So-called fine bubbles, such as microbubbles and nanobubbles, have great potential to change human life. Their applications are extremely wide-ranging, including agriculture, fisheries, engineering, and medicine, and active research has begun around the world. However, the mechanism of action is still unknown, and the appropriate form of use is not yet clear. Further research and development are required for its practical application in the future.
Specially Appointed Prof. Masayoshi Takahashi and Oriental Shiroishi Co., Ltd. are conducting joint research aimed at developing highly durable concrete and applying fine bubbles to hydroponic aquaponics for growing crops and fish simultaneously. In the course of these efforts, the company has succeeded in significantly improving the germination rate of wasabi (Japanese horseradish), a difficult-to-germinate seed, by using tiny bubbles known as nanobubbles. As the mechanism, we discovered a phenomenon in which nanobubbles actively carry potassium ions into the interior of the seeds. The efficiency was so high that the potassium ion concentration in the aqueous solution was reduced by more than 99%. In contrast, in the absence of nanobubbles, the potassium ion concentration decreased by only 10% under the same water quality conditions.
The exchange of ions at the cellular level is an important phenomenon related to the essence of life phenomena. The discovery that small bubbles can contribute to the exchange of substances at the nano-level is a new step toward practical applications in various fields, including life phenomena.
The results were published online in Scientific Reports on February 27, 2023.
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