Regulation of the vascular pattern using a scanning probe technique

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K18863
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 28:Nano/micro science and related fields
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University (2022); Tohoku University (2021)
• Principal Investigator: Nashimoto Yuji 東京医科歯科大学, 生体材料工学研究所, 准教授 (80757617)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-07-09 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: Organ-on-a-chip / 生体模倣システム / 走査型プローブ顕微鏡 / 血管

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Controlling the temporal and spatial dynamics of angiogenesis constitutes a pivotal technology in the advancement of tissue engineering and developmental biology. Within this research endeavor, we focused on the refinement of vascular fabrication techniques through the utilization of a scanning probe. It was discerned that inducing angiogenesis proved challenging when employing a glass capillary as the material for the probe, as it impeded cell culture in a good condition. Conversely, utilizing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) probes, which possess exceptional oxygen permeability, facilitated successful cell culture. To this end, we devised a microfluidic apparatus integrated with a PDMS probe, validating its ability to induce partial angiogenesis. Regrettably, due to personnel transitions within the research institute, the establishment of a robust and dependable spatiotemporal control method for angiogenesis remains unfinished. Nevertheless, the post-project analysis will persist.

Free Research Field

生体医工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

血管形成は、酸素、栄養を供給するライフラインであり、周囲の組織の活動に大きな影響を与える。血管形成の時期や位置の制御は、血管形成の基礎的な興味はもちろん、組織工学や発生生物学の発展におけるキーテクノロジーといえる。上部解放型のマイクロ流体デバイスは、センサの挿入や培養後のサンプルの回収にも活用でき、本研究課題で開発した知見の一部は、研究論文として報告することができた（Y. Nashimoto, et al., Biosens. Bioelectron., 219, 114808 (2023)他）。これらの成果は、血管形成の時空間的制御の実現に向けた一歩と位置付けられる。