We develop algorithms to design a stent, which is an implantable medical device to mechanically expand a stenotic lesion, according to the patient's symptoms. We are working to establish a mechano-bio-design theory that feeds back the inflammatory response and other biological responses to long-term implantation into the shape design of the stent, rather than simply considering the matching of their mechanical properties.
Blood vessels play important roles in the maintenance of homeostasis (maintenance of a normal physiologic state) because they are essential for supplying oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body. As one of the mechanisms of this homeostasis, vascular endothelial cells, which exist in a single layer inside blood vessels, regulate vascular homeostasis by changing their own morphology and function in response to hemodynamic stimuli (fluid shear stress, cyclic stretch, and hydrostatic pressure) generated by blood circulation. We are mainly investigating the response of vascular endothelial cells to fluid shear stress and hydrostatic pressure. We have elucidated the mechanism that induce different cellular responses to physiological / pathological conditions, and the mechanism by which the cells sense hydrostatic pressure and convert it into intracellular biochemical signals.
More than 99% of the space is filled with plasma. As plasma is highly energetic and unstable, it is observed on the Earth as limited phenomena such as lightning and auroras. Our research group is developing novel medical technologies by artificially interacting plasma with various substances. We have succeeded in improving cell adhesion and in causing crystal structure specificity by applying plasma to proteins and sugars. These results are expected to be applied as medical adhesives and sweeteners that can be easily consumed even by diabetics.
We are developing new experimental techniques to realize "anyone can do the same." We hope to contribute to the advancement of science and technology by standardizing the parts of the techniques that have so far been dependent on the know-how of each research group.