Biological Flow Studies

Biomechanics for studying physiological and pathological phenomena of human

Biomechanics is a field that investigates various physiological and pathological phenomena in living systems based on physical laws, providing insights into biological processes from perspectives distinct from biology and medicine. Our research focuses on organs, tissues, and cells, and aims to elucidate a wide range of life phenomena related to health and the environment from a biomechanical viewpoint. Our research topics are diverse and include large-scale GPU computing of microbial suspensions, bioimaging of the respiratory and digestive systems and the elucidation of disease mechanisms, as well as the development of microswimmers that can navigate within the human body and complex environments.

Biomedical Nanosystem Engineering

Research and development of biomedical micro/nano system based on semiconductor neural engineering

Semiconductor neural engineering is a discipline that uses semiconductor process/device/circuit technologies to further understand properties of neural systems and to create novel fusion systems of living body and machine. One of the goals in this laboratory is to establish semiconductor neural engineering and develop biomedical micro/nano systems. Another goal is to educate the next generation of leaders in biomedical engineering through research including:

1. Fully-implantable retinal prosthesis system
2. Body-machine interfaces for biological activity manipulation (record and stimulation)
3. Analog/Digital IC design for health-tech devices
4. 3-dimensional semiconductor integration technology using through-silicon vias (TSV)

Biomedical Nanoscience

Nano-imaging analysis of life and diseases

We are experiencing an explosive increase in the number of people diagnosed with the various lifestyle diseases including type 2 diabetes worldwide. Current research in the Kanzaki laboratory has been focused on understanding the molecular pathogenesis of the lifestyle diseases (and mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of physical exercise) by using cutting-edge nano-imaging technology and advanced cellular/molecular engineering technologies.

1. Nano-imaging analysis of Cellular Functions and Diseases
2. Cellular Engineering Innovation
3. Sorting Disorders and Lifestyle Diseases
4. Mechanisms underlying the Beneficial Effects of Exercise

Wet Device Engineering

Research and development of bio-hybrid devices

We have developed biohybrid devices and systems that are bio- and eco-compatible. By inventing manufacturing techniques applicable for delicate biological elements (proteins, hydrogels, cells etc.), superior biofunctions including high-sensitivity and high-efficiency can be utilized as the device functions for medical, healthcare, cosmetic, drug discovery applications.

1. Biobattery-driven skin patches for healthcare and drug delivery
2. Hydrogel-based microelectrodes for neuro-monitoring
3. Implantable autonomous DDS devices
4. Novel in vitro cellular assay devices

Neuro-Robotics

Robotics for Neuroscience, Neuroscience for Robotics

Recently, the current era is referred as a century of robotics and AI. However, robot capability in real life is still rather limited then there are still a lot of things we need to deeply learn from advanced and robust motor control and sensory functions which humans have, for next step forward. Robotics is also useful as computational tool to understand human motor learning mechanism. Neuroscience knowledge can be useful to improve robot capability. We study on neuroscience for robotics and robotics for neuroscience as [Neuro-Robotics].

1. Study of human motor control, adaptive learning mechanism
2. Modeling and identifying biological signals and functions
3. Study on redundant joint control and biological motor learning of vertebrates
4. Development of robot technology to Neuro-Rehabilitation