Manipulating micro and nano spaces
We conduct research to control micro and nano spaces using the unique properties of microfluidic device technology. For example, using the phenomenon of laminar flow in micro-space, we control differentiation factors in micro-space in a spatiotemporal manner to promote heterogeneous population differentiation of pluripotent cells (ES/iPS cells). We are also developing research on cell-cell interactions by creating microfluidic probes and other devices to stimulate only a portion of a cellular tissue population and examine the behavior of the surrounding area. We have also developed microfluidic devices that manipulate microparticles using the wonders of fluid mechanics, and have achieved single-cell manipulation, including fertilized eggs. We are also developing a tritium removal device that uses thermodynamics in addition to fluid mechanics to remove tritium, which is a problem in radioactively contaminated water.