Research Profiles

JP

Sorted by Keyword - 2095 word(s), 229 profile(s)

A
View Details

 B

[Bioinstrumentation]

Biometric Monitor and Therapeutic Apparatus System Mounted Inside Mouth

 
NEXT
PREV
特徴・独自性
  • We propose the biometric monitor and therapeutic apparatus system with telemedicine, especially for the elderly and patients with chronic diseases. This system is consisted of the sensor probes gathering biometric information and daily living activities, the signal processing units with wireless telecommunication with telemedicine center, and the therapeutic operation units with drug delivery into the mouth.
実用化イメージ

This system is embedded in usual dental prosthesis, such as denture or mouthpiece, so that this system can be installed into the mouth with no sense of discomfort. The system provides the necessary means of health support in an aging society, especially for the elderly who live alone and the hospital inpatients.

Researchers

Graduate School of Dentistry

Takeyoshi Koseki

[Biological rhythm]

Analysis of Biological Signals and Visualization

 
NEXT
PREV
特徴・独自性
  • Recent development of sensor technology and ICT have enabled collection and acculumation of huge amount and wide variety of biological data. We have been investigating analysis and processing methods of the biological data for supporting clinical diagnosis and health care. For example, development of extraction algorithm of fetal electrocardiogram from maternal abdominal siglnals, and estimation and visualization algorithms of status of autonomic functions based on diverse biological signals.
実用化イメージ

System development of biosignal anaysis, visualization, and diagnosis.
Development of monitoring and evaluation methods of alertness and sleepiness of traffic driver and workers.
Shift work scheduling based on circadian clock.

Researchers

Unprecedented-scale Data Analytics Center

Mitsuyuki Nakao

[Biological signals]

Analysis of Biological Signals and Visualization

 
NEXT
PREV
特徴・独自性
  • Recent development of sensor technology and ICT have enabled collection and acculumation of huge amount and wide variety of biological data. We have been investigating analysis and processing methods of the biological data for supporting clinical diagnosis and health care. For example, development of extraction algorithm of fetal electrocardiogram from maternal abdominal siglnals, and estimation and visualization algorithms of status of autonomic functions based on diverse biological signals.
実用化イメージ

System development of biosignal anaysis, visualization, and diagnosis.
Development of monitoring and evaluation methods of alertness and sleepiness of traffic driver and workers.
Shift work scheduling based on circadian clock.

Researchers

Unprecedented-scale Data Analytics Center

Mitsuyuki Nakao

[biological tissue]

Visualization of Biological Microstructure with High Frequency Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging

 
 
NEXT
PREV
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

[Biomass]

Generation of Rice Plants Suitable for Biofuel Production

 
 
NEXT
PREV
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

[Biomass conversion]

Development of a reaction process in supercritical water

 
 
NEXT
PREV
特徴・独自性
  • We are developing a new continuous flow type process for supercritical reactions. Under the supercritical state, the organic molecules and metal salt aqueous solutions are miscible and water molecule works as an acid/base catalyst which leads to rapid reactions. In order to apply such new reaction fields to an industrial process, it is necessary to establish the process design basis by understanding phenomena in the reaction fields, on the basis of phase equilibrium, flux and reaction kinetics theory. So while developing a process, we are doing research for the establishment of the process design basis.
実用化イメージ

Examples are a process for the synthesis of organic modified nanoparticles (MPs), a process for the pretreatment and solubilization of biomass in the supercritical/subcritical water and a process for the refinery of heavy oil in the supercritical water.

Researchers

Advanced Institute for Materials Research

Tadafumi Ajiri

[Biomass energy]

The Construction of a Decentralized Energy Production System Using Small Methane Fermentation Systems That Utilize Exhaust Heat or Hot Springs and a Local Circulation System

 
 
NEXT
PREV
特徴・独自性
  • In this project, we reduce the costs of energy production via anaerobic digestion by utilizing exhaust heat from a factory, which resulted in a positive energy balance, although the methane fermentation system tested was on a small scale.
  • Using small-scale methane fermentation with a positive energy balance, the initial investment is small, enabling a company to invest in, and install, such a system. This would decentralize energy production within an area. Moreover, this system not only produces energy, but is a basis for resource recycling.
実用化イメージ

Food factory, hotel, restaurant, where food garbage or organic waste was produced much.

Researchers

Graduate School of Agricultural Science

Chika Tada

[biomaterial]

Oral Biofilm Functional Analysis: from “What Are They?" to “What Are They Doing?"

 
 
 
NEXT
PREV
特徴・独自性
  • A large number of microorganisms inhabit the oral cavity, such as the teeth, gingiva and tongue, in the form of oral biofilm. The oral cavity forms an ecosystem where the host (humans) and parasites (microorganisms) coexist. Disruption of the balance of this oral ecosystem leads to dental caries, periodontal diseases and oral malodor, and even deterioration of dental materials.
  • Using leading-edge techniques of anaerobic experimental systems including original and unique devices, as well as the notion of "omics" such as metagenomics and metabolomics, we conduct research on oral biofilm functions. Knowledge of oral biofilms, from "what are they?" to "what are they doing?", enables us to address their control, that is, prevention of and therapy for oral biofilm-associated diseases.
実用化イメージ

Risk assessment of oral biofilm-associated diseases, such as dental caries, periodontal disease, oral malodor and aspiration pneumonia
Effects of medicine and food ingredients on oral biofilm function
Evaluation of biofilm-mediated material deterioration

Researchers

Graduate School of Dentistry

Nobuhiro Takahashi

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

 
 
 
NEXT
PREV
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

Creation of a high functional bio-interface using laser fabrication

 
NEXT
PREV
特徴・独自性
  • 　Using laser fabrication, we are developing techniques to enhance material surface properties and functionality. For example, to create a functional interface, we aim to clarify, by way of simulation and experimentation, the phenomenon that occurs when the surface of a material is irradiated using a laser beam.
  • 　We expect that the results of our research will be widely applicable, including biomedical devices.
  • ■　Creation of biocompatible surfaces
  • 　Materials used for artificial organs, vessels, and other bio-implants require excellent tissue and cell biocompatibility. Therefore, we are exploring the creation of biocompatible surfaces using a new laser irradiation process in this study.
  • 　We have succeeded in imparting a biologically active function to titanium-based materials by applying the laser irradiation technique. When such a material that has a biologically active function is inserted in a living body, hydroxyapatite (the principal constituent of bones and teeth) precipitates on the surface. Using the laser irradiation technique, we can manufacture bone-adherent implants, and we envisage their application to artificial joints or dental implants.
  • 　This research aims to discover such breakthrough solutions for biomedical applications using the laser irradiation technique.
実用化イメージ

Researchers

Green Goals Initiative

Masayoshi Mizutani

Novel CoCr-based superelastic metallic biomaterial with low Young's modulus

 
 
NEXT
PREV
特徴・独自性
  • General metallic biomaterials, such as stainless steels and conventional CoCr alloys, show a high Young's modulus ten times higher than that of human bones. This is an unfavored feature because it causes the so-called "stress shielding effect" when they are used as implants. β-type Ti alloys have a relatively lower Young's modulus, but they come with a compromise of low wear resistance. The current novel CoCr-based alloys are a breakthrough; they exhibit both a low Young's modulus similar to human bones and a high wear and corrosion resistance. Moreover, they exhibit superelasticity with a huge recoverable strain over 17%, also showing promise as shape memory alloys.
実用化イメージ

It is the first time that a low Young's modulus, a high corrosion and wear resistance, and a superior superelastic behavior are simultaneously obtained in a single material. The current novel CoCr-based alloys are promising for biomedical applications such as total hip or knee joint replacements, bone plates, spinal fixation devices, and vascular stents.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Xiao Xu

[Biomaterials]

Bioimplants that are as close to natural teeth as possible

概要

By applying nanoscale surface modification to individually designed 3D-printed titanium implants based on CT data, a biomimetic microenvironment is recreated, enabling regeneration of periodontal ligament-like tissue through host stem cell induction. This provides a novel treatment approach without cell transplantation for cases where existing implants are difficult to adapt.

従来技術との比較

Conventional implant treatment assumes direct bonding with bone, thus disregarding the regeneration of periodontal tissues such as the periodontal ligament. Furthermore, some patients avoid treatment due to concerns about bone-cutting surgery and multiple invasive procedures. This technology utilizes a nano-surface to induce stem cells, forming periodontal tissues similar to natural teeth. This enables the restoration of natural occlusal sensation through a single minimally invasive procedure.

特徴・独自性
  • Custom-designed for each patient's root morphology, it reproduces natural force transmission and chewing sensation. Furthermore, by utilizing nanostructures to control cell adhesion and differentiation, it enables periodontal tissue reconstruction without the need for cell transplantation or regenerative factor administration.
実用化イメージ

In the future, we aim to collaborate with implant manufacturers to advance mass-production prototyping and quality evaluation, targeting practical application as a medical device. We also seek partnerships with companies and management talent who can jointly undertake strategic planning and clinical deployment for commercialization.

Researchers

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Masahiro Yamada

[biomechanics]

Development of Fall-Prevention Footwear Based on Mechanical Analysis of Slip-Related Falls

 
 
 
NEXT
PREV
特徴・独自性
  • The number of fatalities due to falling accidents indoor/outdoor has increased in Japan as well as in other advanced countries. The fatalities due to falling accidents in a year have exceeded those due to traffic accidents in Japan recently. Because more than 80% of the fatalities are elderly people, it is considered an urgent issue to prevent their falling. We have conducted researches on falling during walking due to induced slip, in the contact interface of shoe sole and floor, through tribological and biomechanical approaches. We clarified the required values of static friction coefficient (figure 1), between shoe sole and floor, and how to gait to prevent slipping through kinetic analysis of gait. We also succeeded in the development of a unique footwear outsole having the high-grip property (figure 2) and high slip-resistant concrete pavement blocks (figure 3) through the collaboration with regional companies. We have recently conducted research and development of footwear that is able to prevent falls due to balance loss after slipping.
実用化イメージ

Products for fall prevention in daily life or in work site. Evaluation of slip resistance of footwear and floor materials.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Takeshi Yamaguchi

[Biomedical imaging]

Visualization of Biological Microstructure with High Frequency Ultrasound and Photoacoustic Imaging

 
 
NEXT
PREV
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

[Biometrics Authentication]

Visual Computing with Secure ICT in the Big Data Era

 
 
 
NEXT
PREV
特徴・独自性
  • Our study focuses on sensing, processing, recognition, understanding, and analysis of enormous visual data collected in real-world environments. We have invented a set of advanced techniques of sub-pixel image analysis using phase-based image matching. Potential applications include personal recognition using various biometric traits (e.g., face, fingerprint, palm print, finger knuckle print, iris, and medical radiographs), machine vision, multi-view 3D reconstruction, image database search, and medical image computing. We are also studying fundamental techniques for building secure ICT infrastructure for the big data era; our research interests include tamper-resistant cryptographic processing and biometrics-based secure remote authentication.
実用化イメージ

We can provide collaboration and information exchange services for industries and other research organizations in the fields of image processing, computer vision, information security, biometrics, LSI design, and embedded system technologies. Many researchers and engineers from various companies, universities, and research institutions have visited our laboratory regardless of their technology fields. Our staff at the Intelligent Information System (IIS) Research Center will welcome potential collaborators: info@iisrc.ecei.tohoku.ac.jp

Researchers

Administrative Staff

Takafumi Aoki

[Biomimetic Materials]

Bioimplants that are as close to natural teeth as possible

概要

By applying nanoscale surface modification to individually designed 3D-printed titanium implants based on CT data, a biomimetic microenvironment is recreated, enabling regeneration of periodontal ligament-like tissue through host stem cell induction. This provides a novel treatment approach without cell transplantation for cases where existing implants are difficult to adapt.

従来技術との比較

Conventional implant treatment assumes direct bonding with bone, thus disregarding the regeneration of periodontal tissues such as the periodontal ligament. Furthermore, some patients avoid treatment due to concerns about bone-cutting surgery and multiple invasive procedures. This technology utilizes a nano-surface to induce stem cells, forming periodontal tissues similar to natural teeth. This enables the restoration of natural occlusal sensation through a single minimally invasive procedure.

特徴・独自性
  • Custom-designed for each patient's root morphology, it reproduces natural force transmission and chewing sensation. Furthermore, by utilizing nanostructures to control cell adhesion and differentiation, it enables periodontal tissue reconstruction without the need for cell transplantation or regenerative factor administration.
実用化イメージ

In the future, we aim to collaborate with implant manufacturers to advance mass-production prototyping and quality evaluation, targeting practical application as a medical device. We also seek partnerships with companies and management talent who can jointly undertake strategic planning and clinical deployment for commercialization.

Researchers

Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering

Masahiro Yamada

[biomineralization]

Peptide and Protein Designs for Unexplored Fileds

 
 
 
NEXT
PREV
特徴・独自性
  • I am proposing methodologies to design recombinant peptides and proteins with appropriate structures and functions in the medicinal, environmental, material, and nanotechnological fields, with molecular evolutional and domain shuffling engineering. At present, we have constructed the methodologies for efficient renaturation of functional proteins from inclusion bodies expressed in bacteria, generation of peptides and proteins with the function of biomineralization, generation of peptides and proteins with affinity for inorganic materials to spontaneously make linkages between various nanomaterials, and high enhancement of cellulolytic enzyme activity induced by nanoclustering design on nanomaterials.
実用化イメージ

We hope the business partners in the in the medicinal, environmental, material, and nanotechnological fields would be interested in my approaches and we could conduct effective collaboration research with them.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Mitsuo Umetsu

[biorefinery]

Peptide and Protein Designs for Unexplored Fileds

 
 
 
NEXT
PREV
特徴・独自性
  • I am proposing methodologies to design recombinant peptides and proteins with appropriate structures and functions in the medicinal, environmental, material, and nanotechnological fields, with molecular evolutional and domain shuffling engineering. At present, we have constructed the methodologies for efficient renaturation of functional proteins from inclusion bodies expressed in bacteria, generation of peptides and proteins with the function of biomineralization, generation of peptides and proteins with affinity for inorganic materials to spontaneously make linkages between various nanomaterials, and high enhancement of cellulolytic enzyme activity induced by nanoclustering design on nanomaterials.
実用化イメージ

We hope the business partners in the in the medicinal, environmental, material, and nanotechnological fields would be interested in my approaches and we could conduct effective collaboration research with them.

Researchers

Graduate School of Engineering

Mitsuo Umetsu

[Biosensor]

Bio-Hybrid MEMS for Medical, Environmental and Food Engineering

 
 
 
NEXT
PREV
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

Bio-inspired engineering for energy and biological applications

 
 
NEXT
PREV
特徴・独自性
  • Our goal is "bio-inspired engineering" to create new functions that exhibit functions beyond the nature systems by learning from their superior functions and incorporating them into creating materials and devices. For example, the development of surface treatment and adhesives learned from mussels, the development of anti-biofouling substrates learned from pitcher plants, the design of non-platinum catalysts for highly active fuel cells (hydrogen, enzymes, microbes, etc.) learned from hemoglobin, and needle-type biosensors learned from biological needles.
実用化イメージ

Based on electrochemistry and polymer chemistry, I provide technologies and expertise in the energy, biotechnology, and electrical and electronic fields, including metal-air batteries, fuel cells, surface treatment, adhesion, biosensors, etc.

Researchers

Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences

Hiroya Abe

Research Profiles

Fields

ENGLISH
Close