Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ryo Kunimatsu, Yuji Tsuka, Kengo Nakajima, Keisuke Sumi, Yuki Yoshimi, Isamu Kado, Ayako Inada, Yoshihiro Kiritoshi, Kotaro Tanimoto
Summary: In vitro studies showed that the application of an MPC coating to stainless steel orthodontic wires can reduce friction, inhibit bacterial attachment, and improve tooth movement efficiency.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Haruna Suzuki, Anna Adler, Tianwei Huang, Akiko Kuramochi, Yoshiro Ohba, Yuya Sato, Naoko Nakamura, Vivek Anand Manivel, Kristina N. Ekdahl, Bo Nilsson, Kazuhiko Ishihara, Yuji Teramura
Summary: In this study, liposome surface modification with PMPC-lipids was explored to inhibit protein adsorption, resulting in the fabrication of an inert liposome surface. This technique may allow for full loading of water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredient.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xueyu Huang, Cheng Zheng, Kailei Ding, Shumang Zhang, Qingrong Wei, Li Yang, Yunbing Wang
Summary: In this study, a modification strategy for bioprosthetic heart valves (BHV) based on cocrosslinking and copolymerization was developed. The modified BHVs showed improved endothelial cells' proliferation and resistance to platelet adhesion compared to traditional cross-linked BHVs. Furthermore, the modified BHVs exhibited enhanced anticalcification properties in a rat subcutaneous implantation model. These findings suggest that the modification strategy has the potential for clinical application.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xueyu Huang, Cheng Zheng, Kailei Ding, Shumang Zhang, Qingrong Wei, Li Yang, Yunbing Wang
Summary: A modification strategy based on cocrosslinking and copolymerization was developed to improve the lifespan and anti-thrombotic property of bioprosthetic heart valves. The results showed that the new porcine pericardium exhibited better endothelial cells' proliferation, resistance to platelet adhesion, and anticalcification property compared to traditional glutaraldehyde cross-linked pericardium.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Franziska Woitschach, Marlen Kloss, Karsten Schlodder, Anne Rabes, Caroline Moerke, Stefan Oschatz, Volkmar Senz, Alexander Borck, Niels Grabow, Emil Christian Reisinger, Martina Sombetzki
Summary: Biofilm-associated infections have become a major problem in the medical field in recent decades, leading to the need for modified anti-microbial implant materials. This study compared modified liquid silicone rubber surfaces with two commonly used TPUs, showing reduced bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on the new materials, suggesting their potential as promising candidates for implant manufacturing.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Antonio J. Feliciano, Eduardo Soares, Anton W. Bosman, Clemens van Blitterswijk, Lorenzo Moroni, Vanessa L. S. LaPointe, Matthew B. Baker
Summary: The ability to utilize directional supramolecular interactions to anchor an antifouling coating to a polymer surface containing a complementary supramolecular unit was investigated. By adjusting the UPy composition, the antifouling properties and lifespan of the coating were controlled. Surface modification employing supramolecular interactions provided an approach that combines the simplicity and scalability of nonspecific coating methodology with the specific anchoring capacity found when using conventional covalent grafting with longevity that could be engineered by the supramolecular composition itself.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Adityakrisna Yoshi Putra Wigianto, Yuichi Ishida, Yuki Iwawaki, Takaharu Goto, Megumi Watanabe, Kazumitsu Sekine, Kenichi Hamada, Keiji Murakami, Hideki Fujii, Tetsuo Ichikawa
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of photoreactive 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) in inhibiting Candida albicans biofilm formation on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and assess its mechanism and need for re-application. The results showed that the MPC coating effectively prevented C. albicans biofilm formation by modifying surface hydrophilicity and increasing mucin adsorption, and it had durability against temperature changes for approximately 3 months.
JOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jie Ren, Chloe E. Jepson, Sarah L. Nealy, Charles J. Kuhlmann, Satoru Osuka, Stella Uloma Azolibe, Madison T. Blucas, Yoshiko Nagaoka-Kamata, Eugenia Kharlampieva, Masakazu Kamata
Summary: In this study, a novel platform for brain delivery of therapeutic antibodies was developed by conjugating PMPC to the antibody, which maintained the key functionalities of the original antibody. The platform exhibited enhanced brain delivery while retaining epitope recognition, cellular internalization, and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytic activity. This simple formulation addresses the issues of the previous nanocapsule platform and paves the way for PMPC-based brain delivery strategies for antibodies.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
SooRo Park, Xiaomeng Wang, Bo Wang, Hockin H. K. Xu, Ning Zhang, Yuxing Bai
Summary: The study evaluated the enamel shear bond strength and protein repellent property in vitro of self-etching orthodontic adhesive with MPC, finding that the adhesive can effectively inhibit biofilm formation and reduce enamel demineralization.
DENTAL MATERIALS JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Hana Mackova, Helena Hlidkova, Zhansaya Kaberova, Vladimir Proks, Jan Kucka, Vitalii Patsula, Miroslav Vetrik, Olga Janouskova, Bohumila Podhorska, Ognen Pop-Georgievski, Sarka Kubinova, Daniel Horak
Summary: Research on degradable hydrogel polymeric materials with high water content and tissue-like mechanical properties is essential for drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, medical devices, and biomedical-healthcare sensors. The study introduced hydrogels based on P(HEMA-ATEMA-MPC) with varying degrees of crosslinking, demonstrating that higher crosslinking led to better mechanical properties and slowed degradation.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING C-MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kazuhiko Ishihara, Masashi Abe, Kyoko Fukazawa, Tomohiro Konno
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between cell adhesion, sugar chain density on cell membranes, and the cell proliferation cycle by introducing an affinity phenylboronic acid group into a polymer containing a phosphorylcholine group. The adhesion rate of human promyelocytic leukemia cells on the polymer substrate increases with pretreatment using an alkaline solution. Cell adhesion is found to be dependent on sugar additives in the culture medium, suggesting a specific separation process based on cell adhesion and sugar chain density related to the cell proliferation cycle.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Moubani Chakraborty, Stephanie L. Haag, Matthew T. Bernards, Kristopher Waynant
Summary: Polyampholyte hydrogels are promising materials for tissue engineering scaffolds, offering nonfouling properties, selective protein delivery, and tunable physical characteristics. A novel dipeptide-based zwitterionic cross-linker, N-Ser-Ser-C dimethacrylate, was synthesized to improve the biocompatibility and cellular adhesion of the hydrogel, showing superior nonfouling performance and enhanced cellular adhesion to fibrinogen.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daiki Ihara, Yuji Higaki, Norifumi L. Yamada, Fumiya Nemoto, Yasuhiro Matsuda, Ken Kojio, Atsushi Takahara
Summary: The molecular mechanisms underlying the cononsolvency of PMPC in ethanol-water mixtures were studied through a combination of statistical mechanical models and neutron reflectivity experiments. The preferential interaction of water and the strong cooperativity of ethanol were identified, resulting in the collapsed PMPC chains being more solvated with water than the bulk mixed solvent at an ethanol volume fraction of 0.90.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Kyoko Fukazawa, Mingwei Mu, Sheng-Han Chen, Kazuhiko Ishihara
Summary: Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) has been widely used as a replacement for metal implants in biomedical fields. In this study, zwitterionic copolymers were used to modify the surface of PEEK via photoinduced reactions. The findings suggest that the molecular structure of the copolymers affects the surface properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Vytautas Klimavicius, Vaidas Klimkevicius, Kestutis Aidas, Sergejus Balciunas, Juras Banys, Ricardas Makuska, Vytautas Balevicius
Summary: In this study, the synthesis and characterization of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC), one of the most biocompatible synthetic polymers, was performed using various experimental techniques. The optimized synthesis conditions ensured high yield, purity, and narrow molecular weight distribution. The fine structural details, protonation behavior, and thermal activation of proton conduction in the polymer were deduced. Comparison and discussion with a related proton conducting polymer were also included.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Kyojiro Morikawa, Shin-ichi Murata, Yutaka Kazoe, Kazuma Mawatari, Takehiko Kitamori
Summary: In this study, a method for handling low-surface-tension liquids in micro-nanofluidic devices was developed using a Laplace valve. The proposed valve demonstrated precise fluidic control and showed potential for application in single-cell analysis devices. This research contributes to the advancement of fluidic control technologies in micro- and nanofluidic devices.
JOURNAL OF MICROMECHANICS AND MICROENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Koki Yamamoto, Kyojiro Morikawa, Hisashi Shimizu, Hiroki Sano, Yutaka Kazoe, Takehiko Kitamori
Summary: Single cell analyses are crucial for understanding cellular heterogeneity. This article presents a method for analyzing single cell proteomics using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and introduces an integrated nanofluidic device to perform high-throughput analysis and prevent analyte loss.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Hiroki Sano, Yutaka Kazoe, Kyojiro Morikawa, Takehiko Kitamori
Summary: This research presents a method for fabricating nanoscale curved structures for switch and partition operations. By utilizing a valve with a curved structure, solute leakage can be significantly reduced and response time can be improved, contributing to the realization of versatile nanofluidic analytical devices.
JOURNAL OF MICROMECHANICS AND MICROENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jun Shirai, Koji Yoshida, Hiroki Koreeda, Takehiko Kitamori, Toshio Yamaguchi, Kazuma Mawatari
Summary: The study investigated the microscopic water structure confined in 100 nm nanofluidic channels using nano X-ray diffractometry and Raman spectroscopy. It revealed a small change in the radial distribution function (RDF) due to the confinement effect of water, suggesting stronger hydrogen-bonding network and higher density for water in nanochannels. This information is significant for understanding liquid property changes and water structure in 10-100 nm spaces found in various chemical and biological systems.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuto Takagi, Yutaka Kazoe, Kyojiro Morikawa, Takehiko Kitamori
Summary: This study developed a mass spectrometry (MS) interface utilizing nanofluidics to achieve high-sensitivity detection. By converting liquid samples into fL droplets through a nanofluidic device and controlling their trajectory, the droplets were injected into a mass spectrometer with 100% efficiency. A heat transfer module was also utilized to vaporize the droplets into gas-phase ions. Compared to a conventional MS interface, this interface achieved 290-fold higher detection limit for caffeine ions, resulting in 2 orders of magnitude higher sensitivity.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Takashi Saruko, Kyojiro Morikawa, Takehiko Kitamori, Kazuma Mawatari
Summary: An in vitro analytical platform for biological systems was established, with nanochannels serving as a model for biological confinement. Proton conduction was enhanced for channel widths less than 330 nm, and a large confinement effect was observed.
Article
Physics, Applied
Hisashi Shimizu, Chihchen Chen, Yoshiyuki Tsuyama, Takehiko Tsukahara, Takehiko Kitamori
Summary: Photothermal spectroscopy, coupled with micro/nanofluidic devices, is a reliable and nondestructive method for analyzing microscale objects. This review focuses on the historical development of thermal lens microscopes and summarizes their recent applications in separation, particle, biomedical, energy, and environmental analyses. Future perspectives in nanoscale liquid science, system integration, and biological studies are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yoshiyuki Tsuyama, Kazuma Mawatari
Summary: Detection and classification of nanoparticles at a single particle resolution have become crucial in the fields of materials chemistry, life science, and nanotechnology. This study presents the development of nanofluidic optical diffraction interferometry (NODI) for sensitive detection and classification of nanoparticles. The method utilizes optical diffraction by a single nanochannel as a reference light for interferometric light scattering detection, allowing for accurate measurement and discrimination of different nanoparticles.
MICROFLUIDICS AND NANOFLUIDICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Adelina Smirnova, Ryoichi Ohta, Emi Mori, Hisashi Shimizu, Kyojiro Morikawa, Takehiko Kitamori
Summary: We developed a process for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on a glass microchip using a thin-layered microfluidic channel. The channel has a high aspect ratio and an antibody layer immobilized directly on its surface. This method provides a large-volume capacity and high detection sensitivity. The developed immunosensor is reusable, requires a small sample volume, and provides fast analysis, making it promising for point-of-care biomedical applications.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hiroki Sano, Yutaka Kazoe, Ryoichi Ohta, Hisashi Shimizu, Kyojiro Morikawa, Takehiko Kitamori
Summary: In this study, a nanofluidic analytical system integrated with multiple nanochannel open/close valves was developed. The system successfully accomplished fluid operations such as sample injection, pL-level aliquot sampling, and flow switching by opening/closing specific valves. The study is expected to significantly improve the usability of nanofluidic analytical devices and enable the realization of complex analytical techniques such as single-cell proteomics.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Kyojiro Morikawa, Po-yin Chen, Hai Linh Tran, Yutaka Kazoe, Chihchen Chen, Takehiko Kitamori
Summary: Channel fabrication technology is essential for microfluidic and nanofluidic devices. Glass channels are attractive due to their stability, transparency, and ease of modification. This study developed a microchannel fabrication method with high etching selectivity and smooth surface.
JOURNAL OF MICROMECHANICS AND MICROENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuta Yoshizaki, Tomohiro Konno
Summary: A branched polymer, 4-armed star-shaped PMB (4armPMB), was synthesized and compared with linear PMB. The 4armPMB showed faster cellular internalization and exiting behaviors compared to LinearPMB.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Takuma Sumi, Hideaki Yamamoto, Yuichi Katori, Koki Ito, Satoshi Moriya, Tomohiro Konno, Shigeo Sato, Ayumi Hirano-Iwata
Summary: Reservoir computing is a machine learning paradigm that utilizes the dynamics of high-dimensional nonlinear systems for processing time-series data. In this study, optogenetics and calcium imaging were used to investigate the computational capabilities of biological neuronal networks (BNNs) through a reservoir computing framework. The modular architecture of BNNs was found to positively correlate with classification accuracy, and BNNs exhibited short-term memory and categorical learning abilities. These findings contribute to our understanding of information representation in BNNs and have implications for the development of physical reservoir computing systems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hideaki Yamamoto, F. Paul Spitzner, Taiki Takemuro, Victor Buendia, Hakuba Murota, Carla Morante, Tomohiro Konno, Shigeo Sato, Ayumi Hirano-Iwata, Anna Levina, Viola Priesemann, Miguel A. Munoz, Johannes Zierenberg, Jordi Soriano
Summary: High-level information processing in the mammalian cortex requires both segregated processing in specialized circuits and integration across multiple circuits. One possible way to implement these demands is by flexibly switching between states with different levels of synchrony. The control of complex synchronization patterns in neuronal networks remains elusive, but this study provides insights by manipulating and stimulating networks of cortical neurons in vitro. Results show that a modular architecture enhances the network's sensitivity to external asynchronous stimulation and that the depletion of synaptic resources in stimulated neurons is the underlying mechanism for this effect.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Qiushi Kang, Chenxi Wang, Kaimeng Liu, Takehiko Kitamori
Summary: In this study, a low-temperature direct bonding technology for nanofluidic devices was developed. It allows glass chips to be bonded at room temperature and channels to be modified prior to bonding using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-assisted plasma modification. This technology eliminates the need for heating and avoids component denaturation during the bonding process.