RESEARCHERS
Principal Researcher
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Professor Toshiya Fujisato
Member
Division of Human Sciences
Professor Tomohiro Nakamura
Member
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Associate Professor Eiji Nagamori
Member
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Associate Professor Ryoichi Sakiyama
Member
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Assistant Professor Sho Yokoyama
OVERVIEW
This research focuses on the bioartificial muscles developed by the principal researchers to merge component technologies in different fields such as the production of micro evaluation devices and the large-scale cultivation and advanced organization of the human cells that each member has. This enables us to create new neuromuscular connective tissue models and conduct research and development in the field of life supporting, such as investigation into myokines, which are muscle hormones.
At the same time, in addition to graduates from departments at the Osaka Institute of Technology, we receive corporate researchers and medical workers such as clinical engineers, laboratory technicians, and embryologists, in order to cultivate advanced human resources that can work in the field of medicine and research and development in biotechnologies that merge different fields. Furthermore, we will cultivate bioengineers that understand intellectual property strategy via collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Intellectual Property.
BASIS OF RESEARCH
This section is divided into two parts: Research and Development and Human Resource Development.
1. Research and Development
Positioning, Analysis, and Meaning
We have been involved in research and development of bioartificial muscles from before joining the OIT-P. Although we at first focused on treatment for patients with muscle disease in the field of regenerative medicine, we realized the usefulness of bioartificial muscles in drug development and modeling, and further expanded to applications in myokine exploration, age-related muscular atrophy, and neuromuscular junction model building via joint research with on-campus researchers at OIT-P. Developing biotechnologies at Osaka Institute of Technology, which is strong with traditional engineering, will expand the range of ways in which the university can contribute to society.
Future Potential/Originality
There are only a few groups researching bioartificial muscles in Japan, and the number is also small on a global scale. We are in a position to aim for a position at the top level in the field by merging bioscience with mechanical engineering, which is possible by utilizing the manufacturing environment that Osaka Institute of Technology specializes in.
2. Human Resource Development
Positioning, Analysis, and Meaning
The testing and treatment of COVID-19 has exposed a lack of engineers that can perform PCR testing and operate extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Although crew resource management is being gradually adopted to reduce human error in the field of medicine, many medical workers are graduates of vocational schools and this hinders their ability to form teams on equal terms with doctors. The postgraduate education of medical workers is important to cultivate the advanced human resources required at medical sites in Japan. Collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Intellectual Property also has the potential to become a major feature of the Osaka Institute of Technology.
Future Potential/Originality
In addition to medical worker education, cultivating bioengineers that can conduct technical development that merges different fields will play an important role in maintaining a platform in the Kansai region, which is historically the location of many pharmaceutical companies.
EXPECTED EFFECT
Expected Results of Research
In addition to the academic achievements of the research and development based on bioartificial muscles, this project will aim for achievements in establishing a system for the human resource development of “bioengineers that understand intellectual property strategies” and “patent attorneys that understand biotechnologies” via collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Intellectual Property, as well as a system for the further education of medical workers at graduate school.
- In regard to academic results, as mentioned in the OIT-P report, we have published about 17 theses and given 25 presentations over the two years before this fiscal year. With this project, we will aim for 150% or more of those results, and try to be published in well-known journals.
- In regard to human resource development, we will aim for the graduate school enrollment of older students such as medical workers within three years, and aim for short-term exchange of graduate school students at Osaka Institute of Technology between the fields of engineering and intellectual property research. Experience at laboratories in different fields will surely have a good impact on job hunting as well as expand knowledge and skills.
Expected Results of Intellectual Property
Professor Fujisato has applied for 17 patents, including two joint applications at Osaka Institute of Technology, while Associate Professor Nagamori has applied for 22 and Funamoto 11. Multiple candidate applications regarding bioartificial muscles are currently being discussed with the intellectual property advisor at Osaka Institute of Technology, and applications will be made once reinforcement data has been accumulated. Including these, we will aim to apply for about five patents with this project over three years.
CONTACT US
For any inquiry about this project, please contact Center for Research Administration & Social Outreach.
