Bio-Medical Interface Fabrication

Fabrication of biocompatible/bio-functional interface using new machining processes

Our laboratory aims to promote innovations of nano-precision Micro/Meso Mechanical Manufacturing (M4 process) at the frontier of manufacturing technology for a smart functional interface. The geometric structure and chemical composition of material surfaces change in a variety of ways under machining conditions. Our laboratory examine this phenomenon and attempt to clarify and control the mechanism. This method can create various surface functions, such as biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, and wettability, which could lead to new surface creation processes. Our goal is to create new principle and technology for the next-future bio-medical interface and devices.

1. New dental treatment utilizing powder jet deposition of hydroxyapatite,
2. Generation of biocompatible surface,
3. Fabrication of biomimetic surface, etc,

Nanodevice Engineering

Next-generation medicine based on micro/nano technology

Small and high-functioning and multi-functioning endoscopes, surgical tools have been developed using micro fabrication technologies, for example, micromachining, nanotechnology and MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology aiming to realize practical and useful medical devices in near future, and we are aiming to realize robot surgery and microsurgery from inside the human body in the future. Microsensors, microactuators, and batch fabrication technologies for low cost and precise production have been studied and developed to realize the above. Utilizing these microfabrication technologies, we also aim for healthcare applications to realize new widely useful measurement items and methods and to develop thin and light weight wearable healthcare devices. Furthermore, organ models, for example vascular model and brain model, equipped with micro sensors have been developed to contribute surgical training of medical doctors and to evaluate effectiveness and safety of developing new medical devices.

1. Ultra-miniature fiber-optic pressure sensor (O.D. 125μm)
2. Bending transformative endoscope which enables sophisticated endoscopic surgery
3. Intraluminal MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) probe
4. Patch system on the skin for continuous monitoring of biological substances

Biomedical Imaging

Imaging of biological tissues by novel data acquisition and analysis

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

Biomedical Optics

Applications of biomedical optics for least invasive surgeries and diagnosis

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 and spectral imaging systems for medical diagnosis.
2. Laser delivery systems using specialty optical fibers for laser surgeries.
3. Optical fibers and waveguides for X ray, ultraviolet light, and terahertz wave.

Next Generation Biological Information Technology

The application of complex biological networks throughout various stages of development

It has been found that some environments around fetus, such as maternal diet and infection, affect the baby’s growth or constitution significantly.
For example, the excessive intake of fat diet of mother during pregnancy is due to recent increase of children's autism, juvenile diabetes, and air pollution around mother has been found the cause of increase in childhood asthma.
In spite of the recent advanced technology, most of the precise mechanism of fetal differentiation process has been unknown in the black box named uterus.
In this laboratory, we study the fetal diseases from the relationship between maternal conditions and fetal development using the mice experiments, gene analysis, and clinical studies. And we explore the medical engineering in the near future though the study of measurement information obtained from the faint fetal signals appeared from maternal body.