilizes a tabletop device that mimics microgravity on Earth. This setup enables us to explore emulsion mechanisms and gather insights relevant to our expertise in cosmetic science.

Kyowa Interface Science: The Strongest Ally in Our Research

▲President Kamei and Mr. Chiba

▲Associate Professor Yuji Yamashita

――― Kyowa/Kamei: So, what inspired you to start this project in the first place?

Assoc. Prof. Yamashita: It all started when Tokyo University of Science approached me about a project with JAXA. At first, I did not plan to pursue it seriously. Our lab lacked the necessary equipment, such as tensiometers, and I was unsure whether the theme would work as a research project. But as I got into the experiments, I began to notice unexpected and interesting results. Looking at the data, I thought, “If I really dive into this, it might even be applicable to my current research.” Before I knew it, I was completely absorbed. It was a theme that no one had tackled before, and as a researcher, I found it truly fascinating.

――― Kyowa/Kamei: So, as you really got into the research, what made you reach out to our company?

Assoc. Prof. Yamashita: To conduct this research, we required an optical microscope equipped with a small camera. However, no commercially available model met our specifications. We also approached several lens and camera manufacturers about creating a custom unit, but they indicated that producing a single custom piece would be very challenging.

That was when I thought, "Maybe Kyowa Interface Science could help us." You're well-known in the field of interface science, and I hoped you could understand our research. So, we contacted you.

As I expected, Kyowa was very interested in our research theme, and we hit it off immediately. Since then, you have helped us not only develop the optical microscope but also other equipment we need for our experiments, such as tensiometers. I am truly grateful for all the support you have given us since the very start of our research.

――― Kyowa/Kamei: On our end, we have provided the small camera and microscope, but I have heard from the development team that this was a particularly challenging order. Mr. Chiba, could you tell us what difficulties you faced?

――― Kyowa/Chiba: I remember my first time attending the project meetings. Each time we received requests from Dr. Yamashita, JAXA, and the professors at Tokyo University of Science, I was struck by how difficult they were. For instance, observing the emulsion under the microscope required a camera, a lens, and a light source. However, the light's heat could disturb the emulsion, so we had to keep all heat-producing equipment as far away as possible. Many other challenges arose as well, making it feel like solving a puzzle in a confined space. We approached each problem step by step, conducting experiments and discovering what we could accomplish within our constraints.
Although the observation setup still isn’t perfect, I was excited when Dr. Yamashita finally saw the emulsion he wanted to observe. It was wonderful to witness his happiness.

――― Kyowa/Kamei: This is an exciting project, and we wanted to be involved to support the research. We share Dr. Yamashita's goal of contributing to humanity's future. As we support this initiative, we also aim to grow together.

Students Praise the Device for Its Ease of Use and Intuitive Operation

――― Kyowa/Kamei: Dr. Yamashita, you have been using our surface tensiometer, the DY-300, quite frequently. How has your experience been so far?

Assoc. Prof. Yamashita: We primarily use it for student experiments because students find it very user-friendly. The instructions for settings and operation are explained clearly, making it very convenient for everyone. Additionally, the manuals are in Japanese, which are much easier to understand than those from overseas manufacturers, typically in English.

――― Kyowa/Kamei: When choosing instruments like these, what aspects do you usually prioritize?

Assoc. Prof. Yamashita:  After-sales support: unlike manufacturers who simply sell equipment and then move on, I prefer to use instruments from companies that offer ongoing support post-installation. Kyowa Interface Science excels here, providing quick responses to our emails. When we order new equipment, Kyowa consistently meets delivery deadlines, which helps us plan our experiments more effectively.

――― Kyowa/Kamei: Thank you. Do you have any additional requests or suggestions for our company?

Assoc. Prof. Yamashita: As a researcher, I appreciate staying informed about new evaluation methods. Recently, Kyowa introduced us to software that assesses the stability of liquid films, useful for analyzing beer foam. This makes me wonder, "How might we integrate this into our work?" Regular updates on the latest evaluation techniques or products are very beneficial.

――― Kyowa/Kamei: We would also like to proceed with the EDDI project.

Assoc. Prof. Yamashita: Our research is still in the early stages and hasn't gained much attention yet. However, we intend to continue developing the foundational work and aim to create something that draws interest from various fields. I also hope we can foster a strong relationship with Kyowa Interface Science, exchanging ideas and information as we progress.

――― Kyowa/Kamei: We also look forward to addressing various challenges together with you, Dr. Yamashita. Thank you very much for your time today.