Current Research Projects
Creation of novel medical devices by combining biotechnology and nanotechnology
Bioreactor for Regenerative Medicine
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Term: April 2002 to March 2007 ( 5-Year Project )
Project Leader: Yoshihiro Ito |
We have made remarkable progress over the past 50 years in restoring the structure
and function of damaged and dysfunctional tissue through bionic devices and
organ transplants. Such replacement parts, however, still pose significant
biological problems and are not appropriate for all situations. Ideally, we
could regenerate damaged tissue in vivo. Research in the emerging field of
regenerative medicine is bringing that wish closer to reality.
The purpose of the project is to create bioreactors for the safe and rapid expansion
of human stem cells, using cytokine-immobilized materials developed by Dr. Yoshihiro
Ito. So far, cell culture has been developed, and the technology has resulted
in dramatic progress in the life sciences. Today, the technology has become common
as an experimental tool by using serum or feeder cells derived from animals.
However, in developing human cells for medical therapy, these animal-derived
materials should be deleted from the culture medium to avoid virus or prion contamination.
The project aims to develop completely artificial cell culture systems without
using animal-derived materials.
Some kinds of cells cultured on substrata
Contents of Research
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Fig.1
The purpose of the project |
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Fig.2
Phase difference micrograph (left) and laser
micrograph (right) of cultured cells |
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| Fig.3 Cell cultures |
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1) Bioreactors
using human stromal cells
Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation has been developed through bonemarrow
transplantation and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation into cord blood
as medical therapy. However, the number of HSC in cord blood is insufficient
for therapy of adult patients. The number of HSC for transplantation must be
increased. In the present project, bioreactors will be constructed to efficiently
culture HSC using artificial extracellular matrices by co-culture with human
stromal cells immortalized by gene transfection.
The culture of HSC will also contribute to gene therapy. In addition, the culture
will be used to produce blood cells needed for blood transfusion therapy or for
the preparation of blood-derived materials without virus or prion contamination.
2) Bioreactors using cytokine-immobilized materials
Bioreactors composed of materials immobilized with various types of cytokine
will be developed. These bioreactors are ideal because they have no animal- derived
materials. Previous research has revealed that cytokine-immobilized materials
are useful for cell culture systems because of their long-lasting activation
onto cells. The project will develop new medical bioreactors for various stem
cells by using these materials.
3) Creation of novel medical devices by micro/nano- fabrication techniques
Recently, biotechnology has expanded to include bio/nano-technology with the
progress of micro-fabrication technology and nanotechnology. The development
of DNA micro-arrays and protein chips is an important result of the fusion of
biotechnology and micro- technology. The project will develop novel medical devices
using materials that mimic biological cell membranes by nano-level regulation
(molecular orientation and distribution) of immobilized molecules. |
Organization of Research
Structure :
Project leader, 2 regular researchers, a part-time researcher, 2 researchers from a company and a part-time clerk. This project will also accept postdoctoral research fellows from all over the world to promote cooperative research. |
| Location: Laboratory is located at Kanagawa Science Park (KSP) East 3F |
E-mail :  |
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