Researchers 287 Result(s), Themes 290 Result(s)
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Bio-inspired engineering for energy and biological applicationsFeaturesOur 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. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryBased 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. Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences
ABE Hiroya, Assistant Professor
Ph. D. in Electrochemistry
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Monomer-Recycle System of Biodegradable Plastics by Industrial Fungal Fermentation and Application of Fungal Biosurfactant Proteins to Nanoparticles for Medical UseFeaturesIn Japan, solid-phase fungal fermentation systems using the industrial fungus Aspergillus oryzae have been extensively used for producing fermented foods such as soy sauce and sake; the annual production volume of the products is over one million tons. The efficient enzymatic hydrolyzing systems are expected to be applicable to biological recycling of biodegradable plastics. We found that A. oryzae can effectively degrade polybutylene succinate-coadipate (PBSA) by the combination with an esterase (cutinase) CutL1 and novel surfactant proteins, RolA and HsbA that are attached to the surface of PBSA and then recruit CutL1. The recruitment of Cutl1 by the surfactants stimulated PBSA degradation. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryThe fungal biosurfactant protein is applicable to industrial recycling of biodegradable plastics and to production of immune-response free nano-particles for medical use. |
Drug Delivery System for Retinal ProtectionFeaturesIntravitreal injection of some drugs to treat retinal diseases has been successfully reported. However, there is a possibility of severe side effects, such as infection. So we have developed a transscleral drug delivery system by using non-biodegradable device, which enabled sustained drug delivery to the retina. Because of the nature of the device, we can deliver the multi-drug independently. We have performed our work in collaboration with Department of Bioengineering and Robotics. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryUsing this drug delivery device, we may be able to apply our system not only to the retinal diseases but also to other diseases. Division of Clinical Cell Therapy, Graduate School of Medicine
ABE Toshiaki, Professor
MD
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Clinical application of sustained-release deviceFeaturesWe have developed a device that allows long-term sustained release of drugs regardless of their molecular weight. The initial purpose of the development was to target intractable retinal diseases. Since it is a subconjunctival (superscleral) operation, it is highly safe and can be removed immediately if a problem occurs. Currently, a doctor-initiated clinical trial is being conducted for patients with retinitis pigmentosa. There is an advantage that it can be used for various retinal diseases and eye diseases as long as there is an appropriate drug. Although the patent is open to the public, we believe that it can be applied to other than retinal diseases. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryDue to the possibility of sustained release of various drugs and aptamers, it may be applicable to diseases in which topical drug administration is considered. Joint research with related parties is possible. Division of Clinical Cell Therapy, Graduate School of Medicine
ABE Toshiaki, Professor
MD
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Supercritical Hydrothermal Synthesis of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid NanoparticlesFeaturesWe invented supercritical hydrothermal synthesis method for the synthesis of organic modified nanoparticles (NPs). Under the supercritical state, the organic molecules and metal salt aqueous solutions are miscible and water molecule works as an acid/base catalyst for the reactions. Organic-inorganic conjugate NPs can be synthesized under this condition. This hybrid NPs show high affinity with the organic solvent or the polymer matrix, which leads to fabricate the organic inorganic hybrid nanomaterials with the trade-off function (super hybird nanomaterials). These hybrid materials of polymer and ceramics fabricated with NPs achieve both high thermal conductivity and easy thin film flexible fabrication, namely trade-off function. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryFor example, by the surface modification of BN particles by supercritical method, affinity of BN and polymers could be improved, so that high BN content of hybrid materials, thus high thermal conductivity materials, could be synthesized. Also by dispersing high refractive index NPs like TiO2 or ZrO2 into polymers transparently, we can tune the refractive index of the polymers. CeO2 nanoparticles are expected to be used for high performance catalysts. To transfer those supercritical fluid nano technologies, a consortium was launched with more than 70 companies. Advanced Institute for Materials Research
ADSCHIRI Tadafumi, Professor
Doctor of Engineering
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Development of a reaction process in supercritical waterFeaturesWe 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. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryExamples 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. Advanced Institute for Materials Research
ADSCHIRI Tadafumi, Professor
Doctor of Engineering
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Polymer-nanoparticle hybrid materialsFeaturesHybrid materials that show multi-functions of polymer and nanoparticles are expected to be used in future industries, and thus many research and development have been actively conducted. However, since the affinity of polymer and inorganic nanoparticles is very low, in most of the cases, properties of different materials are incompatible in the hybrid materials. To create the hybrid materials with incompatible multi-functions has been considered a difficult task. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryNow, variety of hybrid materials are being developed, including Advanced Institute for Materials Research
ADSCHIRI Tadafumi, Professor
Doctor of Engineering
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Low temperature reforming of hydrocarbons using metal oxide nanoparticles synthesized by supercritical methodFeaturesOur research group has succeeded in synthesizing various metal oxide nanoparticles with controlled size and exposure crystal planes by using organic modifiers under supercritical water conditions. The oxygen storage/release capacity of those materials in the low-temperature region is very high, and the reforming reaction of oxidative hydrocarbon proceeds at a significant rate. Besides, by combining the supercritical CO2 drying method, we have succeeded in forming a complex in which oxide nanoparticles are dispersed at a high concentration on the surface of the porous material, realizing both high oxygen storage/release capability and stability. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryLow-temperature reforming reaction of biomass wastes, heavy oils, and methane. In the future, it is expected to be a technology that will lead to the construction of a low-carbon society, including CO2-free complete recycling of waste plastics. Advanced Institute for Materials Research
ADSCHIRI Tadafumi, Professor
Doctor of Engineering
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Hydrogen embrittlement of high strength steelsFeaturesWe are studying hydrogen embrittlement property of high strength steels from the aspects of both the effect of hydrogen on mechanical properties of high strength steels and hydrogen uptake behavior in corrosive environments. The topics of our study includes clarification of mechanism of hydrogen embrittlement of various steels, investigation of hydrogen entry caused by corrosion using electrochemical techniques, hydrogen visualization, proposing evaluation methods for hydrogen embrittlement property and so forth. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryCollaborative research in the field of hydrogen embrittlement, for example, hydrogen embrittlement properties of high strength steels and the effects of metallographic structure and hydrogen traps, proposal of evaluation methods for hydrogen embrittlement property for some specific steel and for parts with specific shape, development of novel hydrogen visualization techniques. |
Synthesis and material characterization of new organic ferroelectric materials, molecular semiconductors, molecular magnets.FeaturesMultifunctional molecular-assemblies and hybrid organic - inorganic materials are examined from the viewpoint of structural freedom of organic molecules. The spin and electronic states of molecular-assemblies are designed in terms of electrical conductivity, magnetism, and ferroelectricity. Diverse molecular assemblies from single crystal, plastic crystal, liquid crystal, gel, to Langmuir-Blodgett film are our research targets, which were hybridized with inorganic gigantic clusters and metal nanoparticles. We are prepared to provide academic consultations to companies interested in our research. Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials
AKUTAGAWA Tomoyuki, Professor
Doctor of Science
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Development of High Sensitive Magnetic Sensor Operating at Room Temperature with Tunnel Magnetoresistance DevicesFeaturesRecently, many tunnel magnetoresistance devices with high magnetoresistance effect are reported. These are expected to be applied to high sensitive magnetic sensors. There are many magnetic sensors with variety of the mechanism, in order to meet the demand of the very wide range of sensing magnetic field. However, there is no magnetic sensor which has high sensitivity, easy to use, operation at room temperature and low cost. Only a magnetic sensor with tunnel magnetoresistance devices can satisfy all the demand in principle. As the device has very wide range of the sensing magnetic field, it can be designed for any demand to the sensors. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryFor example, this device can sense a bio-magnetic field easily at room temperature, so that it could be replaced SQUID device, which is popular now but is very expensive and not easy to use personally. Therefore, by using this device, we expect we can conduct effective collaborative research in medical field. Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering
ANDO Yasuo, Professor
Doctor of Engineering
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Development of a Novel Therapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Using Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF)FeaturesAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by systematic motor neuron degeneration. Approximately 20% cases of familial ALS are caused by mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. We developed transgenic rats that express a human SOD1 gene with two different ALS-linked mutations (G93A or H46R) showing progressive motor neuron degeneration and paralysis. The larger size of the rat ALS models as compared with existing mouse models will facilitate studies on neuroprotective and neuro-regenerative strategy involving manipulations of cerebrospinal fluid and spinal cord. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryHepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is one of the most potent survival-promoting factors for motor neurons. Continuous intrathecal infusion of human recombinant HGF (hrHGF) attenuated loss of spinal motor neurons, astrocytosis, and microglial activation, leading to prolonged survival in the ALS rats. Safety and toxicology testing of the hrHGF protein in non-human primates should prompt further clinical trials in human ALS patients. Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine
AOKI Masashi, Professor
Doctor of Medicine
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),Muscular dystrophy,Distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles (DMRV)/ hereditary inclusion body myopathy (hIBM)FeaturesDistal myopathy with rimmed vaculoles (DMRV) / hereditary inclusion body myopathy (hIBM) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized clinically by the preferential involvement of the tibialis anterior muscle. It is known that the disease gene underlying DMRV is GNE, encoding glucosamine (UDP-N-acetyl)-2- epimerase and N-acetylmannosamine kinase, two essential enzymes in sialic acid biosynthesis. Decreased sialic acid production causes muscle degeneration. Muscle atrophy and weakness are completely prevented in a mouse model of DMRV after treatment with sialic acid metabolites orally. Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine
AOKI Masashi, Professor
Doctor of Medicine
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Visual Computing with Secure ICT in the Big Data EraFeaturesOur 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. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryWe 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 Graduate School of Information Sciences
AOKI Takafumi, Professor
Doctor of Engineering
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Biomarker Development and Preemptive Therapy of Alzheimer's DiseaseFeaturesOver the past 20 years, our understanding of molecular pathology of dementia and AD has dramatically deepened, and new biomarkers including amyloid PET and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid42/tau as well as therapeutic strategies have been developed. However, clinical trials of disease-modifying drugs in mild to moderate AD were unsuccessful or were halted due to serious adverse drug effects. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryThese results strongly suggest that disease-modifying therapies should be started much earlier before a widespread neuron death will occur. We hope that early detection and prevention with preemptive therapy may lead to a success of fighting AD. Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer
ARAI Hiroyuki, Professor
MD, PhD
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Study on Land Use Management and Residential Movement in Tsunami Affected AreasFeaturesThe study focused on areas affected by the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and clarified the impact of reconstruction projects on spatial transformation and residents' residential relocation, as well as residents' satisfaction with the projects. In the boundary area of architecture, urban planning, and landscape architecture, we combine qualitative research, such as participatory observation with sociological and local community perspectives, and quantitative research using data obtained in the field. I would like to explore better relationships between people and nature, and propose methods that lead to sustainable urban development. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryI have practical experience in post-disaster land use and workshops with local residents. I believe that they will be able to make use of their knowledge and experience in the pre-disaster reconstruction efforts in the areas that are expected to be affected by the disaster in the future. |
New High-Throughput, High Resolution DNA Methylation Analysis Method, PCR-Luminex for the Diagnosis of Genomic Imprinting Disorders in ART BabiesFeaturesThe parent-of–origin specific expression of the imprinted genes relies on DNA methylation acquired during gametogenesis. Recent studies indicate the possibility of excess imprinting disease occurrence in babies conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART). PCR-Luminex method is powerful tool for the methylation analyses, suitable for the use at the clinical diagnosis level because of taking much time and multistep procedures. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryWe have developed a new high-throughput, high resolution DNA methylation analysis method. PCT international patent was performed. Environment and Genome Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine
ARIMA Takahiro, Professor
Medical Doctor
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Understanding and application of thermoacoustic phenomenaFeaturesAcoustic oscillations of a gas column in narrow flow channels can lead to various thermal phenomena such as production and amplification of acoustic power from heat and generation of low temperatures. We aim at understanding these thermoacoustic phenomena from experimental point of view, and developing heat engines that can operate without any moving parts like solid pistons. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryAcoustic prime mover can use various heat sources like industrial waste heat and sunlight. Acoustic cooler is a Helium-gas based heat pump that needs no Freon gases as a coolant. |
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Additive Manufacturing of Metallic Parts with Electron Beam Melting (EBM)FeaturesElectron beam melting (EBM) is a type of additive manufacturing technologies. EBM uses electron beam as an energy source to melt metal powder and produce metal thin layers. This sequence is repeated in a layer-by-layer manner to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) components. Targeted Application(s)/IndustryThe EBM technology has received much attention for producing metal parts used in biomedical, aerospace and automotive industries. |
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Induction of Schwann cells from human mesenchymal stem cells and their application to spinal cord injury and demyelinating diseasesFeaturesBone marrow stromal cells have great advantages since they are already applied to patients either by auto- or allo-transplantations, can be harvested in large numbers (10 million cells within several weeks) as adherent cells from bone marrow aspirates, and are with low risk of tumorigenesis. Furthermore, marrow bank is available. Likewise, mesenchymal cells harvested from umbilical cord are also easily accessible from cord bank and are a good source of mesenchymal stem cells. We have established a system to induce functional Schwann cells (peripheral glia) from human bone marrow stromal cells and umbilical cord mesenchymal cells by treating cells with a series of reagents and cytokines. This induction system successfully generates Schwann cells with very high efficiency (~97%). They were confirmed to elicit neural regeneration in peripheral nerve damages and spinal cord injury (Eur, J. Neurosci, 2001; J. Neurosurg, 2004, J. Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol, 2005, Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 2007; Tissue Eng., 2011). The efficiency and safety of induced Schwann cells were demonstrated in monkey by 1 year follow up (Exp. Neurol., 2010). Importantly, induced cells not only elicited neural regeneration in both peripheral and central nervous system, but also contributed to functional recovery by restoring myelin and saltatory conduction. Therefore, these cells are expected to be effective to demyelinating diseases as well. We hope to collaborate with companies and research groups who are willing to utilize our system. Targeted Application(s)/Industry |
