Biomimetic design based on bone biomechanics

A novel three-dimensional (3D) printed porous structure with high mechanical performance is designed biomimetically based on the insights of bone biomechanics. The resulting structure might be lightweight and mechanically isotropic with suppressed fracture progression and high energy absorption.

Elucidation of the mechanism of non-infectious pathogenesis by considering the metabolism of biological components: Application as a system of evaluating the functionality of foods

Based on the metabolic analysis of biological components (bile acids, minerals, etc.), we conduct research on the elucidation of the pathogenesis of various diseases and the establishment of pre-symptomatic disorder models using laboratory animals. We aim to elucidate the point of action in prevention of disease onset via dietary intervention.

Aging causes a variety of metabolic changes. A physical condition of so-called “decreased metabolism” increases the risk of aging, lifestyle-related diseases, and aging-related disorders. We have developed a mouse model that demonstrates aging due to decreased protein metabolism.

A Single Microscopic Image Can Tell the Whole Story

The Nikon Imaging Center was established as a facility where researchers throughout Japan can use the latest biological microscopes, and is now operated by the Research Institute for Electronic Science. Our dedicated staff will explain how to operate the equipment and software to beginners who may never have touched a microscope before.

To prevent falls in elderly people

To avoid serious injuries due to falls, we studied a system that can search places with a potential danger of stumbling, which is a sign of a fall, based on people’s daily activities. The system uses an accelerometer embedded in sandals to identify the stumbling point, and an infrared sensor network on the ceiling to identify the location of the stumbling point.

From a scientific understanding of ishoku-dougen (an idea that the same principles underlie a normal diet and medical treatment) to preventive medicine

The α-defensins secreted by Paneth cells regulate the intestinal microflora and are deeply involved in their elimination and symbiosis. We will evaluate the intestinal environment from the viewpoint that the intestinal environment is defined by the three elements of food, α-defensins and intestinal bacteria, and create a paradigm shift to contribute to the clarification of disease mechanisms and the development of preventive medicine.

An information retrieval system that organically links images, video and other data to help searchers find inspiration and ideas.

The idea-supporting multimedia search system organically links unstructured data such as images, music and video, extracts inherent similarities and effectively presents them to searchers to help them find ideas and inspiration.

Innovation for maintaining intraoral devices with adhesive gel

Intraoral appliances used in dentistry need to be clasped or otherwise attached to the teeth to remain in place. This research involves the development of prototype intraoral floor appliances (e.g., palatal obturator) that are attached to the skin or mucosal side of a polycarbonate frame using PCDME or other types of adhesive gel.

Japanese people sleep less than the global average, and the economic loss due to sleep disorders is estimated to be about 6 trillion yen per year. At our laboratory we specialize in chronobiology, which is the study of the biological clock, which is deeply related to sleep. Our goal is to contribute to the health of the nation by promoting research of chronobiology.

Development of an eye for a novel endoscopic surgical support robot using coherent Raman scattering for label-free nerve visualization

Raman scattering provides insight into molecular species and structures without staining, but its use has been limited due to its extremely weak scattering. We are developing microscopes and endoscopes that provide Raman images in real-time by using coherent Raman scattering phenomena with ultrafast lasers.

Social space recognition system using dialogue activity and attention guidance system and multiple robots

By calculating the level of activity of a dialogue between people, a robot can recognize the intensity of that dialogue space and adapt its behavior to the context. Furthermore, by applying this mechanism to the behavior of multiple robots, it will become possible to guide the user's attention.

Application of ultra-small dosimeters to radiotherapy and diagnostic fields by combining an ultra-small scintillator and an optical fiber

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in radiation protection against serious skin damage caused by X-ray fluoroscopy. Through this research, we developed a plain ultra-small plastic scintillator dosimeter that does not show up on X-ray fluoroscopic images attached to the end of the optical fiber to prevent late-onset radiation injury.

We will conduct a randomized, multicenter study to determine whether perioperative oral carnitine therapy can reduce postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients with valvular heart disease. In case of lung and esophageal cancer patients, a single-arm interventional study will be conducted because similar studies have not been conducted before.

Development of high luminescence scintillators for radiation detectors

Scintillators are materials that emit light by radiation and are used in medical diagnostic equipment, and for oil exploration and other purposes. Gd2Si2O7 (GPS) scintillators have excellent features such as high luminescence, high energy resolution and non-tidal dissolution, and can be made into single crystals, ceramic plates and powders.

Development of a mathematical model for light propagation model inside biological tissues

A highly accurate and computationally efficient light propagation model is necessary for the progress of biomedical optical imaging. In this study, we have succeeded in constructing a fast solution method for the radiative transfer equation that describes light propagation with high accuracy. We are working on the advancement of an optical diagnosis and treatment using the proposed method.

Development of immunotherapy using antibody drugs and protein preparations for chronic infectious diseases and tumors in domestic and companion animals

In case of intractable diseases, the elimination mechanisms of pathogens and tumors are disturbed in vivo. This is thought to be due to various immunosuppressive factors that exhaust immune cells. the mechanism of eliminating pathogens and tumors in the body is disturbed, probably due to various immunosuppressive factors that exhaust immune cells. This study is aimed to develop novel formulations that target the immune evasion mechanism and apply them as a novel treatment for animal diseases.

Development of drugs that inhibit (pro)renin receptors involved in pathogenesis such as chronic inflammation and angiogenesis

We are working to elucidate the involvement of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and other retinal choroidal diseases, and to develop inhibitors of the (pro)renin receptor, which is upstream of the RAS, and to conduct basic research from a broad perspective.

Development of next-generation drug delivery systems

We have developed a reagent (YSK12-MEND) to introduce siRNA into immune cells with high efficiency. If siRNA is introduced into immune cells using this reagent, the expression of immunosuppressive genes can be reduced with high efficiency, and thus it is expected to be applied to cancer immunotherapy using immune functions.

Molecular psychoneuroimmunology to understand the molecular mechanism of “disease starts in the mind”

Chronic stress has become a widespread problem in our society as it may lead to sudden death or other serious problems due to overwork or insomnia. We have clarified the molecular mechanism by which chronic stress induces organ damage and sudden death in mice through the activation of specific neural circuits. This system can be used to search for therapeutic targets for stress-induced diseases.

Novel peptide ligase

・We discovered a novel enzyme catalyzing the attachment of non-proteinogenic amino acids to the amino termini of various peptides.
・It is expected to lead to the protection of useful bioactive peptides and the development of new anti-tuberculosis drugs.

From electrochromism to multiple responses (fluorescence, circularity)

Based on cationic organic dyes, which allow easy control of color tone, we offer a group of materials that can respond in multiple ways, including fluorescence and optical rotation (circular dichroism). This technology is designed to suppress the decomposition process of reduced species, and the bi-stability of oxidized and reduced species is such that exchange does not occur, even when they are mixed.

Development of a new intestinal environment evaluation system for food and medicine

Food materials and ingredients, intestinal bacteria acting as parasites, and host Paneth cell α-defensins are the three elements that determine the “intestinal environment.” We are developing an intestinal environment evaluation system based on the new paradigm that crosstalk between these three elements affects health maintenance and disease to elucidate food functionality and apply it to disease prevention.

Regulation of blood glucose by food peptides through their effects on the enteroendocrine system

Hormones secreted by endocrine cells that sense nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract regulate various physiological responses immediately after eating. In the course of studying this mechanism, we found through animal studies that food peptides can promote the secretion of the gastrointestinal hormone GLP-1 and reduce the elevation of plasma glucose levels.

Creating community value through resident participation

From the perspective of landscape planning, we are researching ways to preserve and utilize the local environment by linking it to people's awareness and social understanding. In recent years, we have been practically researching how values and spatial needs that change with society, such as “health” and “funerals” can be reflected in the landscape.

Sugar modification for processing and improved health functions

Using the Maillard reaction to bind sugars to fish meat proteins, we can prepare water-soluble muscle proteins and peptides with modified processing properties and health functions (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant function, suppression of blood pressure increase and suppression of lipid absorption, etc.). It can also be applied to livestock and poultry meat and various proteins.

Using low-molecular-weight nucleic acid (microRNA) to control the function of immune and cancer cells, and to determine the immune status of subjects.

We provide microRNAs that control the immune response of the body and the proliferation of cancer cells. It is expected to be used as a nucleic acid medicine to improve the immune status and to treat cancer patients, and as a new biomarker to determine the immune condition of subjects by monitoring microRNA in the serum.

Soft and tough composite material

By conjugating glass fiber and self-healing gel, we have achieved a gel that is stronger than carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Since the base material is a gel, it is as flexible as rubber against bending, but tougher than CFRP against tearing, making it difficult to break.

A system that can recognize gestures, including the internal state of the human body, based on the response to ultrasonic waves propagated in the human body.

We are developing a method of recognizing gestures, including the internal condition of the human body, such as the amount of force applied to an object, by transmitting ultrasonic waves to the human body using microphones and speakers in smartwatches or other devices and analyzing the responses.

Development of a safe, high-strength bonding method between wet materials and bone, which has been difficult to achieve so far, by utilizing bone healing in living organisms

In answer to the issue of in vivo fixation by applying the much anticipated high-strength hydrogel as a next-generation artificial cartilage or cartilage tissue regeneration scaffold material, we have developed a simple, non-toxic, high-strength adhesion method using hydroxyapatite, an inorganic component of bone tissue.

Non-invasive visualization of genetic mutations in tumors by metabolic MRI

The outcome of cancer treatment largely depends on the type of genetic mutation that the cancer cells carry. Using the characteristic metabolic changes brought about by genetic mutations as an indicator, we are developing a molecular imaging technique to identify mutated genes non-invasively using the latest metabolic MRI.

Balancing world-class functional delivery of nucleic acids and safety

We have developed a unique group of functional lipids for the safe and efficient in vivo delivery of siRNA. The lipid nanoparticles containing these lipids showed world-class functional delivery of siRNA in hepatocytes due to their excellent endosomal escape ability and high safety due to their biodegradability.

Preparation of liposomes encapsulating luciferase and application as an ultra-sensitive label in immunoassays

We have encapsulated the enzyme luciferase (Luc), which catalyzes bioluminescence reactions, in liposome, a lipid bilayer vesicle, and applied it as an ultrasensitive label for immunoassays. As a model substance, we performed immunoassay of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, and found that it could be quantified.

We have developed a matrix that can ionize sialylated glycans and glycoconjugates without modifying the carboxylic acid moiety of the sialic acids, and can analyze them with high sensitivity and resolution (reflector mode) without desorption of the sialic acid residue.

Bio-based micro-/nano-patterns that mimic biological structures for application to cell culture tools and tissue regeneration

Using biomaterials such as collagen and dental materials, we are producing micro-/nano-patterns that mimic biological structures. Depending on the shape of the pattern and the type of material, it can lead to the improvement of cell functions. While pursuing new possibilities, we aim to apply our technology to cell culture tools and periodontal tissue regeneration.

Technology to introduce drugs, proteins and nucleic acids into mitochondria

The mitochondrion is attracting attention as an organelle that contributes to the treatment of diseases, maintenance of beauty and health and the development of the life sciences. We have successfully developed a mitochondria-targeted nanocapsule (MITO-Porter) and are aiming to commercialize this nanocapsule.

Approaching the practical application of AI technology through industry-university collaborative research!

With this research, we are developing artificial intelligence technology for multimedia data, mainly images, video, music, and audio. We are handling data related to medical images, social infrastructure data, materials science and other fields, mainly through industry-university collaborative research.

Microscopic imaging platform for atoms and molecules

Promotion and expansion of the isotope microscope system installed at the Equipment Management Center for shared use by industry, academia and government.

Program for promotion of shared use of advanced NMR facilities

The Advanced NMR Facility is the largest NMR facility in Hokkaido, and is not only open to local industries, but also to industry, academia and research institutes nationwide.

Significant improvement of peptide cyclization efficiency by controlling hydrogen bonds

By focusing on forming a hydrogen-bond network in the solvent, we have succeeded in both efficient peptide cyclization and improved solubility of poorly soluble peptides. This system can apply to drug discovery and molecular tool design.

Battery-powered, ultra-light, ultra-compact chemical analyzer

Using proprietary technology, we have miniaturized the pump, column and detector, all key components of liquid chromatography, realizing a compact, B5 size, lightweight and portable liquid chromatograph weighing 2 kg. This allows us to instantly obtain analysis results on the spot.

To prevent lifestyle-related diseases of the liver (e.g., fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis)

We are analyzing the molecular mechanisms of organ stress, mainly in the liver, for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases. Using our unique optical imaging technology, we are conducting dynamic analysis to explore functional foods and develop new drugs from a new perspective.

Grand design of “Machi no Seitai” and living areas

In Hokkaido, it is expected that more than a hundred villages will disappear in the near future. “Machi no Seitai” is an attempt to optimize the size of local cities in a broad sense, in view of the era of a 30% population decline, while focusing on the reorganization of public buildings that remain unused or underutilized in local regions.

Pathogens can be measured by simply adding samples to the kit.

We have developed technology that allows measurement of the concentration of E. coli, coliforms, and enterococci within as early as 1 hour and as late as 12 hours after simply adding 0.1 mL of a sample (sewage, wastewater, food extract, drinking water) to the measurement kit and installing it in the device.

Realization of tissue targeting capability at the cellular level

We were the first in the world to show that, by irradiating cells with pulsed ultrasound while microbubbles of several microns in diameter are attached to the cells, we can temporarily increase the cell membrane permeability. We are now promoting research aimed at realizing drug and gene delivery to living organisms.

A novel stabilization method relying on the “topology” of polymers

In this research, we developed a novel dispersion stabilization method for metal nanoparticles using cyclic poly(ethylene glycol). The research group has found that molecular aggregates consisting of cyclic polymers have excellent stability. By applying this phenomenon, the dispersion stability of nanoparticles can be enhanced.

Visualization technique of drug responsiveness in individual cells using fluorescence bioimaging

Fluorescence bioimaging is a technique to visualize the cell behavior at the single cell level. Using this method, we have applied the imaging technology to visualize drug responsiveness and resistance, and to predict future drug responsiveness of patients.

The world's first selective ionization technology for glycans that does not require pretreatment
(This is a technology for which Hokkaido University is the sole applicant and sole inventor.)

We have discovered the world's first mass spectrometry technique for selective ionization of glycans in complex macromolecules and mixtures such as glycoproteins and body fluids by the MALDI method. We have also demonstrated that this technique can be used for the direct analysis of glycans in complex mixtures such as egg white and body fluids.

Original library using automated glycan synthesis technology × Microarray technology supporting on-site medical care and research

Glycan-related interactions are important targets of infectious diseases and cancer diagnosis. We have developed a microarray system that can be used anywhere to utilize the libraries of glycans, glycoconjugates, glycan-related inhibitors, and their derivatives that have been constructed and accumulated in the process of developing automated glycan synthesis technology.

A cell-based screening assay system for the development of tumor angiogenesis inhibitors

We aim to realize cell-based screening using tumor vascular endothelial cells, and contribute to the development of next-generation angiogenesis inhibitor therapies by overcoming problems of existing angiogenesis inhibitors (side effects, lack of companion diagnostics).

Toward the establishment of a single-fold system control technology for industrial use

It is aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which the monoploid state, which has only one set of genomes, causes serious disorders in the development of individual animals, and to establish a technology for creating monoploid individuals that can be used for genetic engineering and strain improvement.