| |
|
| |
|
| Domain |
|
 |
Eight research domains of the Institute for Biomedical Engineering, together with a educationa domain of the SOL form the basis for developing advanced research projects of our members. In each domain, close collaboration with external medical research and educational institutions is promoted to carry out joint researches. For promoting collaborations in the field of biomedical engineering, strong encouragement is give to the integration of advanced science and medical health care, the cooperation between research members in humanities and science, and the promotion of understanding of science and technology.
|
| 1.Research Domains |
|
|
In the six domains established in fiscal 2004 and the additional two domains established in April 2005, our members and collaborating researchers from external medical research and educational institutions are in the process of working together to carry out joint research projects.
- NT & IT for Medical Application
The nano-technology dealing with materials and processes on the scale of atoms and molecules will evolve into “nano-biotechnology” upon consolidation with conventional biotechnology. This new discipline is expected to serve as the basis for the future development of life science and medical care.
The nano-scale processing (nano-processing) and surface modification (nano-modification) technologies developed at Waseda University have made it possible to align nano-structures on solid surfaces. We are studying the application of these technologies to develop methods of highly sensitive detection of biological materials such as DNA and proteins by utilizing the interaction between the regularly aligned biological materials and the solid surface.
The conventional biochemical analysis is performed using liquid in a test tube or a capillary. We have developed a revolutionary new system for biochemical analysis based on nano-structures on a solid surface fabricated by nano-processing. This system will be widely applied to the design of medicines tailored to suit personal gene characteristics (personal medicine) in the future.
On the other hand, nano-processing and nano-modification are the key technology for miniaturization and performance improvement of medical test equipment, which contribute to the progress of diagnostic and preventive health care. The development of a new test system can decrease the amount of test specimens (for example, blood) as well as the time required for the measurement. This advancement reduces the burden imposed on patients. It also makes the real time monitoring of biological information possible.
Thus, by applying nano-technology and nano-modification technologies to the field of medical health care, we are attempting to develop basic technologies which will contribute significantly to the area of preventive medicine.
|
| |
|
| GO TO TOP |
| |
- Robotics for Medical Care
We are working on the use of robotics technology for advanced medical treatment, including various aspects of surgery and rehabilitation such as physical and neurological effects.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)-compatible surgical robots, whose movements are controlled by MRI signals, are in the stage of being tested on animals. This means that brain or heart surgery, which previously involved major operations, can now be performed with relative ease. We are also developing robots to help elderly patients obtain enhanced effects of rehabilitation and patient robots to help with doctor training.
Elsewhere, we are aiming at establishing the technology of manufacturing a low cost artificial heart on the scale of commercial mass production using a unique manufacturing process. As the circulation simulator with the artificial heart as a component can reproduce homodynamics, it can be used to help make decisions and assessments on the medical treatment given to the patient.
If we are able to quantify various parts of a living body through the development of patient robots, this could be used effectively in the form of numerical targets for the development of medical treatment robots and could even be used for performance assessments of the robots under development. We are also carrying out research to transmit information from doctors and patients, on their senses of sight, touch or force, to robots in order to control them as a system.
In cooperation with the Medical School of Harvard University, we are applying our circulation simulator to tissue engineering research, and we are currently engaged in research to manufacture heart valves and other tissues which are highly compatible with living organisms.
We are actively engaged in research to make the most of the latest robotics technology for health care and medical treatment, covering every part of the human body from the brain to the feet, including lungs, digestive system, heart, blood vessels and hip joints.
|
| |
|
| GO TO TOP |
| |
- Analytical Measurement for Medical Care
The aim of this domain is to develop novel analytical instruments useful for detection and prevention of diseases and to investigate the mechanism of diseases.
For example, micro- and nano-fabricated sensors with self-assembled monolayers and/or with diamond thin films are being developed. These sensors are believed to offer a very significant influence on the society by providing highly-advanced medical treatments, homecare, and telediagnosis, which will enable patients to minimize the frequency of hospital visits for diagnosis and treatment.
The development of a DNA analysis system and that of materials such as fluorescent substances for diagnosis contribute to the progress in highly-advanced medical treatments. It is apparent that mutation of some genes is responsible for certain diseases. By using this system, we will develop a high-throughput DNA detection system and investigate the relationship between genes and diseases, especially cancer.
Furthermore, the development of an instrument capable of analyzing the function of proteins at the single-molecule level, and that of an electron microscope capable of observing biomolecules at high resolution, which proved difficult in the past, are being carried out. By applying the technique to distinguishing chirality, we are also developing equipment useful for purification of specific biomolecules or drugs.
The analysis of biosubstances such as DNA and protein and the investigation of their functional mechanisms by means of the instruments developed in this domain will lead to enhanced understanding of the nature of life. |
| |
|
| GO TO TOP |
| |
- Molecule-Based Medical Treatment
There are two approaches to molecule-based medical treatments. The first approach is to synthesize the same molecules as those eisting in nature. The second approach is to synthesize new molecules which react by the same mechanism as those existing in nature but perform different functions. We try to make the best use of these approaches for the application to medical treatments, while trying to meet demands of the society.
One of the key areas of this domain is the research to reduce significantly the number of steps required for the total synthesis of anticancer drugs. This is a field in which research is in progress in the world to synthesize antibiotics with a groundbreaking efficiency. It will become possible to supply very expensive cancer drugs at a lower price and to provide effective anticancer drugs, which are currently available only to a select minority, on a wider scale in the future.
Another research in progress is the development of a film capable of filtering oxygen out of the air. We make this film from a compound with a molecular structure similar to that of naturally occurring iron porphyrin. The word porphyrin comes from the Greek word for “the origin of purple color”. When combined with iron, it turns red and acquires the ability to absorb and release oxygen. We have already developed a film that transports oxygen just as red blood cells do. We have patented it as an original Waseda University invention. After we improve the performance of this film and apply it to masks or filters, it could potentially improve patients’ QOL significantly, for example, by rendering oxygen tanks unnecessary. |
| |
|
| GO TO TOP |
| |
- Biomaterials Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine
The mission of regenerative medicine is essentially restoring functions of the body lost through accidents or diseases. In addition to organ transplant and other medical treatments presently being practiced, regenerative medicine is currently emerging as a new interdisciplinary research field covering a wide range of technologies such as medicine, cell biology, tissue engineering, biochemistry, and biomaterials.
In the domain of Biomaterials science and technology for regenerative medicine, researchers in a wide variety of areas participate, and they are collaborating with each other to develop novel biomedical engineering science and technology for therapies in the future. The research projects of our domain include both basic and applied studies, for example, structural and functional analyses of proteins and cells, systems for gene- and/or protein- delivery into cells using polymer or lipid molecular assemblies as carriers, and 2D and 3D cellular architectures with physiological functions and biomaterials for their construction. To achieve the mission of our domain, we actively collaborate with Tokyo Women’s Medical University and other medical institutions, and also with other domains of ASMeW.
|
| |
|
| GO TO TOP |
| |
- Medical Health Care
A typical example of medical health care researches is stress management. This is based on the notion of how to alleviate stress factors arising from surrounding environment. For example, we are working on the development of equipment to prevent people who suffer from claustrophobia, or fear of height, from having attacks. Stress measurement is a difficult task, because it is hard to evaluate stress and also because there are significant differences between individuals with regard to how stress is felt. Therefore, we are trying to develop a method of measuring stress objectively based on biological data such as heart rate, blood pressure, and skin temperature.
Another area belonging to this domain is the relationship between sports and health. For example, we are conducting research on locality-oriented activities to promote people’s health with particular emphasis on swimming and walking. If it is possible to help elderly people remain healthy and prevent lifestyle-related diseases by changing their lifestyles, it should also help reduce medical costs. We will make proposals from a new perspective, which are in contrast to the practice of conventional medicine, which tends to focus on clinical approaches to patients.
We also carry out research in the field of nutritional science. Tea catechin, for example, is said to reduce body fat and enhance athletic ability. There is a great need to be able to measure and evaluate accurately the virtue of health foods. In addition to these research activities, we also run programs such as specialized seminars given by top level visiting medical researchers and educational lectures for the general public.
|
| |
|
| GO TO TOP |
| |
- Bioinformatics
Waseda University boasts of its most advanced technology in Japan in the field of accelerating data processing, in terms of both hardware and software. In particular, we are proud to be one of the world leaders in the technology capable of handling massive volumes of data up to 200 terabytes (5,000 times the volume handled by a standard PC). This data capacity is even higher than all of the data contained on Google.
The volume of the data processed in the field of biotechnology is also reaching enormous proportions. It can be stated that we have reached an age in which research results depend on how effectively large volumes of data can be processed. For example, although work is currently underway around the world to identify the genes that cause specific conditions of health, the relationships between genes (genetic networks) remain unclear. By gaining an effective understanding of the mechanism that causes an illness and investigating subjects which are highly relevant to the illness, it will be possible to contribute significantly to drug development in a broad sense.
Using a technology capable of handling massive quantities of data will enable us to make full use of individual’s genetic codes and other relevant data. For example, if it were possible to collect data on tens of thousands of people, including their genetic codes, medical examination data and medical records, it would be possible to derive information on each individual’s specific genetic makeup. We are currently working on this subject as a research topic in collaboration with Tokyo Women’s Medical University.
|
| |
|
| GO TO TOP |
| |
- Clinical Medical Care
As Waseda University does not have medical school or hospital, we help to bridge the gap between engineering and medical institutions. For example, we test products developed by Waseda University’s advanced science and technology division for the purpose of clinical applications in cooperation with institutions such as the International Medical Center of Japan and the National Institute of Health and Nutrition.
We have experts not only in clinical medicine but also in immunology, molecular biology and preventive medicine working in this domain. In terms of disease prevention, the issue of primary prevention (health promotion) comes under the domain of health care and medical treatment, whereas we concentrate on the secondary (early detection and early treatment) and tertiary disease prevention (prevention of deterioration in specific conditions).
In addition to basic research, we work on medical treatment and health care guidance, and therefore we can address ourselves to actual needs of those who are seeking to apply advanced science and technology. We also work in cooperation with members of other domains of ASMeW through direct involvement with actual medical treatment. If, for example, a miniaturized semiconductor micro-sensor were developed in another domain, we would work on its clinical applications such as measuring acidity in real time in the stomach or esophagus using an endoscope and diagnosing esophageal reflux or stomach ulcers. Waseda University is trying to resolve real clinical issues by bringing cutting edge technology into clinical medicine.
|
| |
|
| GO TO TOP |
|
2.Educational Domain |
|
|
As part of the a educational domain established within the Super Open Lab (SOL) in fiscal 2004, we are implementing a distinctive curriculum and unique seminars targeting members of ASMeW in order to provide training in life science and to improve management skills. In addition, we hold seminars and symposia which are open to the public.
- Ethics for Bioscience and Bioengineering
Where does human life begin? Is it acceptable to create superhuman using body-enhancing drugs? These are extremely important questions for researchers in this field, who use the human body and living organisms as their tools. As we proceed with developmental research in the field of medical treatment in the future, compatibility between life science and the latest advanced technology including that dealing with ES cells and cloning is becoming an increasingly important issue. To approach the issue from an ethical standpoint, Waseda University intends to establish a new field within the academic structure of science called “life safety engineering”, and plans to develop a new educational and research system.
From 2006 onwards, Waseda University is planning to hold lectures that will be open to the general public in conjunction with the School of Human Sciences. We are developing a system of trust that will involve providing the public with information on the ethical aspects of developmental research in the field of medical treatment and making the facts freely available to help ease people’s emotional fears and concerns.
We also organize lectures for students in the School of Science and Engineering, the School of Education, and other parts of the university, detailing how the human body should be treated. We also provide “on the job training (OJT)” for ASMeW researchers.
In this domain, we are paving the way for life science as a scientific discipline from a dual perspective consisting of a scientific approach based on cellular engineering and a human approach based on social engineering. When a public institution detached from the authorities is to be established in the field of life science, we hope to be able to offer a solid foundation for building such an institution.
|
| |
|
| GO TO TOP |
|
|
|
