Cellulose Nanofiber Influences Ice Crystal Morphology

Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Minami-ku, Kyoto City; President and CEO: Naoki Yamaji) has jointly confirmed with the National University Corporation Kyoto Institute of Technology (Headquarters: Kyoto City; President: Masahiro Yoshimoto) that its cellulose nanofiber (CNF) product, Leocrista®, influences the morphology of ice crystals. This research result has been published as a paper in the academic journal 'Heat and Mass Transfer,' Volume 62, Issue 4, released in March 2026. This achievement is one of the outcomes from ongoing collaborative research under a comprehensive technical exchange agreement signed in May 2023.

With the addition of Leocrista, ice crystals become finer, enabling applications such as freezing while maintaining the dispersion of colorants and other components.

The agreement was established as a comprehensive framework to promote technical consultation, research information sharing, personnel exchange, and joint research, aiming to advance both parties' research and technological development. Under this agreement, continuous discussions and technical exchanges between researchers have led to the accumulation of knowledge regarding CNF.

Generally, when aqueous solutions or dispersions are frozen, solutes and dispersed particles are pushed out due to ice crystal growth, leading to localized concentration differences (inhomogeneity). This can result in variations in material quality or structural degradation upon thawing.

In this study, it was confirmed that adding Leocrista refines ice crystals and allows freezing to proceed while suppressing component localization. This suggests the possibility of freezing materials while maintaining a more uniform dispersion of components.

This finding implies that 'even when frozen, components do not separate,' indicating a significant improvement in quality reproducibility. By preventing 'uneven distribution' during freezing, this technology could help preserve food quality, enhance the safety of medical products, and contribute to the development of high-performance materials—offering broad applications that improve quality of life.

Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical and Kyoto Institute of Technology will continue to contribute to academic and industrial advancement through research collaboration and technical partnerships under the comprehensive technical exchange agreement.

■ Journal Publication: 'Heat and Mass Transfer'

・Publisher: Springer Nature, Vol. 62, Issue 4, No. 37

・Publication Date: March 26, 2026

・Paper Title:

'Effects of plant-derived cellulose nanofibers

on unidirectional ice growth in a thin water layer'

・Authors:

Takaharu Tawada (Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical)

Yoshiyuki Hashimoto (Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical)

Peter W. Wilson (University of California San Diego)

Yoshimichi Hagihara (Kyoto Institute of Technology)

Tomonori Waku (Kyoto Institute of Technology)

Core Materials Research Division, Sugar and Cellulose Derivatives Group, Takaharu Tawada

■ About Daiichi Kogyo's CNF 'Leocrista®'

CNF is a next-generation material made from cellulose—the primary component of widely available plants such as wood and grass—enabling carbon neutrality. It is attracting attention as an environmentally conscious material that contributes to sustainable development goals (SDGs), such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and plastic usage.

Daiichi Kogyo's CNF 'Leocrista®' can prevent particle sedimentation and be used as a sprayable, non-dripping gel. It also exhibits high transparency and high strength, and can form flexible films, enabling the creation of unique structures. The company continues to develop products leveraging the unique properties of CNF, aiming to contribute to a sustainable society by meeting diverse societal needs.

■ Related Press Release

Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical and Kyoto Institute of Technology Sign Comprehensive Technical Exchange Agreement (May 24, 2023)

https://www.dks-web.co.jp/updata/n_pdf/2023052402.pdf

【Inquiries regarding this release】

Public and Investor Relations Department, Strategic Planning Division, Administration Headquarters
Daiichi Kogyo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

TEL: 075-276-3027 E-mail: d-kouhou@dks-web.co.jp

Corporate Website: https://www.dks-web.co.jp

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