Research
Inorganic and organic materials based combinatorial development of medical devices
Biomaterials Architectonics
■ 3D-prints-based biomaterials
The 3D printer enables the processing of raw material powder for artificial bones (bioceramics) with a lot of flexibility. We are exploring the way to develop tailor-made artificial bones with optimized shapes for each patient. Our achievement could create drug loadable/releasable, and sub-millimeter-order-complexed architecture.
■ Regeneration of bone and osteochondral bone
We are developing materials for reproducing bone and osteochondral bone with safe fish-derived collagen and apatite, which are free from zoonotic viruses.
Learning from Nature (bio-adaptive strategies)
■ Biofiber based materials
Human eyes (corneal stroma) and fish scales are both mainly composed of collagen fibers, and their structures are highly similar. We are developing cornea-regenerative materials using fish-scale collagen. In addition, we are researching strong membrane materials that can replace skin and mucosa.
■ Biological surface engineering
Biomaterials placed in the body interact with host extracellular matrices and cells. By precisely controlling physicochemical and biochemical properties of material surfaces, we develop functional biomaterials for anti-thrombogenicity, cell differentiation induction, and immune regulation.
Nanomedicine (Composite materials for intractable diseases)
■ Theranostic materials
We are developing theranostic systems that enable both diagnosis and treatment for cancer. Nanomaterials can be multi-functionalized by incorporating multiple (rare-earth) metal ions. For example, nanoparticles containing ions responsive to external stimuli for anti-tumor effects and ions with fluorescent properties can be used as nanomedicine for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy.
■ Drug delivery for target tissues and cells
We are constructing a drug delivery system that consists of nanocapsules made of biocompatible materials with unstable drugs. The capsules are designed to degrade in the target cellular environment (e.g., low pH for cancer), allowing the drug to release at the target cells at the effective timing.
■ Development of Inorganic・Organic Hybrid Drug Delivery Systems
Inorganic materials and organic materials differ significantly in their physical properties such as stability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. We combine these materials to design nano-sized drug delivery systems that can effectively treat tumors and brain disorders.
Integration with biotechnology and computational science
■ Computational simulation based materials design
We work on analyzing experimental data and designing materials using computational simulations with iterative feedback. Our design strategy considers not only the material side but also biological phenomena, with particular focus on integrating computational science and biotechnology.
