Research

In our laboratory, we propose new technologies from the viewpoint of electrical and optical engineering for the collection, measurement and processing of biological and nanomaterial particles.

• The first principal theme is electricical and optical collection technology for biological and micro-nanomaterial particles. We will realize separation and concentration of microorganisms with unprecedented ease.
• The second principal theme is electricical and optical measurement technology for biological and micro-nanomaterial particles. We will be able to identify bacterial species, measure the number of bacteria, and even manage the health of bacteria at an unprecedented speed.
• The third principal theme is electricical and optical technology for biological and micro-nanomaterial particles. We will realize highly efficient metabolic control, sterilization and inactivation that have never been done before.

In the future, we will build the ultimate fully automated and batch management system for bioparticulates that integrates these research technologies.

Themes about particulate collection

Development of bacteria separation and concentration cell using dielectrophoresis

The frequency of bacterial detection has increased enormously due to the tightening of food sanitation regulations. Along with that, it is essential to speed up the separation and concentration process in various bacteria measurement methods. In our laboratory, we are developing a micro dielectrophoresis cell that enables high-speed separation, collection and concentration of target bacteria with electrical treatment only.

Three-dimensional assembly of functional particles using electrokinetic phenomena in liquid

Recently, high-performance composite devices are being produced using top-down and bottom-up ultra-fine process technology. Therefore, in our laboratory, we are conducting research on transport, aggregation and fixation of functional nanoparticles using the electrokinetic effect mainly based on dielectrophoresis and electrophoresis.

Medical themes

Evaluation of the Impact of Discharge Species in the Cell Membrane: Integrated Numerical Analysis through Molecular Modeling

Currently, various medical applications utilizing atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium discharge plasma (plasma medicine) are being advanced. In our research laboratory, we numerically model the complex interactions at the plasma-biointerface at the molecular level and derive quantitative evaluation metrics.

Development of Medical Devices

The development of a therapeutic device to alleviate patient pain is currently underway. Assistant Professor Yagi, with practical experience in a medical device manufacturing company and expertise in bio-design methodologies, comprehensively understands the needs of the medical field. In this research, electrical engineering is utilized to construct the concept of treatment for patients. Additionally, the effectiveness of the proposed treatment approach is being validated.

Development of Cancer Cell Elimination Technology through Electrical Stimulation

We are engaged in research that combines electrical engineering and medicine to provide new prospects for cancer treatment. Specifically, we are developing a technology to effectively remove cancer cells through the stimulation of pulsed electric fields. This approach has the potential to reduce side effects in cancer treatment and may lead to a high therapeutic efficacy.

Keywords of Research

Dielectrophoresis

In dielectric fine particles placed in an inhomogeneous electric field, a phenomenon in which a force acts on fine particles due to the difference in the force exerted by the induced dipole depending on the difference in electric field strength formed on the left and right of the particles.

Electrodynamics

A study that deals with general electromagnetic field and charged particle phenomena based on Maxwell's equations and Lorentz force.

Electrokinetics

The study of electrokinetic phenomena such as electroosmosis, electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis.

Metabolism

In chemical reactions in vivo, to synthesize other substances from the substances taken from outside the body and to obtain energy. There is assimilation and catabolism. It is also called metabolism. The metabolic pathway includes glycolysis, β-oxidation, TCA cycle, electron transfer system and the like.

Microplasma

Discharge phenomenon that occurs in a minute space. It is excellent in compactness, locality and reactivity, and various application developments are expected.

Molecular dynamics

A method that simulates the macroscopic behavior of matter systems by calculating the behavior of individual atoms and molecules using equations of motion.

Plasma medicine

Direct or indirect irradiation of a living body with atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasma mainly produces various medical effects. Expanding to plasma medical engineering.

Sterilization

Operations that kill pathogenic or harmful bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. It is performed by destroying tissues such as bacteria using electromagnetic waves, temperature, pressure, pharmacological action, etc., or creating an environment where survival is impossible.