Group A01：Measurement and control of cell characteristics
Through planned research, we intend to establish and systematize methodologies for the measurement of cellular characteristics using high-speed micro-nano robot technology, and for ultra high-speed separation of active and uncommon cells that are useful in the construction of three-dimensional (3D) cellular systems. We will establish techniques to grow cells extracted from living organisms and perform ultra high-speed separation of active cells that are useful in tissue formation. We aim to understand the multifaceted properties of cells and, focusing on those properties, develop the world’s fastest measurement and separation techniques with the application of micro-nano robotics. The findings will then be applied to medicine.
| Research item | Research Leader | Affiliation | Area of expertise | Planned Research |
| A01-1 | Fumihito Arai |
Professor, Nagoya University A01 Leader |
Micro-Nano Mechatronics | Measurements of cells and monitoring of autonomous induction with ultra high-speed manipulations |
| A01-2 | Makoto Kaneko |
Professor, Osaka University | Mechatronics Engineering | Ultra-High Speed Measurement of Cell Properties |
| A01-3 | Hiromitsu Nakauchi |
Tokyo University Professor,Institute of Medical Sciences |
Stem Cell Biology | Developing system capable of a closed, high-speed cell analysis and separation which targets cells with very limited numbers in vivo |
| A01 | Takaharu Okajima |
Hokkaido University Associate Professor |
Biophysics | High-speed measurement of cell rheology by atomic force microscopy |
| A01 | Idaku Ishii |
Hiroshima University Professor |
Robotics Vision-based Sensing |
Real-Time Micro PIV System for Cell-Oriented Active Sensing |
| A01 | Tomoyuki Yasukawa |
University of Hyogo Associate Professor |
Analytical chemistry Bioelectrochemistry |
Rapid patterning with cells and high-throughput discrimination >of cellular differentiation |
Group A02：Construction of 3D cellular systems
Research Group A02 (Assembly Group) studies 3D cellular system architecture. Using high-speed micro-nano robot technology, the Assembly Group forms linear, 2D, and 3D configurations of cells and applies layering, rolling, and folding techniques with the aim of establishing and systematizing methodologies to assemble and construct diverse 3D cellular systems. Research topics in the Assembly Group are construction of 3D cellular systems using ultra high-speed fine manipulation technology (Tatsuo Arai), ultra high-speed assembly of 3D cellular systems based on nano-scale ultra high-speed cell sorting and manipulation (Toshio Fukuda), high-speed cell assembly that takes advantage of fluidics (Minoru Seki), and construction of 3D tissue from cells using MEMS (Shoji Takeuchi). Research is conducted while maintaining organic cooperation with Groups A01 and A03.
| Research item | Research Leader | Affiliation | Area of expertise | Planned Research |
| A02-1 | Tatsuo Arai |
Professor, Osaka University A02 Leader |
Robotics | Construction of 3D cellular system using high-speed micro manipulation |
| A02-2 | Toshio Fukuda |
Professor, Nagoya University | Robotics Micro-Nano Systems Engineering |
Ultra high speed assembly of 3D cell systems based on nano-scale cell selection/operation |
| A02-3 | Minoru Seki |
Professor, Chiba University | Biochemical engineering | High speed cell assembly using fluidics |
| A02-4 | Shoji Takeuchi |
Associate Professor, Tokyo University | Microfluidic devices | Construction of 3D cellular structures using MEMS |
| A02 | Hirofumi Matsui |
University of Tsukuba Associate Professor |
- | Four-dimensional analysis for a tumor invasion |
| A02 | Junji Fukuda |
University of Tsukuba Assistant Professor |
Biomedical Engineering | Rapid molding of vascular-like structure for bone tissue engineering |
| A02 | Hitoshi Yoshikawa |
Saitama University Assistant Professor |
Biophysics, Optics | Development of dynamically tunable biointerfaces and its application for 3D cellular systems. |
| A02 | Shinji Sugiura |
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Senior Research Scientist |
Biochemical Engineering Microprocess Engineering |
Photochemical fabrication of three-dimensional tissue construct |
Group A03：Analysis and evaluation of 3D cellular systems
This group quantitatively measures the functions of reconstituted 3D tissues made using technologies developed by Groups A01 and A02, after these tissues have been transplanted to culture systems or experimental animals. The group also attempts to shed light on growth, differentiation-inducing, and morphogenesis controls and transplantation responses, elucidate functions and compare and verify in vitro, and apply its findings to regenerative medicine. Specifically, targeting soft tissue such as the liver and hard tissue such as bone, the group produces co-cultured cell sheets from patterned co-cultured cell surfaces and constructs 3D tissue structures with layering of these sheets. The group also quantitatively evaluates similarity and functional expression of reconstituted 3D tissue and physiological tissue using confocal laser scanning microscopy, live cell imaging systems, and immunohistological investigations; and clarifies the reconstitution maturation process and vascular introduction process in vivo by transplanting into immunodeficient mice or other systems.
The group also measures physical and chemical processes in liver and bone formation environments, which, to date, has been difficult, and intends to elucidate the expression mechanism of complex physiological functions that are first expressed when cells act together as a group. The group aims to develop these technologies and promote their application in medicine.
| Research item | Research Leader | Affiliation | Area of expertise | Planned Resarch |
| A03-1 | Masayuki Yamato |
Professor, Tokyo Women's Medical University A03 Leader |
Regenerative, Stem Cell Biology |
Reconstruction and functional elucidation of complex tissue of the liver and other organs |
| A03-2 | Osamu Suzuki |
Professor, Tohoku University | Calcification and Bone regeneration | Clarification of bone mineralization process and hard tissue construction |
| A03 | Takeomi Mizutani |
Hokkaido University Assistant Professor |
Biophysics | Tempo-spatial dynamics of cellular mechanics during 3D morphogenesis |
| A03 | Taisuke Masuda |
Nagoya University Assistant Professor |
Bio MEMS | Bionic simulator in Organ-Explant-Chip |
| A03 | Takanori Kihara |
Osaka University Assistant Professor |
Cell and tissue engineering | Cell dynamics analysis and modeling of various calcified tissues |
| A03 | Takuya Matsumoto |
Okayama University Professor |
- | Reproduced microenvironment for In vitro gland tissue synthesis and understanding the related mechanics |
| A03 | Takanori Takebe |
Yokohama City University Assistant Professor |
- | Visualization of human organ development through the continuous live imaging |
