Ultrasonic measurements of physical properties such like viscoelasticity of biological tissues and organs are investigated to realize their quantitative diagnosis, in addition to qualitative diagnosis based on conventional ultrasonic images. Researchers acquiring deep knowledge and excellent ability in engineering and fundamental knowledge in medicine, such like physiology, are nurtured through research and development of methods for controlling ultrasonic fields, ultrasonic measurements, and digital signal processing required for the quantitative measurements.

1. Studies on high-performance digital signal processing and ultrasonic measurements and their application for medicine and biology
2. Studies on control of ultrasound field for high temporal and spatial resolution medical imaging
3. Studies on ultrasonic measurements of small and high-frequency vibrations of living organs for their quantitative diagnosis

Our laboratory is developing signal and image processing methods of ultrasound, CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in order to realize three-dimensional imaging, precise automatic diagnosis and flow analysis of cardiovascular tissues. We are also developing several acoustic microscopes to visualize kidney, liver, tendon, cartilage, bone and tooth besides cardiovascular tissues and assessing pathophysiology from the view point of biomechanics.

1. Three-dimensional / automatic precise diagnosis of cardiovascular tissues
2. Blood flow analysis of cardiovascular system
3. Development of acoustic microscopes for precise biomedical imaging

Optical applications for bioengineering are developed for least invasive surgeries and diagnosis. We are working on investigation of optical characteristics of biotissues and biomaterials. We also develop optical systems for surgeries and diagnosis in medical and dental fields. The systems include equipments for laser surgery and optical biopsy systems using an endoscope and optical devices.

1. Remote spectroscopy systems for optical biopsy.
2. Laser delivery systems using specialty optical fibers for laser surgeries.
3. Optical fibers and waveguides for x ray, ultraviolet light, and terahertz wave.

Sensing technologies are essential for the bio-electronic interface. For rapid and reliable analysis of biomolecules, highly sensitive and selective sensors are required for detection, measurement and visualization of specific molecules and ions. In this laboratory, chemical and bio- sensing technologies are developed based on semiconductor devices. Our research activities also include the development of brain-computer interface (BCI) based on EEG and NIRS.

1. Development and application of chemical imaging sensor.
2. Development of brain-computer interface (BCI).

As gene products, proteins are concerned with many biological phenomena and they are key molecules to understand the mechanisms for diseases. A protein structure has close relationship with its function; therefore, revealing protein structures is very important for understanding protein functions. Although analyses of structural details for multidomain proteins or complexes are not simple task to achieve, the combination of various measurements (x-ray crystallography, small-angle x-ray scattering, mass spectrometry, etc) enables us to investigate mechanisms of diseases as well as to design new drugs.

1. High resolution x-ray crystallography for biological macromolecules
2. Structural analyses of multidomain proteins in solution
3. Development of new approach for structural characterization of proteins

This group is developing nano-biomedical devices by combining nanotechnology and biological elements having sensitive recognition ability. Attention is mainly focused on development of biodevices composed of artificial phospholipid bilayers containing ion-channel proteins and their application to highly sensitive sensors for neurotransmitters. Such devices have attracted attention as a model system of synaptic neurotransmission since they resemble the structure of the postsynapses in brain.

1. Lipid bilayer-based devices and their sensor application
2. Development of ion-channel arrays
3. Methodology for analysis of ion-channel functions
4. Development of in situ neurotransmitter sensors