Prepapration of simple materials helping the reconstraction and regeneration of the human body, and for preventive medicine.
New Materials for Healthcare
We develope new products for medical and healthcare application using chitosan based materials. We are focusing on three main research topics and investigating the effects of materials on human body. We also consider the importance of basic research to produce new materials. Our research goal is to produce the materials that reach the patients and clear up the mechanism between the materials and biological responses.
Simple Methods and Materials
3 Pillars
Si compounds
Effects of Si compounds structure
Silicon is an essential trace element for the human body, which has an effect on metabolism activity. Eluted silicic acid components from bioactive glass let the gene of osteoblasts activate to generate new bone. Further, many studies on bone regeneration by materials including silicic acid or the siloxane unit have been reported. Most results concluded that appropriate silicon concentration stimulated osteoblastic activity. We are investigating the relationship between the structure of silicon compounds and cell responses.
Tissue regeneration
Preparation of tissue regenerative scaffolds
The tissue engineering approach to repair and regeneration is founded upon the use of biodegradable polymer scaffolds. Their biodegradability is an important factor because these artificial supports are only temporarily required and may be taken out or should disappear after they accomplish their required roles. We have been studying and preparing new organic-inorganic hybrids for biomedical applications through a sol-gel method.
Prevention
Preparation of anti-bacterial materials
A large number of people suffers from infections such as Contagious impetigo and nailworm, etc. and some infections cause life-threatening disease and need long-term treatment. Preventive medicine with drug and materials promise to avoid such serious situation. In a super-aging society, it is very important to prevent serious symptoms in advance and to create an environment where individuals can do it themselves.