Sorted by Keyword - 1938 word(s), 265 profile(s)

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[carbon fiber]

Peptide formation under high P and T conditions: new carbon fibers

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特徴・独自性
  • Peptides are formed through the enzymatic actions in living organisms, but difficulty exists to form peptide by non-enzymatic actions. Here we report the success of peptide formation under anhydrous, high P and T conditions. We were successful to form 11-mer of glycine and 5-mer of alanine. They are important constituents of spider silk, which is a candidate of next generation of carbon fibers. Therefore, our techniques have potentials to apply making new carbon fibers without biotechnology.
実用化イメージ

Researchers

Graduate School of Science

Takeshi Kakegawa

[Carbon nanotube]

Development of High Performance Carbon Nanotube-Alumina Composite

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特徴・独自性
  • One of the important challenges in the development of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced ceramic composites is uniform dispersion of CNTs in the matrix. The mechanical properties of CNT/ceramics composites have been limited to date due to the formation of CNT agglomerates in the composite. We have successfully produced CNT/alumina composites with world top class strength and toughness, by employing a newly developed CNTs dispersion technique based on a flocculation method. The processing method developed in this study enables us to prepare high performance CNT materials using a pressureless sintering method.
実用化イメージ

The possible applications of the CNT/alumina composites developed in this study include tribological materials (ball bearing), biomaterials (artificial hip joint), micro-actuator materials utilizing electrostrictive effects, electromagnetic wave absorber, particularly in the frequency range of several GHz and several ten GHz.

Researchers

New Industry Creation Hatchery Center

Toshiyuki Hashida

[carbon neutral]

newTheory and practice of energy design to drive decarbonization

概要

An indispensable function for decarbonized driving is energy data analysis, an energy car navigation system with both high spatial and temporal resolution. Higher spatial resolution facilitates the recharging and discharging of electric cars and inter-regional energy exchange. With the addition of up-to-the-minute energy data with high temporal resolution, it is possible to rationally and optimally combine the fluctuating output of renewable energy with the consumers. Data analysis, system design, and operation will lead to a carbon-neutral society.

従来技術との比較

Japan's first regional energy supply and demand database has been developed, allowing for detailed design of sustainable and resilient regional energy infrastructure layout and operation based on analysis of the current energy status of cities, towns, and villages nationwide.

特徴・独自性
  • Research experience as a Fulbright Scholar in the U.S. and familiarity with examples of social implementation in Europe.
  • Data-driven innovation research approach based on a vast regional energy supply and demand database.
  • Emphasis on regional fieldwork as a social entrepreneur solving social issues.
実用化イメージ

Putting Theory into Practice. Helping to build sustainable energy systems for new community development. Including the background of the local community, listening to the opinions of the residents, and guiding them to discussions that are relevant to today's issues. Thinking globally and acting within the community.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Toshihiko Nakata

[Carbon neutral, design]

Carbon Neutral Design Theory

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特徴・独自性
  • Assist in designing communities to be carbon neutral by 2050. Provide an internationally compatible regional energy supply and demand database under development to support current analysis and rational scenario design for the future. Support the design of regional energy systems based on up-to-date analysis of the renewable energy potential of each region, including hydrogen energy and LCA assessments, to meet regional and industry needs, and provide methods for performance analysis and value assessment.
実用化イメージ

Those in charge of the implementation plan for a decarbonized society and the carbon neutral plan, which is an extension of the basic environmental plan, at local governments.
Business leaders who provide new energy services, including new local power companies.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Toshihiko Nakata

[Cardiac Contraction]

Noninvasive Ultrasonic Measurement of Dynamic Properties of Heart and Arteries

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特徴・独自性
  • Complexity of the cardiac contraction sequence is still not fully understood because the dynamic mechanical excitation process, which directly correlates with contraction, cannot be accurately measured by CT, MRI, SPECT, or conventional ultrasound. By developing a noninvasive novel imaging modality with high temporal and spatial resolutions (US patent 5840028), we have detected the minute mechanical response (velocity component) to the propagation of the action potential in the human heart or to detect the propagation of the vibrations along the heart wall caused by the valve closure (Fig. 2).
  • By applying the same procedure to the human arteries, the regional change in wall thickness caused during one cardiac cycle can be measured with high spatial resolution (Fig. 1). From the measurement, the regional elasticity of tissue surrounding atherosclerotic plaque can be determined. By comparing the pathological findings with the distribution of elasticity, elasticity of lipid and that of fibrous tissue were determined. Thus, each point inside the plaque is classified into lipid or fibrous tissue using transcutaneous ultrasound (Fig. 3).
実用化イメージ

This novel method offers potential as a diagnostic technique for detection of plaque vulnerability with high spatial resolution.
We are prepared to provide academic consultations to companies interested in our research.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Hiroshi Kanai

[Casting cavity]

Advanced die casting process computing with solidification phenomena

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特徴・独自性
  • Die casting is a method of mass-producing high-precision castings in a short time by filling the mold with molten metal at high pressure and high speed. Since solidification is completed quickly under high pressure, various defects peculiar to die casting occur. Significantly, the casting cavity has a high incidence in die casting, and it is a factor that hinders the quality. Therefore, a numerical approach to the die casting process is expected to prevent these problems, and the information obtained from the numerical analysis is expected to be reflected in the casting plan to reduce the number of prototypes, the lead time to product development, and the cost. In this study, a multiphase flow analysis with solidification phenomena of molten aluminum inside mold was conducted for a high-pressure die casting process of the throttle body.
実用化イメージ

Automotive industry, Automotive suppliers, Foundry industry

Researchers

Institute of Fluid Science

Jun Ishimoto

[catalyst]

Development of Open Nanoporous Base and Half Metals, Metalloids and their Alloys

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特徴・独自性
  • Nanoporous metals have drawn considerable attention due to their highly functional properties. They are generally produced by selective dissolution of elements from a multicomponent alloy (known as the dealloying method). As this method is based on differences in the electrode potential of each element present in the alloy, and this potential is high for noble metals, porous structure can be obtained only for noble metals. Recently we have found a new, simple and easy dealloying method without using aqueous solution, which enable us to develop an open nanoporous non-oxidized metallic material even with base metals (such as Ti, Ni, Cr, Fe, Mo, etc), metalloids and their alloys.
実用化イメージ

This technique is very powerful for developing new functional electrodes, catalysts, filters as well for removing toxic metallic element from the surface of biomaterials containing the toxic element.

Researchers

Institute for Materials Research

Hidemi Kato

Development of catalytic reaction system for direct synthesis from CO2 and diols

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特徴・独自性
  • We found an effective catalyst system composed of CeO2 and 2-cyanopyridine for direct and catalytic polycarbonate formation reaction from CO2 and diols. CeO2 acted as an activator for CO2 and diols, and 2-cyanopyridine shifted the equilibrium in favor of the product side by hydration of 2-cyanopyridine, promoting the reaction. Green polycarbonates can be synthesized by combination of the catalyst system with a technique of diol syntheses from biomass.
実用化イメージ

This catalyst system is effective for direct transformation of CO2, contributing to the effective utilization and emission reduction of CO2. Combination of the catalyst system with a concentration technique of CO2 will bring about much advantage.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Keiichi Tomishige

[Catalysts]

Advanced Molecular Transformations by Organocatalysts

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特徴・独自性
  • The development of organic molecules which function as a catalyst has been extensively investigated to achieve selective and efficient transformation of organic molecules. Brønsted acids and bases are commonly employed as the catalyst in synthetic organic chemistry. To aim at their functionalization, axially chiral phosphoric acids and axially chiral guanidine bases have been developed as chiral Brønsted acid and base catalysts, respectively. A variety of optically active compounds has been synthesized through the development of highly stereoselective reactions using these catalysts.
実用化イメージ

The development of chiral Brønsted acid and base catalysts has been accomplished as recoverable and reusable organocatalysts and highly stereoselective molecular transformations have been established using these catalysts. The present methodology is applicable to process chemistry in preparing medicines and relevant compounds on the basis of the selective and efficient molecular transformations thus developed with reduction of the waste material.

Researchers

Graduate School of Science

Masahiro Terada

[Catheter]

Minimally Invasive Medical Devices and Healthcare Devices Using Micro/Nano Machining Technology

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特徴・独自性
  • Medical devices and healthcare devices which have several functions with small size have been developed using precise micromachining technology and MEMS (Microelectromechanical systems) technology. More precise and safe diagnostics and therapy, as well as novel diagnostics and treatment can be realized by developing high-functionalized endoscopes and catheters and developing novel medical devices. Healthcare without restriction of location and time is aimed by developing thin, light and high-functionalized new healthcare devices.
実用化イメージ

Besides of basic research, we are working in cooperation with clinicians and medical device companies for practical use. We founded a university-launched venture company for bridge-building between university and company and collaborative researches have been performed.

Researchers

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Yoichi Haga

[Cavitation]

Cavitation Peening

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特徴・独自性
  • Surface modification method to improve fatigue strength has been developed using cavitation impacts, which are normally causes severe damage in hydraulic machineries. The method was called "cavitation peening". In order to make clear the mechanism, a load controlled plate bending fatigue test machine was developed. It was proved by using the test machine that the threshold level of stress intensity factor was improved about 1.9 times by cavitation peening. The mitigation of hydrogen embrittlement by cavitation peening was also improved.
実用化イメージ

The cavitation peening can apply to component of automobile and forging die. We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of this technology in industry.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Hitoshi Soyama

newDevelopment of a Numerical Prediction System for Sliding Part Wear and Seizure Occurrence Portions

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概要

Focusing on the lubricant film flow with phase change between the engine piston pin and connecting rod small end, we developed a new multiphase fluid-structure coupled analysis method that takes into account elastic deformation of the structure and flow path changes and developed a simulation prediction method for tribological properties under high load conditions. The simulation prediction method for tribological properties under high load conditions has been created. As a result, we succeeded in simulation prediction of the wear/seizure generating areas in sliding parts. We discovered that the peculiar deformation behavior of the components is the cause of wear/seizure.

従来技術との比較

It has been thought that computational prediction is impossible to verify the wear and seizure locations in fluid lubrication. Still, this study succeeded in the simulation prediction of wear and seizure locations in sliding parts.

特徴・独自性
  • Numerical prediction of the wear and seizure locations in the sliding parts of engine piston pins was successfully performed.
  • The bow-like deformation of the piston pin was identified as the cause of mechanical contact and seizure at the connecting rod edge.
  • A three-dimensional multiphase fluid-structure coupled analysis method has been successfully developed, considering the piston pin's elastic deformation and connecting rod and thin-film cavitation1 lubrication with unsteady flow path changes.
実用化イメージ

This research method applies to automotive engines and all sliding component elements using fluid lubrication. It contributes to damage prediction and the development of safety guidelines for transportation and industrial machinery components, enabling the optimal design of components.

Researchers

Institute of Fluid Science

Jun Ishimoto

[cell]

Visualization of Biological Microstructure with High Frequency Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging

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特徴・独自性
  • "Features"
  • High-resolution imaging of biological tissue is non-invasively obtained with high frequency ultrasound. We have developed some ultrasound microscope systems which realized the resolution of 15-micron with 100 MHz and resolution to visualize a single cell with GHz range ultrasound. Ultrasonic imaging provides not only tissue morphology but also information on tissue elasticity. Recently, we have developed a real-time three-dimensional photoacoustic imaging system for visualization of subcutaneous micro vasculature and oxygen saturation.
  • "Targeted Application(s)/Industry"
  • High frequency ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging is repeatedly and non-invasively applied for early diagnosis of atherosclerosis, skin aging and tissue metabolism. They are useful for efficacy assessment of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. High frequency ultrasound is also applied in the industrial areas where thickness measurement of opaque film or bilayer thin coating with the precision of 0.1 micron is required.
実用化イメージ

Researchers

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Yoshifumi Saijo

Bio-Hybrid MEMS for Medical, Environmental and Food Engineering

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特徴・独自性
  • We have developed original manufacturing techniques for bio-hybrid MEMSs that utilize special functions of bio-elements, proteins and living cells, for molecular selective sensing and power generation from natural fuels.
  • (1) Conducting polymer electrodes printed on hydrogels (image 1)
  • (2) Dynamic control of bio-adhesion by electrochemical means (image 2)
  • (3) Micro Biofuel Cells with flexible enzyme electrode patches (image 3)
実用化イメージ

We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of these technologies in industry.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Matsuhiko Nishizawa

Development of next-generation sterilization method by a plasma flow at atmospheric pressure

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特徴・独自性
  • Plasma sterilization has been developed as an alternative sterilization method due to its chemical activity, operation at low temperature and atmospheric pressure, low power consumption, low cost and safety. We have studied a mechanism of chemical species generation and transport in a plasma flow and, the sterilization efficacy and mechanism for several plasma sources at atmospheric pressure, such as a microwave plasma flow, a dielectric barrier discharge in a tube and a water vapor plasma flow. We already clarified that the damages of outer membrane and destructions of the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli by exposure to the microwave plasma flow. Fig. 1 shows the effect of plasma exposure on the E. coli. When the E. coli was exposed to the plasma, the height of the E. coli decreased and the potassium leakage of cytoplasmic material increased. For sterilization in a tube, we also clarified that an induced flow in the narrow tube by DBD transports chemical species and sterilize the whole inside surface of a tube as shown in Fig. 2. We hope to conduct collaborative research with a willing company for a practical application of this technology in industry.
実用化イメージ

Researchers

Institute of Fluid Science

Takehiko Sato

[cell therapy]

Establishment of Minimally Invasive Cell Therapy for Diabetes by Introducing Interdisciplinary Approach

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特徴・独自性
  • The islet transplantation is the ideal "minimum invasive" cell transplant therapy for the severe diabetic patients who are suffering with controlling the blood glucose levels. In this project, we try to have a cross organization among the advanced technologies in islet transplantation as one of the typical cases. Our chief objective is to construct the center of medical cell-engineering therapy as successful examples in Tohoku University. We are convinced that technical innovation through this project could contribute much more to the activation of medical industry based upon cell therapy.
実用化イメージ

We have already established effective academic-industrial alliances regarding our several projects including a development of new type of cell-isolation enzyme. However, we are still looking for possible candidates concerning a special device for cell transplantation and medical grade-pathogen free animals.

Researchers

Graduate School of Medicine

Masafumi Goto

DIFFERENTIATION INDUCING METHOD ENABLING TUMORIGENESIS OF IPS CELLS TO BE SUPPRESSED

特徴・独自性
  • The present invention relates to a technique for differentiating iPS cells into target differentiated cells while suppressing tumorigenesis in the iPS cells. In use of a statin and a differentiation inducer, iPS cells are differentiated into target differentiated cells, whereby iPS cells can be differentiated into differentiated cells in which tumorigenesis is suppressed.
実用化イメージ

Researchers

Graduate School of Dentistry

Hiroshi Egusa

[Cellular]

Advanced Wireless Information Technology

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特徴・独自性
  • Toward the realization of a ubiquitous and broad-band wireless network, we are actively engaged in the research work on dependable and low power consumption advanced wireless IT. We cover the whole technical fields from the lower to higher layers, i.e., signal processing, RF/Mixed signal device, antenna, MODEM and network technologies.As the studies on signal processing, RF/Mixed signal device and antenna technologies, we are developing RF/Millimeter-wave RF CMOS IC's, antenna integrated 3-dimensional system in package (SiP) transceiver modules, digital/RF mixed signal IC's.
実用化イメージ

If you are interested in a collaborative research work on above topics, please contact us via e-mail.

Researchers

Research Institute of Electrical Communication

Noriharu Suematsu

[cellulase]

Generation of Rice Plants Suitable for Biofuel Production

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特徴・独自性
  • To generate a rice plant suitable for efficient biofuel production from its straw, we examined effects of overexpression of cellulase on saccharification of straw. The transgenic plant constitutively overexpressing cellulase showed enhanced saccharification, but various physiological and morphological abnormalities were also observed. To overcome this problem, a senescence-inducible promoter was used to express the cellulase. The plants successfully avoided the problem and showed enhanced saccharification after senescence.
実用化イメージ

Rice straw will be an efficient material for biofuel production. This method can be applied to other plants. In combination with highly engineered microorganisms for saccharification and fermentation, this method will contribute to efficient production of biofuels.

Researchers

Graduate School of Agricultural Science

Yukihiro Ito

[central nervous system]

Image Guided Local Drug Delivery for Central Nervous System Disorders

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特徴・独自性
  • Effective drug delivery to central nervous system is promising as a new therapeutic strategy against various central nervous system disorders. However, it represents a challenge because systemic delivery is always hindered by blood brain barrier, and local delivery cannot be effective because of the restricted distribution. Recently, local drug delivery system that can achieve robust distribution of the infusates by maintaining a pressure gradient at the tip of the infusion catheter during infusion has developed. Although this method is promising, there still exist several problems as loss of infusates by backflow through catheter tract or inconsistent distribution. We recently developed a method to deliver agents with this method under MRI guidance, and now performing clinical trial to treat recurrent gliomas.
実用化イメージ

Focal central nervous system disorders such as tumor, epilepsy, and parkinson's disease can be the target for application of this technique. Developments of the new catheters and pre-infusional similation systems are on their way. We are searching for effective collaborative research in this field.

Researchers

Administrative Staff

Teiji Tominaga