Vol.22 No. 4
〈The Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials〉
Flexible Progress to Revolutionize Materials
Soft materials are light-weight, flexible, and possess a range of astonishing functionalities.
Through the precise design of polymers, soft materials can actively move under applied voltage and adjust their shape in response to temperature or humidity, adapting their properties as needed.
Soft materials play a crucial role in diverse fields from wearable devices that seamlessly fit the body to medical applications such as artificial cartilage and drug delivery systems.
The potential of soft materials is limitless.
The Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials is advancing the development of materials to enhance daily life while also striving to extend healthy life expectancy in an aging society.
By integrating polymer materials with metal and inorganic materials, the center is fostering the development of advanced materials with enhanced functionality.
Aiming for a world where health and comfort ensure happiness for all, the Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials is committed to creating the foundations for a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Key project
Overview of ongoing projects at Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials
Research Highlights
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2025.01.22
Achieving Flexibilityand Output Forcewith ‘Liquid Crystal PolymerActuators’
Actuators convert energy, such as electricity or hydraulics, into mechanical motion. With the growing demand for soft actuators, Masafumi Yoshio has been developing innovative materials that harness the unique properties of liquid crystals. Dilemma Between Softness and High Output Force The sensation of touching objects far away as if they were right in front […]
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2025.01.22
Extending the Lifespan of Next-Generation Rechargeable Batteries with Polymer Gels
Lightweight and highly flexible, polymer gels are often described as having properties that bridge the gap between liquids and solids. By controlling the interactions between their two key components—polymers and solvents—Ryota Tamate has developed a range of polymer gels with unique properties. He is now actively exploring their potential applications. Designing interactions between polymers and […]
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2025.01.22
Protecting Material Surfaces with Concentrated Polymer Brushes
Concentrated polymer brushes are a unique class of polymer coatings, where they exhibit excellent anti-biofouling properties, while minimizing protein adsorption and cellular interactions. Chiaki Yoshikawa has worked in this field over multiple decades, publishing in highly cited journals and generated multiple patents. Her research involves understanding the interactions between these coatings and biological organisms and […]
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2025.01.22
“Polymer Sequencer” Achieved Through Mass Spectrometry and AI
Polymers are chain-like molecules consisting of hundreds to tens of thousands of monomers in their basic structure. Yusuke Hibi and his colleagues developed the world’s first “polymer sequencer,” a tool that uses mass spectrometry and AI to quantitatively determine the frequency of monomer sequences, which impart diverse functions to polymers. Randomly Arranged Monomers Many of […]
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2025.01.22
Developing Injectable Porous Gels to Deliver Viable Cells via Phase Separation
Cell transplantation therapy uses stem cells or other cell types to regenerate damaged organs caused by disease or injury.The cells are encapsulated in polymer gels and injected into the body. Akihiro Nishiguchi has successfully developed gels that enhance both graft survival and cell viability. Porous structures improve the performance of cell transplantation Spinal cord injuries and myocardial […]
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2025.01.22
Smart Polymers in Medicine: Advancing Therapies and Understanding Diseases
Smart polymers can be deformed by applying force, retaining the new shape until exposed to external stimuli, such as heat or light, which trigger a return to their original form. While medical applications for these materials are progressing, challenges remain, particularly in optimizing shape recovery at lower temperatures. Koichiro Uto has developed techniques to control […]
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2025.01.22
First-Ever Successful Cell Culture at an Ionic Liquid Interface
Ionic liquids, composed solely of cations and anions, exhibit unique properties distinct from molecular liquids. Takeshi Ueki has successfully cultured cells at ionic liquid interfaces and is now working to further optimize the efficiency of this technique. Unique liquids that barely evaporate or boil Liquids like water and alcohol consist of molecules, while ionic liquids […]
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2025.01.22
Collaborating with Surgeons to Develop a New Tissue Marker
Tissue markers enable precise surgical removal of tumors and other potentially malignant growths. In collaboration with surgeons, Toru Yoshitomi developed an advanced marker that resists diffusion, remains in tissues for extended periods, and can be injected using endoscopic needles. He is now advancing its practical application. Unresolved Issues in Surgical Tissue Marking Malignant stomach and […]
