Mail:
todo[a]riam.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Dr. Mitsugu TODO, Associate Professor, Ph.D. (The Ohio State University)
In myocardial tissues, chemical energy stored in ATP is transformed into mechanical energy which activates sarcomeres. These microscopic sarcomeres motions are then transformed into the mechanical energy which activates the contraction of heart. Thus, myocardial tissue is recognized as a unique biological energy conversion system. In this project, we are trying to develop a biodevice which exhibits pulsation behavior autonomously by using iPS cells derived cardiomyocytes and biopolymer scaffold.
Schroeder, et al., published a paper in Nature in 2017, explaining the basic concept of hydrogel electric cell imitating electroplax cells of electric eel. In this project, we are trying to improve the fundamental functions of the hydrogel electric cell and develop some engineering applications.
Osteoporosis has been one of the most important issues in Japan which has already reached an aging society. It is well known that bones become very weak with low strength and toughness due to osteoporosis. Elderly people with osteoporosis may have bone fracture quite easily. On the other hand, elderly people also tend to have osteoarthritis with their knee or hip joints, and for the worst cases, their knee or hip joints must be replaced by artificial joints consisting of metal, ceramic and polymer components. The difference of modulus between such metal component and bone may cause the stress-shielding effect and results in bone absorption, which also results in reduction of bone strength and toughness. In this research projects, we are trying to analyze different types of biomechanical problems related to bone diseases by using the finite element method with CT-image based modeling technology. Clinical CT-images are used to develop three-dimensional bone and joint models with consideration of distribution of bone mineral density. This kind of research projects has been conducted as joint works with orthopedic doctors from university hospitals.
Tissue engineering is playing a central role in regenerative medicine. One of the main topics in tissue engineering is development of artificial tissues using cells and biomaterials. Many different kinds of biomaterials such as biopolymers and bioceramics have been used to develop scaffolds which are supposed to work as artificial extra-cellular matrices. In general, continuous porous structures are utilized for scaffolds because cells are proliferated, differentiated and generate natural ECM inside the porous structures. In this research project, porous cylindrical structures have been developed using biodegradable and natural biopolymers for cardiovascular tissue engineering. Porous bioceramic/biopolymer composite scaffolds have also been developed for bone tissue engineering. It has been shown that the introduction of porous polymeric phase into porous structure of bioceramics such as sintered hydroxyapatite greatly improves the brittle nature of pure bioceramic scaffolds.
MAIL : todo[a]riam.kyushu-u.ac.jp
TEL : +81-92-583-7762