The Shigeto group aims to elucidate the structure and behavior of molecules in complex molecular systems and their relationship to the functions using techniques of molecular spectroscopy and information science. We are involved in basic research that leads to the discovery of novel molecular functions and biological phenomena in various systems, such as microbial cells and their communities (biofilms), symbionts between plants and microbes, and organic-inorganic hybrid materials. In particular, we focus on the development of microbial identification methods using machine learning of spectroscopic data and Raman imaging of biological structures. 

Raman spectra obtained by Raman spectroscopy are often called "molecular fingerprints", providing us with a wealth of information about molecules in the microscopic world. By correctly deciphering this information with the help of artificial intelligence and multivariate analysis, we can, for example, identify cells that produce useful substances among many microbial cells and analyze molecular components, both known and unknown, without destroying the sample. Through these studies, we contribute to explore the interdisciplinary areas spanning chemistry, biology, engineering, and information science.