Welcome to the Shigeto Group

We are an interdisciplinary research group working on a wide array of molecular systems such as nanoconfined water, amyloid fibrils, organic–inorganic hybrid materials, single microbial cells, and biofilms. We develop and apply advanced vibrational spectroscopies to understand the structure and dynamic behaviors of molecules in these systems and how they are associated with the functions. The techniques we use include confocal Raman microspectroscopy and imaging, tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS), and infrared electroabsorption spectroscopy. A particular focus is placed on Raman microspectroscopy and imaging studies of microbial communities. In close collaboration with microbiologists, we aim at unraveling the interactions and heterogeneities in microbial communities from a physicochemical viewpoint toward the control of microbial functions in medical and environmental sciences as well as food industry.