NTU-KU Joint Funding Final Report【Section 1】
NTU principle investigator
Name (last name, first name)Hou, Yung-Te

Position

Associate professor

Faculty/Department

Department of Biomechatronics Engineering

KU principle investigator
Name (last name, first name)

Osafune, Kenji

Position

Professor

Faculty/Department

Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA)

Type(s) of funding applied☐ Funding Type 1 (General Funding) only
☐ Funding Type 2 (ECR Funding) only☐▇Both Funding Type 1 (General Funding) and Type 2 (ECR Funding)Page 2 of 8

NTU-KU Joint Funding Final Report【Section 2】
Project title
Application of HGF/heparin-DLM patch onto APAP/CCl4 induced hepatocytes and iPSCderived non-alcoholic fatty liver cells.

Period of project
From dd/mm/yyto dd/mm/yy

ECR1: From 28/06/2023 to 17/12/2023

Summary of the project (approx. 100 words)
The objective of this project is to apply HGF/heparin-DLM patch and DLM-based
nanoparticles with tannic acid onto iPSC-derived non-alcoholic fatty hepatocytes. During
the NTU-KU joint program, the ECRs are first taught how to maintain and induce iPSCs.
Once the iPSCs have become hepatocytes, the ECRs were then taught how to induce theminto fatty hepatocytes to achieve a NAFLD in vitro model. The hepatic functions of thehepatocytes were investigated once the HGF/heparin-DLM patch and the nanoparticles
were applied. From the results, the nanoparticles seem to have a better therapeutic effecton fatty hepatocytes, but further investigations should be done in future studies. Currently,
we are inviting Professor Osafune to visit Taiwan, and give us an introduction on iPSCs
and the field of his studies. Because most people in Taiwan may not be familiar with iPSCs,
we believe that this seminar/workshop would be very informative for students as well as
professors. Thus, a lot of professors are welcomed to join this seminar to exchange valuableideas and research outcomes.
In conclusion, we believe that this project corresponds well with the program's
focus on promoting cooperation between Taiwan and Japan in liver-related research.
Moreover, we anticipate substantial opportunities for making significant progress in publichealth within both nations through this initiative.

Photographs with captions*Please submit digital files (such as JPEG or GIF files) of the photographs used in yourreport as attachments. The size of each image should be at least 4MB, so that it can be used
for printed materials. Please ensure that none of the photographs submitted will cause any
issues relating to portrait rights.

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NTU-KU Joint Funding Final Report

Figure1. The photos were taken during the Joint Symposium between National Taiwan
University (BIME) and Kyoto University (CiRA), which was held at NTU (BIME) on
December 13th, 2023.

URL at which project outcomes can be viewed (Optional)*E.g. workshop notifications/programs/reports, evidence of academic papers published orotherwise made available, etc.
URL: https://reurl.cc/j3y9r1(joint-symposium-booklet)

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NTU-KU Joint Funding Final Report【Section 3】
Visiting ECR1*
Name (last name, first name)

Lin, Yong-Heng

Position

Master candidate

Faculty/Department

Department of Biomechatronics Engineering

Period of Stay

ECR1: From 28/06/2023 to 23/08/2023(From dd/mm/yy to dd/mm/yy)

Visiting ECR2*Name (last name, first name)Wu, Ting-Yi

Position

Master candidate

Faculty/Department

Department of Biomechatronics Engineering

Period of Stay

ECR2: From 28/06/2023 to 23/08/2023(From dd/mm/yy to dd/mm/yy)

Host researcher*Name (last name, first name)
Position
Faculty/Department*Please complete if the host researcher is different from the KU principal investigator.

Achievements and outcomes of ECR stay (approx. 100–250 words)
ECR1:
During my research exchange at Kyoto University, I had the unique opportunity todelve into the realm of stem cell biology, specifically focusing on the cultivation of induced
pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and their differentiation into fatty hepatocytes. The experience
was both enriching and intellectually stimulating as I worked alongside accomplishedresearchers who guided me through the intricate processes involved in manipulating these
versatile cells. Kyoto University's state-of-the-art facilities provided an ideal environment
for hands-on learning, allowing me to master the techniques required for the successful
culture of iPS cells. Witnessing the transformation of these cells into hepatocytes,
particularly those with a fatty phenotype, provided valuable insights into the potential
applications in regenerative medicine and the study of liver diseases. The collaborative andinnovative atmosphere at Kyoto University not only expanded my technical skills but alsobroadened my understanding of the ethical considerations and societal implications
associated with stem cell research. Overall, my research exchange at Kyoto University wasan unforgettable journey that deepened my appreciation for the intricacies of cellularbiology and inspired a lasting passion for advancing scientific knowledge in this dynamicfield.
ECR2:Page 5 of 8

NTU-KU Joint Funding Final Report

It was a tremendous honor to participate in an exchange program within CiRA, anexceptional laboratory renowned for its pioneering work with iPSCs. Throughout thisprogram, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the marvels of iPSCs, from inception
to completion. CiRA is equipped with advanced equipment and resources, providing theresearchers a supportive and innovative environment to conduct their researches. Not tomention, the people in CiRA were all academically accomplished, highly educated, yethumble and passionate about their studies. It is such a unique experience to work along
these scholarly peers, and this made me realize that there are a lot of people in the world
who are very passionate and determined in saving people’s lives through these researches.
To be able to get into close touch with iPSCs definitely broaden my understanding on
cellular studies. By observing how iPSCs differentiate into different cells just by adding
different substances to the medium made me realize that this definitely deserves a Nobel
prize. The times in CiRA were surely inspiring, and it definitely would be an experience
I’ll never forget.

Photographs with captions*Please submit digital files (such as JPEG or GIF files) of the photographs used in yourreport as attachments. The size of each image should be at least 4MB, so that it can be used
for printed materials. Please ensure that none of the photographs submitted will cause any
issues relating to portrait rights.

Figure2. The photos were taken during the visit in Kyoto Univesity (CiRA) from June 2730th, 2023.

URL at which project outcomes can be viewed (Optional)*E.g. workshop notifications/programs/reports, evidence of academic papers published orotherwise made available, etc.
URL:

*If there are multiple ECRs, please copy and paste this section and complete them foreach ECR.

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