Bioeng Lab

Bioengineering Laboratory

Professor Shigeo TANAKA

Faculty of Frontier Engineering,

Institute of Science and Engineering,

Kanazawa University,

Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan

Research Missions

The mission of this laboratory is to develop innovative and effective methodologies for the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of osteoporosis through the lens of bioengineering. In our pursuit of treatment solutions, we investigate novel bone substitute materials and tissue-engineered bones that exhibit high mechanocompatibility with bone tissue. This research draws upon techniques from materials science, mechanics, and tissue engineering. For prevention strategies, our focus is on exploring the use of electrical stimulation for bone cells, tissues, or the musculoskeletal system. This promising non-pharmacological intervention, suitable for elderly individuals, aims to prevent osteoporosis. In the realm of diagnosis, we are working on the development of an optical bone densitometer that utilizes infrared laser. This device is designed to be smaller, safer, and easier to operate compared to conventional X-ray devices. To achieve these objectives, our laboratory conducts a range of activities including cell culture experiments, animal studies, computer simulations, and device development.

Education Policy

Acquiring broad knowledge is essential for successfully conducting bioengineering research. In particular, understanding biology, medicine, mechanics, electronics, and programming is crucial for applying research findings to clinical and engineering contexts. The laboratory is structured into several research groups, with each group presenting progress on their projects during weekly lab meetings. Additionally, students have the opportunity to engage in small meetings with the professor at any time to delve deeply into current issues. Students are expected to take initiative in accordance with their research plans, effectively manage their time, and foster positive relationships with other lab members.

Laboratory Facilities

All information regarding our laboratory, including the lab meeting schedule, experimental protocols, and graduation/master theses, is accessible on our private laboratory website. Students utilize their own laptop computers within the laboratory, accessing the Internet through the university Wi-Fi network. Additionally, workstation PCs are available for various simulations, CAD work, and image processing tasks. Cell culture facilities and laboratory animal facilities are also available. Specialized knowledge and experimental skills are necessary for handling animals and cells.

Recent Publications

Kaname Miura, Shigeo M. Tanaka, Chanisa Chotipanich, Thanapon Chobpenthai, Attapon Jantarato, Anak Khantachawana, Osteoporosis prediction using machine‑learned optical bone densitometry data, Annals of Biomedical Engineering, Vol. 52, No. 2, pp. 396-405, Feb 2024. DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03387-8

Kunthika Mokdara, Tomoki Yamamura, and Shigeo M. Tanaka, Collagen cross-linking in osteoblastic cells promoted by randomized electrical stimulation, Journal of Biomechanical Science and Engineering, 2023 Volume 18 Issue 2 Pages 22-00173, DOI: 10.1299/jbse.22-00173

Kaname Miura, Anak Khantachawana, Tsuyoshi Wakamori, Hidenori Matsubara, and Shigeo M. Tanaka, Optical Bone Densitometry Insensitive to Skin Thickness, Biomedical Engineering / Biomedizinische Technik, Vol. 67, No. 6, pp. 503-512. 2022 Dec 16, DOI: 10.1515/bmt-2021-0314

Kaname Miura, Anak Khantachawana, and Shigeo M. Tanaka, Optical bone densitometry robust to variation of soft tissue using machine learning techniques: validation by Monte Carlo simulation, Journal of Biomedical Optics, Vol.27, No.5, Paper Number: 056004 (16 pages), May 2022, DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.27.5.056004

Message from the professor

Technological innovations often emerge at the intersections of established academic or engineering fields. Bioengineering, situated at the crossroads of mechanical engineering, medicine, biology, material engineering, and more, serves as a fertile ground where creativity thrives amidst diverse concepts. Exposure to such environmental diversity enhances our adaptability to the rapidly evolving global society, encouraging us to pursue broad knowledge, particularly through international study opportunities.

Laboratory mail address: shigeo@se.kanazawa-u.ac.jp

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