Group
Macromolecules Field
Molecular Design and Function Group
We aim at the exploitation of new π-conjugated molecules/polymers and their assemblies through organic/macromolecular synthetic strategies and the supramolecular approach, leading to the creation of various functional organic materials with optimized optoelectronic properties. In particular, we exploit rational design of molecular components, control and modulation of molecular interactions, and various kinds of self-assembled organic nanostructures with finely tuned viscosity and phase-segregated structures, which will pave the way to the production of organic materials with functioning structures.
Group Leader
Electronic Functional Macromolecules Group
We aim to develop novel functional macromolecules with electronic or optical properties for the energy-related, environmental, medical, and display applications, based on organic synthesis, inorganic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, polymer science, electrochemistry, and photochemistry.
Group Leader
Molecular Mechatronics Group
Among active soft materials, materials that produce deformation in response to external stimuli such as electric fields are expected to be used as actuators, while materials that produce voltage, current, or impedance changes in response to external stimuli are expected to be used as sensors. The Molecular Mechatronics Group is working on molecular self-assembly of liquid crystals, block copolymers, pi-conjugated polymers, metal organic structures (MOFs), covalent organic structures (COFs), and natural polysaccharide hybrids, and the control of their hierarchically ordered structure and orientation on the nano- to centimeter-scale to dynamically control ion and electron We are developing novel soft materials with dynamically changing ionic and electronic conductivity and mechanical properties by controlling molecular self-assembly, hierarchically ordered structures and orientations on nano- to centimeter-scale.
Based on these organic polymer materials, we will promote the development of soft actuators that exhibit bending, stretching, and contracting motion induced by electric fields; flexible piezoelectric and mechanical sensor elements that utilize ferroelectricity, electret formation, and dynamic structural changes in molecular assemblies; and materials that can change hardness at will. We aim to contribute to society by developing new technologies and scientific principles that will lead to the construction of next-generation smart devices such as tactile transmission devices that contribute to virtual reality, skin for robots, and bio-mimetic mobile devices.
Group Leader
Printed Electronics Group
We develop Printed Electronics technology, using metallic inks and printing techniques to fabricate electronic circuits.
Group Leader
Electrochemical Sensors
Electrochemical sensors are being developed, which can detect the amount of electrochemical reaction and change by using electrochemical reaction and change occurring on materials against environmental change.
Group Leader
Group Members
Data-driven Polymer Design Group
Data-driven Polymer Design Group will challenge a paradigm shift in materials development, moving away from materials development that relies on experience and intuition, to one that makes full use of big data, computation, and information science.
Group Leader
Supramolecule/Polymer Materials Team
Team Leader
Kouzou ITOU
Polymer Process Technology Team
Team Leader
Polymer Surfaces and Devices Team
Team Leader
Biomaterials Field
Mechanobiology Group
Mechanobiology is a scientific field that studies the role of physical force in life phenomena. Recent studies in this field shed light on the significance of force, comparable to chemical and biochemical cues, in the regulation of various biological and pathological processes. Our group develops new materials and methodologies not only to study basic principle in mechanobiology, but also to develop drug screening platforms and medical devices based on the concept of mechanobiology and nanoarchitectonics. Click here for more details →
Group Leader
Medical Soft Matter Group
Our group investigates physical chemistry and biophysics of organic soft matters consist of pharmaceutical and biomaterials. Specialized Research Field.
Group Leader
Polymeric Biomaterials Group
Our group focuses on the development of innovative polymeric biomaterials by controlling biological reactions at the interface between materials and biological components occurring from acute stage to chronic stage for medical treatment. Our activities also include molecular design, synthesis of polymeric biomaterials and analysis of the interactions between polymer-based materials and biological components, such as cells and tissues, in order to establish feedback loop for development of innovative polymeric biomaterials such as bioadhesives. The goal of our researches is to apply the innovative biomaterials for clinical fields in collaboration with medical/dental institutes and companies.
Group Leader
Group Members
Bioceramics Group
The Polymer and Biomaterials Research Center conducts research and development of soft polymer materials that support the realization of a sustainable society and biomaterials that support the realization of a Well-Being society. In the research and development of soft polymer materials and biomaterials, which are the main focus of this center, we drive the research and development of polymers and biomaterials by promoting integrated research in a wide range of research fields, from precision synthesis and manufacturing processes to medical and healthcare applications.
Group Leader
Group Members
Tissue Regeneration Materials Group
Our group aims to develop multidimensional and multifunctional bioadaptive materials to maximize therapeutic and regenerative effects for treatment of diseases and injuries.
Group Leader
Smart Polymer Group
Group Leader
Olfactory Sensors Group
Group Leader
Electrochemical Nano-Bio Group
All life on Earth is sustained and operated by electron transfer reactions. However, precisely capturing the energy state of the cells surrounded by insulating lipid membranes is difficult. In recent years, it has become clear that many bacteria are actually "electric bacteria" that use conductive nanoparticles, small redox molecules, and membrane enzymes as transmembrane electron carriers and have a variety of mechanisms to exchange electrons with minerals outside the cell. By understanding and mimicking these mechanisms, we aim to develop materials and technologies for efficient access to the inside of cells, which will lead to the creation of innovative medical, environmental, and energy technologies.
