Our goal is to pioneer new biomedical and biophysical research through the development of new technologies and concepts. We strive for technological ideas that give solutions by wisely combining and integrating technologies from different fields according to our objectives, interests, and hypotheses. We are a laboratory where experts in experimental physics, optics, fluidics, life science and chemistry/materials work truly and closely together to push forward technology-driven science. Skills in programming will be necessary.
0. High-Speed Biotechnology Technology Development
High-resolution, high-sensitivity, label-free analysis, light and fluid technologies: the world's fastest three-dimensional fluidic imager, nanoparticle analysis technologies that simultaneously achieve both ultra-high sensitivity and high speed (to be public soon), label-free technology for rapid, high-speed analysis of heterogeneous bacterial and particulate populations (to be public soon), the world's fastest droplet sorting technology, the world's first high-speed sorting technology based on “image“ information of the target, a group of highly sensitive analysis technologies using droplets, and other unique measurement systems using optical, fluidic, material, and chemical technologies.
Networked biophotonics: We have developed a multimodal barcoding technology that connects time, inter-instrument, non-destructive (imaging and optical measurement) and destructive (omics) measurement data for each large number of cells and cell-cell interactions. We are trying to uncover the value of various biological measurement data by connecting the different instruments via the barcodes.
Platform droplet and hydrogel technologies: We utilize a group of standardized technologies such as droplet generation, fusion, sorting, and various hydrogel structure creation technologies, which we customize and operate according to our needs.
1. biomedical research and pharmaceutical (phenotyping and diagnostics) applications
Using the above high-speed multimodal (bio-imaging + omics data) measurement, high-speed and high-sensitivity measurement technologies, and platform technologies, we are challenging issues that only our technologies can approach in the fields of immunology, hematology/oncology, microbiology, infection, and stem cells. The biological targets addressed are cells, bacteria, ex vivo particles (extracellular vesicles, exosomes, viruses), organoids, and their interactions. The response of heterogeneous and massive objects to various inputs is measured by coupling and combining a variety of techniques and unraveled by information science. This will lead to phenotypic analysis and mechanistic elucidation of cells and organisms, design of optimized inputs for differentiation and cellular responses, generation of functional cell and bacteria libraries, and realization of next-generation medical diagnostics based on multidimensional data.
2. DIRECTED EVOLUTION for PROTEIN ENGINEERING
We aim to develop the world's fastest protein evolutionary engineering platform by combining a fast droplet sorter, above-mentioned hydrogel techniques, evolution engineering and protein science through collaborative research. We aim to create powerful functional molecules that will transform society in various fields such as medicine, environment, and energy.
3. AI-driven biophysics
Using data generated by our high-speed multimodal (bio-imaging + omics data) measurement technology, we will try to discover the physical laws by which intracellular structures produce functions. We believe that our powerful multimodal platform will be highly useful for this study.
Practical Application of Technology
Technologies with high practical impact created in our laboratory will be put to practical use through joint research with startups and companies. Ghost cytometry technology (enabled the world's first high-speed "imaging" cell sorter, an approach to image analysis without image production) is already being put to practical use through a spin-out company. Other technologies are in preparation.
Laboratory Automation
In cooperation with TECAN, we have installed state-of-the-art automated pipetting robots and are training native automation personnel in an attempt to create the next generation of automation technology.