Development of low physical energy logistics methods

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project Area: Next-generation non-invasive biological deep-tissue manipulation by biomolecular engineering and low physical energy logistics
• Project/Area Number: 20H05759
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Review Section: Transformative Research Areas, Section (III)
• Research Institution: The University of Tokyo
• Principal Investigator: Nakagawa Keiichi 東京大学, 大学院工学系研究科(工学部), 講師 (00737926)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 関野 正樹 東京大学, 大学院工学系研究科(工学部), 教授 (20401036)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-10-02 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 音波刺激 / 磁気刺激 / 光刺激 / オプトジェネティクス

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we developed a method of biological stimulation using ultrasounds and magnetic fields that can penetrate deep into the body, where light cannot reach. In the ultrasound stimulation method study, we developed an ultrasound generation system based on optical technology and combined it with a microscopic system to observe cellular responses. We stimulated endothelial cells using pulsed ultrasound driven by the developed system and observed the changes in intracellular calcium ion concentration. In the magnetic stimulation method study, we investigated the methodology to generate the desired magnetic force. We developed a way to calculate the magnetic field based on an inverse problem with a given distribution of the target magnetic force.

Free Research Field

医用工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では，超音波や磁場という生体深部へ到達可能な物理エネルギーを，従来技術と比較して高い自由度で発生させる手法を提案・開発した．これらの基盤的技術開発の成果により，低出力パルス超音波や経頭蓋磁気刺激など既存の生体刺激の可能性を広げるとともに，脳科学研究，ドラッグデリバリーなど，基礎研究から臨床応用まで幅広くバイオ・医療分野において将来的な新技術の開発に貢献することが期待される．