Tissue Regeneration Materials Group

2022.04.01 Update

Tissue regeneration materials group aims to create novel biomaterials and innovative technologies for tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery and cell function manipulation to promote regeneration of tissues and organs that are lost or damaged due to diseases and traumas through materials science and nanotechnology methodology. Methods including hybridization, micro-patterning and biomimetics are used as key technologies to conduct basic and interdisciplinary research on biomaterials and scaffolds inducing efficient tissue regeneration. The research will contribute to the development of regenerative medicine, improvement of quality of life and realization of a society with a long healthy life span.

Objective

We are devoted to the research of biodegradable scaffolds and functional biomaterials for tissue engineering of lost or damaged tissues and organs and for manipulation of cell functions. Porous scaffolds with well controlled pore structures, hybrid scaffolds of biodegradable synthetic polymers and naturally derived polymers and highly biocompatible matrix biomaterials with nano- and microstructures constructed from cultured cells are designed and prepared. Biomaterials that mimic the in vivo nano- and microenvironment surrounding cells and micro-patterned surfaces are created to manipulate cell functions, particularly stem cell functions.

1. Development of hybrid porous scaffolds for tissue engineering

Hybrid porous scaffolds of biodegradable synthetic polymers and naturally derived polymers are designed and prepared to combine their advantages for tissue engineering of cartilage, skin and muscle.

2. Preparation of biomimetic scaffolds

Biomimetic scaffolds and biomaterials with excellent biocompatibility are created by using extracellular matrix molecules, peptides and cultured cells-secreted matrices.

Funnel-like collagen sponge

Cultured cells-derived ECM scaffold

3. Preparation of micropatterned biomaterials for manipulation of cell functions

Micropatterned surfaces of functional polymers and bioactive molecules are prepared by using photolithography to manipulate stem cell functions such as cell morphology, adhesion, proliferation and differentiation.

Manipulation of cell shape of single stem cell by micro-patterned surface (green: cytoskeleton, blue: nucleus)

4. Creation of nanostructured microenvironments for manipulation of cell functions

Functional nanoparticles, such as gold nanoparticles, having different size, shape and surface group are prepared and used for culture of stem cells and other cells to disclose their effect on cell functions. Biomaterials mimicking the nanostructured microenvironment are designed and prepared for tissue regeneration and cancer therapy.

Gold nanoparticles with different size and shape for controlling cell functions.

Group Leader

(Open in a new window)CHEN Guoping

Group Member

Inquiry about this page

Tissue Regeneration Materials Group
1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044 JAPAN
E-Mail: Guoping.CHEN=nims.go.jp(Please change "=" to "@")