2025 Activity Report vol.18:Kanazawa University

From November 16 to November 23, 2025, a group of six graduate students and a faculty member from the National School of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Algeria, visited Japan under the Sakura Science Exchange Program.
　Quoting one student's post on LinkedIn following the successful completion of their visit: “I had one of the most intense and unforgettable experiences of my academic journey under the Sakura Science Program in Japan.”

During a one-week training program at the Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI-WPI), Kanazawa University, the group was hosted by Dr. Djamel Eddine Chafai, Assistant Professor at NanoLSI. The participants were introduced to the world of High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM) and its applications in life sciences.

Welcome introduction

Upon arrival at the institute, the group received general and safety guidelines, as well as necessary support utilities (access cards, internet connection, and office space) prepared by the institute's administrative staff. The program began with a guided tour of the facilities and an overview of the various capabilities available at NanoLSI-WPI. Following the tour, an opening ceremony and a lecture were delivered by the administrative director, who introduced the institute's programs, mission, and vision.

Immersion in the Nano Life Science world

The group first received specialized lectures from Prof. KODERA Noriyuki, an expert involved in the invention and development of high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM). He explained the history of the invention of HS-AFM at NanoLSI by Prof. ANDO Toshio, along with the theoretical background, technical aspects, applications, and prospects for future improvements and extensions.

After the lectures, the group was very enthusiastic to begin the hands-on training, supervised by Assistant Professor Djamel Eddine Chafai and Dr. Tareg Omer Mohammed. They gradually explored the full capabilities of HS-AFM, starting with the cantilever (a very important and fragile component), its holder, and cleaning procedures, the scanner holder, mica surface preparation, sample deposition and rinsing, the optical system, laser alignment, and the critical role of the Q-Controller (active damper) in achieving high-speed imaging. After carefully handling and preparing each part, the group observed an enzyme in action in real time using the HS-AFM. The group was gradually introduced to more challenging experiments, including imaging actin filaments (F-actin).
　Quoting one of the students: “After extensive troubleshooting, we discovered the issue. Once identified, we finally captured F-actin filaments. That moment was pure joy.”

Cultural Experiences

Beyond the laboratory, the group had the opportunity to take part in a traditional gold leaf workshop, where they discovered how Japanese artisans create nanoscale gold films using centuries-old techniques—a remarkable fusion of culture, craftsmanship, and nanotechnology. The delicate precision of their work offered a profound reminder that mastery can exist both in science and art, each guided by patience and attention to detail. The group explored the rich cultural sites of Kanazawa city, including visits to Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en garden, and the Yasue Gold Leaf Crafts Museum.

I quote the students: “This journey through Japan was deeply inspiring. It encouraged us to work harder, stay focused, show respect to others, and remain humble—because the more we learn, the more we realize how vast the world of knowledge truly is.”