Research
If you can imagine it, you can create it.
What’s a liposome?
A liposome is a closed lamella (vesicle) with one or more layer(s) of bilayer membrane which is spontaneously formed by one or more kind(s) of swollen phospholipid. This structure resembles the cell membrane. Liposomes have been studied as a major biocompatible platform for drug delivery systems and artificial cells because liposomes allow the encapsulation of various water-soluble and lipophilic molecules in the aqueous core and/or in the bilayer membrane.
Our research
The motivation for our research is to contribute to the progress of chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, bioscience, and their interdisciplinary fields through the liposome research. Furthermore, we are currently challenging the development of engineering technology for applying liposomes to advanced drug delivery systems, diagnostic systems, and biosensors.
Synthesis of nanomaterials based on self-assembly
- Organic synthesis of amphiphilic molecules
- Molecular assemblies (vesicle, liposome, micelle, disk, sheet, fiber)
- Modification of the molecular assemblies with water-soluble or lipophilic functional molecules
- Stimuli-responsive molecular assemblies
Diagnostic bioimaging and drug delivery systems (Theranostics)
- Bone marrow targeting
- Folate receptor targeting
- Light-responsive photothermal switching
- Stimuli-responsive drug release (temperature, light, pH)
Sensing and imaging using stimuli-responsive liposomes
- Temperature-responsive fluorescence switching
- Rapid diagnostics or on-site inspection
- Single molecule detection
