TOKYO UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF
OF SCIENCESCIENCETOKYORESEARCH CATALOGUECATALOGUERESEARCH

研究戦略・産学連携センター

University Research Administration CenterList of Research Catalogue
No.

Affiliation, Position

Name

Research Theme
Application of FEL-TUS (free electron laser at Tokyo
University of Science) to bioscience

Field of Study

1

Professor, Department of Chemistry

2

Soichiro OKAMURA
Professor, Department of Applied Physics
Takashi NAKAJIMA
Event-driven intelligent system using piezoelectric materials
Associate Professor, Department of Applied Physics
Junior Associate Professor, Department of Applied Physics Yoichiro HASHIZUME

Device3

Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry

Hidenori OTSUKA

Nanoparticle for highly cell targeting technology

Medical and bio

4Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry

Shinichi KOMABAHigh performance next generation Na-ion battery ‒ free fromrare or poisonous elements

Next-generation
battery

5

Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry

Isamu SHIINA

Nonenzymatic, enantioconvergent dynamic kinetic resolution(DKR) of racemic 2-(1H-Pyrrol-1-yl)alkanoic acids as
α-amino acid equivalents

Medical and bio

6

Associate Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry

Seiichi FURUMI

New mechanical stress sensing rubbers from paper materials

Nanotechnology

7

Professor, Department of Chemistry

Takashiro AKITSU

Photocatalytic chiral complex reducing heavy metal ions byvisible light irradiation

Material

8

Professor, Department of Architecture

Osamu TAKAHASHI

Development of new oil damper for architectural vibration
control and experimental research on structuralcharacterization

Architectural
devices

9

Professor, Department of Architecture

Osamu TAKAHASHI

Structural design and engineering for future buildings by
unknown materials

Architectural
devices

10 Professor, Department of Architecture

Osamu TAKAHASHI

Structural design and consulting about aseismic isolationbuildings

Architectural
devices

11 Professor, Department of Architecture

Takumi ITO

IoT system for disaster prevention, evacuation, and mitigation Disasteron urban buildings
prevention

12 Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Chemistry

Yumi TANAKA

Ceramic electret for electrostatic vibration power generation

Functional
materials

13 Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering

Keiichi IWAMURA

An individual controllable secrecy computation system
realizing effective use and privacy protection of big data

Telecommunications

14 Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering

Mikio HASEGAWA

Next generation network communication technology based on
Communication
complex system theories

15 Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering

Takayuki HAMAMOTO

Object segmentation from videos captured by freely moving
cameraCommunicationand information
processing

16 Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering

Yuzuru UEDA

Monitoring and analysis technologies for PV systems

Energy andenvironment

Koichi TSUKIYAMA

Bio

17 Engineering

Technology assessment to create value added for power plant
Nobuyuki YAMAGUCHI operation and electricity retailing business with theliberalization of electricity sales

Energy andenvironment

18 Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Hitoshi ISHIKAWA

Flow visualization, analysis and control

Device19 Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Hiroshi KOBAYASHI

Human assist technology cultivating a new market

Medical andwelfareAssociate Professor, Department of Electrical2020.04
No.

Affiliation, Position

20 Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Vice President and Professor, Department of Mechanical

21 Engineering

Name

Research Theme

Field of Study

Shinya SASAKI

Tribology research activities in TUS

DeviceMakoto YAMAMOTO

Numerical investigation on diagnosis and treatment systemfor diseases in blood vessel with CFD

Device22 Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Shigeka YOSHIMOTO
Precision fluid film lubrication bearings and small-sized
Masaaki MIYATAKE
non-contact support devices
Yukishige KONDO

23 Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Kuniharu USHIJIMA

Ultra-light cellular (micro lattice) structure manufactured bymetal 3D printerMachinery

Masaaki MIYATAKE

Low-wear, low-friction material; urushi lacquer containing asolid lubricant

Tribology

Masaaki MIYATAKE

Newly developed aerostatic porous bearings manufactured
using direct metal printing technology

Machinery

26 Junior Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy

Sei-ichi TANUMA
Ryoko TAKASAWA
Akira SATO

In silico platform for pharmacogenomics “COSMOS”

Bio

27 Professor, Department of Pharmacy

Chikamasa
YAMASHITA

Development of central delivery technology of peptides byintranasal administration based on new concept

Bio

28 Professor, Department of Medicinal and Life Science

Shin AOKISolution for multi-drug resistance bacteria

Bio

29 Professor, Department of Materials Science and Technology

Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Shin AOKIAtsuo YASUMORI

Development of a separation system for circulating tumor
cells (CTC)

Bio

30 Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Yoshikazu HIGAMI

Development of medicine for ischemia/reperfusion injury
with a novel mechanism

Bio

31 Professor, Department of Medicinal and Life Science

Takeshi WADA

New molecular technologies for stabilization and activation ofBionucleic acid drugs

32 Associate Professor, Department of Information Sciences

Kouichi KATSURADA Quick spoken term detection system

Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Professor, Department of Industrial Chemistry

Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical

24 Engineering

Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical

25 Engineering

Professor, Department of Pharmacy

Junior Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy

33 Associate Professor, Department of Information Sciences Satoshi IRIYAMA
Professor, Department of Applied Biological Science

Kazuyuki KUCHITSU

34 Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biological Science Nobutaka KITAHATA

Tribology

Communicationand information
processing

Secure, fast, light encryption based on non-commutative
algebraCommunicationand information
processing

High-throughput screening and identification of novel
chemicals enhancing plant defense against pathogens/pests

Bio

35 Junior AssociateProfessor, Department of Applied

Sachihiro
MATSUNAGA

World’s first visualization of the switching mechanism ofplant tip growth using novel fluorescence imaging without
recombinant DNA technique

Bio

36 Junior AssociateProfessor, Department of Applied

Sachihiro
MATSUNAGA

Active learning software for automatic classification to takeover proficient farmers as smart cultivation management

Bio

37 Science

Kazuya NAKATA

New applications of photocatalysis

Functional
materials

38 Professor, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry

Hideki SAKAI

Silica hollow particles prepared with facile process and theirapplication

Material

Biological Science

Biological Science

Associate Professor, Department of Applied BiologicalList of Research Catalogue (continued)
No.

Affiliation, Position

Name

Research Theme

Field of Study

Makoto YUASA
Takeshi KONDO

Nano/micro-seized dual drug capsule for enhancing efficacy
of supplements

Bio

Kenjiro FUJIMOTO

High-throughput screening of multicomponent functional
materials using combinatorial technology based on theelectrostatic spray deposition

DeviceTakeshi KONDO

Pinpoint electrolysis unit with conductive diamond ink
electrode for dental treatment

Medical

Kenichi SAKAI

Developments of functionalized amphiphilic molecules andactive control of interfacial properties

Colloid andinterfacechemistry

Isao SHITANDA

Multi-in-situ electrochemical impedance monitoring system
for healthcare of lithium battery

Device44 Applied Chemistry

Isao SHITANDA

Wearable healthcare devices based on printableelectrochemistry

Device45 Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering

Yohtaro UMEDA

Wireless power transfer with electromagnetic waves forremote charge of wearable terminal

Electrical

46 Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering

Shinichi KIMURA

Reconfigurable module type robot

Device47 Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering

Shinichi KIMURA

Low cost high performance on-orbit equipment using
commercial-off-the shelf devices

Device48 Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering

Nobukazu HOSHI
Noboru KATAYAMA

Sodium tetrahydroborate power (STEP) system

Energy andenvironment

49 Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering

Joji MAEDA

All-optical downlink re-modulation in optical access network

Communicationand information
processing

50 Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering

Mutsumi SUGIYAMA

Material design for novel-concept-based solar cells-sulfurization or oxidization of “cheap” metals-

Energy andenvironment

Noboru KATAYAMA

Preparation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell catalyst
Nanotechnology
layers using electro spray deposition

Masanori HAYASE

Miniature fuel cell with monolithically fabricated Si
electrodes– Multi-layer catalyst by electrochemical atomic layer
deposition –Hiroshi TAKEMURA

The image processing technology related to cancer cell region
Image processing
extraction for automatic pathological diagnosis

Professor, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry

39 JAssociate Professor, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry
Associate Professor, Department of Pure and Applied

40 Chemistry

Associate Professor, Department of Pure and Applied

41 Chemistry

Associate Professor, Department of Pure and

42 Applied Chemistry

Associate Professor, Department of Pure and

43 Applied Chemistry

Associate Professor, Department of Pure andProfessor, Department of Electrical Engineering

Associate Professor, Department of Electrical

51 Engineering

52 Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical

53 Engineering

Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical

54 Engineering

Ryosuke MATSUZAKI Three-dimensional printing of continuous-fiber composites

Manufacturing
technology

Machinery

55 Professor, Department of Industrial Administration

Professor, Department of Civil Engineering

Hirohito KOJIMA
Hayato OHWADA

An image-feature enhancement and interpretation system forDisastercrack detection of concrete surface based on feature composite
prevention
moving image inducing visual illusion

56 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering

Shintaro TERABE

Safety performance measures for railway stations

57 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering

Yasuo NIHEI

Development and installation of new type of river and tsunami
Disasterembankment that withstands various forces, and evaluation of
prevention
evacuation action under actual flood conditions

Safety2019.03
No.

Affiliation, Position

Name

Research Theme

Field of Study

58 Professor, Department of Applied Electronics

Naoyuki AIKAWA

Medical application of image processing technology

Communicationand information
processing

59 Professor, Department of Applied Electronics

Naoyuki AIKAWA

Particle size analyzer technique using image processing

Communicationand information
processing

60 Professor, Department of Applied Electronics

Jun TANIGUCHI

Multifunctional film fabrication by nano-scale rapid transfer
technologies

Nanotechnology

61 Professor, Department of Applied Electronics

Hiroki FUJISHIRO

Development of a next-generation low-power transistors
capable of operating at frequencies ranging from gigahertz toterahertz

Device62 Associate Professor, Department of Applied Electronics

Takashi IKUNO

Color sensors based on wavelength-dependent bipolar
photodetectors

Device63 Associate Professor, Department of Applied Electronics

Kenji SHIBA

Wireless energy transmission

DeviceKohei SOGAOTN (over 1000 nm)-NIR in vivo imaging system

Medical and bio

Thermoelectric waste heat recovery by environmentallybenign materials

Energy andenvironment

Keishi NISHIOElectrical and optical hydrogen gas sensor with Pt/WO3 thinfilms

Measurement
technology

Hiroaki SHIMADA

F1-ATPase relieves the damage caused by a high temperaturestress during seed development

Bio

Hiroaki SHIMADA

Translational enhancer that promotes protein biosynthesis andleads to enriched grain production

Bio

Gen-ichiro ARIMURA

Plant aroma-mediated, biological interactions: development ofBio
agri-aroma plants and medical-aroma plants

Gen-ichiro ARIMURA

Application of plant aroma-mediated biological interactions toBioagri-system and healthy food science

71 Sciences

Yoichiro IWAKURASuppression of intestinal inflammation by short chain
β-glucans

Bio

72 Professor, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences

Yoichiro IWAKURA

The regulation of chondrogenesis via Adiponectin receptors
and the therapeutic agents for osteoarthritis

Medical/Drug
Discovery

73 Professor, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences

Daisuke KITAMURA

Development of novel anti-tumor antibodies using
tumorinfiltrating B cells cultured with an original system

Bio

74 Professor, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences

Etsuko MIYAMOTOSATO

Analyses of unknown protein‒target interactions

Bio

Professor, Department of Materials Science and64 Technology

Professor, Department of Materials Science and Technology Keishi NISHIO

65 Professor, Department of Materials Science and Technology Tsutomu IIDA
Professor, Sanyo-Onoda City University

Professor, Department of Materials Science and

66 Technology

Professor, Department of Biological Science and

67 Technology

Professor, Department of Biological Science and

68 Technology

Professor, Department of Biological Science and69 Technology

Professor, Department of Biological Science and

70 Technology

Professor, Research Institute for Biomedical

Hiroaki ANNO

University Research Administration Center
provides support that integrates basic research,
applied research projects, and returning benefits to society
through industry-academia cooperation.

University mascots

Application of FEL-TUS (free electron laser at Tokyo
University of Science) to bioscience

Bio

Koichi TSUKIYAMA (Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Division I, Tokyo University of Science)
Takayasu KAWASAKI (Project Researcher, FEL-TUS, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

An infrared free electron laser (FEL) located at our Noda campus is a high-intensity pulsed light source with complete linear
polarization and tunable frequency in the mid-infrared (MIR) range. Most substances have an absorption spectrum in the
MIR range based on vibrational excitation. Using various analytical methods to investigate phenomena occurring after MIR
excitation, basic and applied research in a wide variety of research areas, from cutting-edge measurement technology
development to spectroscopy, chemistry, material science, solid state physics, and biological science, are promoted at theInfrared Free Electron Laser Research Center at Tokyo University of Science (FEL-TUS).
Summary of Research

As an example of FEL applications to life sciences/medicine, we show a SEM image that indicates the effect of FEL
irradiation on amyloid fibrils, which are considered to be the causative substance of amyloidosis diseases. Mature fibrils(top figure) disappear after irradiation with 6.17-μm-wavelength laser light (bottom right figure). This effect is only
effective at specific wavelengths proven by the fact that it is not significant at 7.2-μm wavelength (bottom left figure).
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies
Mature fibril

SEM observation

7.2-μm irradiation

6.17-μm irradiation

Conventionally, biochemical methods (inhibitionof amyloid fibril growth by drugs) are common, but
no effective therapeutic method has been found. A
physical engineering approach using infrared freeelectron laser is an entirely novel methodology.

Expected Applications
Expected applications include therapy for diseases
triggered by aggregation of amyloid fibrils such as
Alzheimer’s disease and other serious amyloidosis.

Challenges in Implementation
Direct laser irradiation of model mice brains requires
the determination of the optimal laser wavelength
according to the disease and development of a
bedside type fiber laser dedicated to that wavelengthand the development of an irradiation system.

What We Expect from Companies
Points Development of novel therapeutic methods for amyloidosis
disease using infrared laser
 Interaction between bio-related substances and high-intensity
infrared laser

Future Developments
2016–2017
Screening of laser irradiation in bio-irradiation
Microscopic elucidation of interaction between bio-related substances and FEL
2017 onwards
Irradiation of live cells, clinical applications, and development of therapeutic
methods

2019.03

Even though laser irradiation effect has beenshown in theory, we consider that elucidation of themolecular science underlying the reaction system
will lead to true innovation.

 Associated System: MEXT Project for Creation of Research
Platforms and Sharing of Advanced Research Infrastructure(Light Beam Platform)
 Related Publication: Picosecond pulsed infrared laser tuned toamide I band dissociates polyglutamine fibrils in cells
T. Kawasaki, G. Ohori, T. Chiba, K. Tsukiyama, K. Nakamura
Lasers Med. Sci., 31, 1425-1431 (2016)TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 1

Event-driven intelligent system using piezoelectricmaterials

DeviceSoichiro OKAMURA (Professor, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science Division I, Tokyo University of Science)
Takashi NAKAJIMA(Associate Professor, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science Division I, Tokyo University of Science)
Yoichiro HASHIZUME (Junior Associate Professor, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science Division I, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

To develop a monitoring system in order to solve problems of graying society and social anxiety, and to implement a simple
diagnosis system for aging infrastructure.
Summary of Research

We have developed a mat generating electricity with a force brought by human or automobile passing on the mat. This
technology can provide various pieces of information associated with walking or traffic via wireless communication using
the electricity generated by such mat “without a battery or a wiring.”
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology

Lighting

ss
le
ire
W

Mat Type Generation/
Communication Device

n
io
at
ic
un
m
om
C

A battery has been generally used
when sensor information needs to besent by wireless. However, it is able
to supply electricity to the wirelesscommunication
element
almostpermanently without charging or
replacing the battery by employing
this technology.

Expected Applications
 Walking sensor mat for monitoring
hospital patients or persons in need ofin-house nursing care (available to be
adopted even at a location where ahuman-bodydetectinginfrared
sensor cannot be installed)

Acrylic Plate
Rubber

 Automatic door
 Alarm/warning system for roadways,
platforms or plants

Piezoelectric
Plate

Challenges in Implementation

Generating Unit Capable of sending sensor information semipermanently at a location
where the battery is difficult to be charged or replaced Provide a wireless communication system operable independently evenat the time of a disaster or emergency
Points Available to be employed under cryogenic, high-temperature or
vacuum environment where the battery is difficult to be used (thepiezoelectric materials can generate electricity in a high-temperature
region covering from ultralow temperature to several hundred degrees)

Application method and communication device/protocol should be
developed and improved to establish
more stable transmission.

What We Expect from Companies
Undertake collaborate projects for
improving the wireless communication
device/protocol, and for proving
benefits to create use cases.

Future Developments
Researches will be proceeded to improve wireless communication
distance and traffic with upgraded characteristics, and to attainminiaturization and light-weighting.

No. 2

Intellectual Property:
Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-238235 “Generator”

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

2019.03

Medicaland bio

Nanoparticle for highly cell targeting technology

Hidenori OTSUKA (Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science Division I, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

Photothermal therapy is a treatment for curing cancer using external light stimuli, which wins attentions as a minimally-invasive therapy since it does not need a surgical treatment. For efficiently achieving the hyperthermic therapy, nanoparticles
need to be designed so as to have excellent in vivo biocompatibility (avoidance of capture by reticuloendothelial system(RES) around a liver or a spleen), tumor clustering and heating efficiency. In this study, we aim at implementation of more
effective hyperthermia therapy through synthesizing nanorod particles having such functions. The surface of golden
nanorod with high heat-exchange efficiency is subjected to surface modification which allows the surface to accumulate
tumor electrostatically and receptor-specifically. Compared with the conventional technology, this novel therapy is able topromote incorporation into cell with three-orders higher specificity and to provide the safer hyperthermia therapy.
Summary of ResearchAll-in-one Particle in
Photothermal Therapy
Electrostatic Interaction
Since the cellular surface is negatively
charged due to dissociation ofcarboxylic group or phosphoric group,
the cation unit is nonspecificallyaccumulated on a surface of tumor cellby the electrostatic force.

ElectrostaticInteraction

Glycoprotein

Ligand-Receptor
Interaction

Cytomembrane

Points Accumulation on cellular surface by electrostatic interaction of
cation unit
 Selective coupling and cell transfer due to ligand unit
 Effective hyperthermia therapy

Future Developments Pharmacokinetic studies are currently in progress. After thepharmacokinetic experiment is finished, in vivo pharmacology
tests using model animals are expected.
 Cytomembrane-specific cellular surface of this study is confirmed
to be useful for delivery of cytotoxic antitumor agent.
 We aim at undertaking collaborate projects with pharmaceuticaland DDS R&D companies, and acquiring sponsored research funds.

2016.03

Sugar Chain-Receptor Interaction
The sugar chain is bound to theprotein on the cellular surface; it isspecifically bound to various receptor
molecules and selectively transferred
into the cell.
Photothermal EffectIt is possible to convert the absorbed
optical energy to the thermal energy.
The tumor cell can be cured byeffective hyperthermic impact.

 Associated System:
NEDO Next Generation R&D for Function Substitution Technologies
 Awards:
Award for Encouragement of Research in Materials Science 2011,2010 and 2001 by MRS-Japan
Japan Biomaterial Science Encouragement Award 2005
STAM Highlights 2013 (the most popular articles 2013)
 Intellectual Property:
Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-045240 “Molecular Carrier
for Intracellular Delivery”
 Prototype: Present Sample: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 3

Nextgeneration
batteryHigh performance next generation Na-ion battery‒ free from rare or poisonous elements

Shinichi KOMABA (Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science Division I, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

In the 1980’s, secondary batteries with metallic lithium were commercialized as power sources with high voltage and large
capacity. However, since the lithium metal anode was highly reactive, advanced technology had been required to solve thesafety issue without sacrificing the benefits of this system. In 1991, the Japanese company Sony released the first commercial
lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery in which lithium metal was replaced by carbon materials, and it has been become an essential
power source for various equipment from portable electric devices including mobile phones to large applications such as
electric vehicles and home stationary backup power system. The Li-ion battery is now a promising candidate to be a part ofgrid energy storage incorporated with wind and solar power systems. However relatively expensive Li-price hampers torealize this system because an extremely large battery is needed and cost reduction becomes the priority rather thanperformance. In addition, deposits of lithium are concentrated in a few locations in the world and Japan completely relies onimports from North/South America and China. Thus, an alternative to lithium is greatly desired for large-scale battery, andthe Na-ion battery is now attracting much attention as a feasible technology since sodium is abundant everywhere on earth.
Summary of Research

Our laboratory developed a 3 V-class Na-ion
battery that uses Na[Ni1/2Mn1/2]O2 as the positiveelectrode and hard carbon as the negativeelectrode. This battery is capable of operating atroom temperature without any hazards and its
energy density has reached 60–80% that of widelyused graphite/LiCoO2 batteries.

Points No toxic elements
 Low cost and high power storage capacity
 Fast discharge and recharge

Future Developments

Develop scarce-metal free Na-ion batteries
for commercialization as high power storage
devices, with financial support fromJapanese government and the cooperation ofindustries.

No. 4

Na belongs to the alkali metal group in the periodic
table, just below Li, and has weaker Lewis acidity
and lower electrostatic interaction with negative
charge than Li, resulting in faster Na+ migration in
the electrode, electrolyte and interface. Thus, theNa-ion batteries have the potential to realize
ultrafast charge/discharge operation. This is one of
the advantages of the Na-ion batteries and they
contentiously demonstrate tremendous results,
making them the likely choice for the next
generation secondary battery.

 Grant Program: JSPS Funding Program for Next Generation World-Leading Researchers
 Awards: The 11th JSPS Prize (FY2014)
 Intellectual Property: WO2012/060295 “COMPOSITE METAL OXIDE, PROCESSFOR PRODUCING THE COMPOSITE METAL OXIDE, POSITIVE ACTIVE
MATERIAL FOR SODIUM SECONDARY BATTERY, POSITIVE ELECTRODE FOR
SODIUM SECONDARY BATTERY, AND SODIUM SECONDARY BATTERY”
 Prototype: Present Sample: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2016.03

Medicaland bio

Nonenzymatic, enantioconvergent dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of
racemic 2-(1H-Pyrrol-1-yl)alkanoic acids as -amino acid equivalents

Isamu SHIINA (Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science Division I, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

We have developed “dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR)” in which optically-active ester can be obtained at a yield of almost
100% by combining asymmetric esterification with recemization (I. Shiina, K. Ono, K. Nakata, Catalysis – Science &Technology, 2, 2200–2205 (2012). [Cover Feature Article] [Hot Article] [Most Accessed Article]).
Furthermore, we have also developed a novel synthesizing process which provides optically-active amino acid equivalent withexcellent selectivity by realizing DKR in a manner of applying the racemic 2-(1H-Pyrrol-1-yl)alkanoic acid to this reactions.
Summary of Research
Dynamic kinetic resolution of 2-pyrrolylpropionic acid

Reference: Tokumaru, E.; Tengeiji, A.; Nakahara, T.; Shiina, I. Chem. Lett. 2015, 44, 1768-1770.
Kinetic resolution of 2-arylpropionic acid

Reference: Shiina, I.; Nakata, K.; Ono, K.; Onda, Y.; Itagaki, M. J. AM. Chem. Soc. 2010, 132, 11629-11641.
Shiina, I.; Ono, K.; Nakata, K. Catal. Sci. Technol. 2012, 2, 2200-2205.

 Convert racemic carboxylic acid to optically-active carboxylate ester Synthesize optically-active 2-arylpropionic ester at a yield of almost 100%
 Synthesize optically-active α-amino acid ester at a yield of almost 100%
 Capable of selective synthesizing one of enantiomers directly without racemic
form separation following synthesis of racemic drug or medicinal intermediate
Points Selective synthesis of racemic α-amino acid Need not to separate/divide synthesized racemic form
 Yield of almost 100%

Future Developments
 Find other synthesis processes or solutions for shorteningof synthesis time Expand a range of application of substrate Produce novel catalysts
 Undertake collaborate projects with pharmaceutical,
food development or medicinal intermediate companies
while aiming for acquiring sponsored research funds

2018.03■ Associated System:
JST A-STEP “High-risk Challenge” type (in 2014–2017)■ Awards:
The Chemical Society of Japan Award for Creative Work 2013
The Inoue Prize for Science 2014, The Ichimura Prize for Science 2014
The Prize for Science and Technology from the Ministry of Japan 2015
■ Intellectual Property:
Japanese Patent Application No. 2014–018887 “Method for
Preparing Optically-active Carboxylate Ester”■Prototype: Present■Sample: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 5

Nanotechnology

New mechanical stress sensing rubbers from papermaterials

Seiichi FURUMI (Associate Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science Division I, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research
Cellulose, the main component of paper, cotton and wood, is a natural polymer in which glucose is polymerized as a straight chain,
and it has long been a familiar material in our daily lives. In this study, we synthesized a new cross-linking cellulose derivative into
which a functional group has been introduced that has an unsaturated bond in the lateral chain; through this means we succeededin producing a cellulose liquid crystal elastomer film that has both special visible light reflection properties and rubber elasticity.
Furthermore, we also discovered that this can be used for strain sensors capable of sensing mechanical pressure in real time.
Summary of Research
In this study, we have developed a new rubber material (elastomer) that can sense mechanical pressure through reflected color,
and which uses cellulose—the main component of paper—as its raw material. Focusing on the features of low cost cellulose,
which is friendly both to the environment and human body, we have created a new cellulose liquid crystal elastomer film
that—due to its unique molecular design—exhibits Bragg reflection throughout the whole visible wavelength range, and also
possess rubber elasticity. For example, when mechanical compressive force is applied to this cellulose liquid crystal elastomer
film, one of its characteristics is that reflected color changes reversibly from red to blue-green in the compressed region only,
allowing verification of the visualization of stress sensing.
Comparison with Conventional or Competitive Technology

Initial state

Red reflected color

Transparent
spoon• Conventional: Exhibits reflection characteristics derived from cholesteric
crystals.
• This study: Achieved rubber elasticity in addition to reflection characteristics.
• Conventional liquid crystal elastomer: Manufactured mainly by chemical
synthesis performed on materials derived from petroleum.
• Liquid crystal elastomer in this study: Can be created using cellulose, anatural polymer, as the raw material.
Expected Applications

Compression

ReleaseCompressed state• Sensors for social infrastructure capable of detecting distortion, such as inconcrete.
• Wearable sensors that can be affixed to human skin.
• Inexpensive reflective displays with a low burden on the environment.
Challenges in Implementation• Quantitative evaluation of interrelation between rubber elasticity andreflection characteristics of cellulose liquid crystal elastomer film.
• Optimization of cellulose liquid crystal elastomer film conditions such thatit exhibits excellent rubber elasticity.

The compressedregion changes to ablue-green reflectedcolor.

Points• Raw material is cellulose, which is abundant on earth, and is friendly to the human body and environment• The cellulose liquid crystal elastomer film, with its special reflection characteristics and rubber elasticity, can beprepared using a simple chemical reaction• It can be used not only in displays and as a coloring material, but also as a distortion sensor

Future Developments
In cooperation with various private companies, we aim
not only to research and develop new cross-linking
cellulose derivatives but also use them in sensors anddisplays.

No. 6

What We Expect from Companies• We are hoping to conduct collaborative research with private companies
specializing in chemistry, precision instruments, architecture, and medicalcare.

■ Associated System: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research, Basic Research (B),JST Adaptable and Seamless Technology Transfer Program through Target-driven R&D(A-STEP)■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Unexamined patent Application Publication No. 2018-048289
Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-014066, Japanese Patent
Application No. 2018-063259■ Prototype: Available■ Sample: Available■ Awards: 12th Funai Academic Award, 2nd IMRA JAPAN Award, and 10 others

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

2019.03

Material

Photocatalytic chiral complex reducing heavy metal
ions by visible light irradiation

Takashiro AKITSU (Professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Division II, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

Heavy metals are used in many industrial fields. However, some of them are very toxic and are said to be harmful to humans andthe environment. There is a demand for technologies that can easily and efficiently remove heavy metals contained in industrial
waste and wastewater. This laboratory discovered an innovative catalyst, amino acid-derivative chiral copper (II) complex,
which reduces hexavalent chromium, a highly toxic heavy metal, to less-toxic trivalent chromium by visible light irradiation.
Summary of Research

We have discovered a photocatalyst composed of amino acid-derivative chiral Schiff base copper (II) complex that reduces
environmentally harmful hexavalent chromium by visible light irradiation. In addition, the scope of the reaction was
expanded to include a visible light-irradiated solvent of methanol and promotion of the reaction was enhanced. An analysis
using the diphenyl-carbazide method of hexavalent chromium demonstrated that 20-min visible light irradiation
significantly decreased a peak near 540 nm from the level before irradiation, and after that, irradiation continued to decrease
the peak intensity.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies
The ordinary homogeneous photocatalyst titanium oxide
mainly works as a catalyst for oxidation using UV light,
which makes up only part of the spectrum of sunlight,
while this complex photocatalyst uses visible light,
which makes up about half of the spectrum of sunlight.

Expected Applications

Irradiating visible light
reduced the amount ofhexavalent chromium.

• Applying this catalyst to a methanol solvent reduces
the load of pre-treating wastewater.
• Other than that, this catalyst has the effect ofoxidizing methanol.

Challenges in Implementation
Laboratory-scale reactions have been verified. In orderto put this catalytic reaction to practical use, it isnecessary to establish a technology that utilizes it inwastewater treatment equipment.

What We Expect from Companies
We would like to conduct joint research with companies
that
have
wastewater
treatment
equipment
technologies. This technology is useful for companies
that need to conduct treatment for heavy metal ions.

Points• Visible light can be used instead of UV• It provides a catalytic reaction in methanol instead of water• An appropriate molecule design will make it possible to apply this catalyst to
light-absorbing materials such as sunscreen cosmetics

Future Developments

To put this technology to practical use, we will look into
joint activities with companies conducting related businesses
such as plating and heavy metal wastewater treatment.

2017.03■ Awards: Dr. Radhakanta Kajal Sen Merit Scholarship Award, 2014
■ Prototype: Completed■ Sample: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 7

Architectural Development of new oil damper for architectural vibration control
and experimental research on structural characterization
devicesOsamu TAKAHASHI (Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

Develop a new vibration control system to solve problems with methods used when reinforcing buildings based on oldearthquake standards.
Conventional method
Reinforcement that
adds rigidity

New method

Damper that dampens

Purpose of Research
Proposing a new vibration
control system to resolve
problems

Problems
・Growing construction
costs
・Decrease in the numberof openings

Oil damper with a spring, a new
vibration control system withrigidity and damping properties

Summary of Research

The oil damper with a spring is a new vibration control damperthat combines an oil damper for building vibration control andvisco-elastic and highly damping materials.

Comparison of theresults of experiments
and those of analysis

Damping force (kN)

Damping force-displacement relationship

Experimental
valuesAnalyticalvalues

Displacement (mm)・ With respect to random input waves, the results of analysis enable
tracing of the results of experiment with sufficient accuracy.

Oil damper with a spring as a test body・ Use of the analytical model of the proposed oil damper with a spring
enables analysis of vibration in the structural design of actual buildings.

Friction damper with a spring

I edgecontact

Oil damper

J edgecontact

Connecting
point OFriction damper with a spring

Analytical model of the oil damper with a spring

Points The new oil damper with a spring is more rigid anddamping than the conventional type of building oil
damper At the time of design, temperature dependency does
not need to be considered in the range oftemperatures at which the damper is expected to be
used (room temperature to +50ºC)

Future Developments

We will examine the vibration characteristics and structural safety of the damper in order to apply it to actual buildings.

No. 8

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2017.03

Architectural Structural design and engineering for future buildings
by unknown materials
devicesOsamu TAKAHASHI (Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

Our laboratory conducts research to find new materials not often used as structural members of buildings, and use them asarchitectural structural materials.
(1) High-performance rope intertwined with high-strength aramid fiber

Usage as architectural
structural materials(2) Polyurea resin (synthetic resin coating)(3) Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP)

Summary of ResearchMaterial

Outline

Key points• High-strength aramid fiber
is light and very strong incomparison with steel
frames and other common
structural members.

High-strength aramid fiber(para-aramid fiber)

Used as a bracing member for
timber framing

No polyurea resin• High-strength aramid fiber
is highly flexible and canwithstand acid and alkali.

Load (kN)

Displacement (mm)Relationship between load anddisplacement (timber)Comparison based on the thicknessof polyurea resin
Comparison of the physicalvalues of CFRP and steel

CFRP

Usage
• Seismic reinforcement andmaintenance
Advantages• Lightness• Outdoor usage is possible.
Issues• Weight reduction of joint parts• Jointing methods

2.5-mm polyurea resin• Polyurea resin is verystrong and elastic.

Polyurea resin(synthetic resin coating)

Usages, advantages and issues

CFRP
(NCF)

Steel
(SS400)Tensilestrength(kN/mm2)

0.60

0.40

Specific
gravity(kg/m3)

1550

7850

* NCF: Non-crimp fabric• The load-bearing capacityof a specimen withpolyurea resin applied
increases by up to 1.7
times compared with thatof a specimen without
polyurea resin applied.

• The tensile strength of
CFRP is 1.5 times that ofsteel.
• The specific gravity of
CFRP is approximately
one fifth that of steel.
• CFRP is light and verystrong compared with steel.

Advantage• Increased bending strength anddeformation-following
characteristic
Issue• Reinforcement of timber andconcrete block walls

Advantage• Increased member strength• Reduced fixed load
• Reduced seismic load
• Reduction of transportation andconstruction cost
Issue
• Methods of jointing members• Usage in actual designs

Future Developments

Continuing research for practical use

2017.03

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 9

Architectural Structural design and consulting about aseismic
isolation buildings
devicesOsamu TAKAHASHI (Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

We conduct research on seismic isolated structures that are effective
 Basic structure of laminated rubber
Internal rubber
against the risk of earthquake.
Internal steel plate
Bolt hole
Rubber covering
Problems with existing seismic isolators• Laminated rubber with metal plugs: Negative effects of lead on
Rubbercovering
humans and the environment
Building• High-damping rubber: Needed to be replaced due to the mislabeling incident
FlangeResearch conducted in our laboratory(1) Development of laminated rubber with the use of plugs made of materials that are not toxic to humans or theenvironment, and can be manufactured and discarded at low cost(2) Research on structural safety when laminated rubber is replaced
Summary of Research

Press-fit plug
LaminatedrubberPress-fitting of a foam metal plug

Compression sheer test of laminated rubber
Primary characteristic period(seconds) by eigenvalue analysis

Three-dimensional model ofan analytical building

Analyticalmodel

When we replaced thelaminated rubber, wemeasured the microtremors
while the building was being
jacked up and jacked down.

Seismic isolator

We evaluated the natural
period and the damping
constant through frequency
analysis of the measurements.

Jack: Jacking-down: Jacking-up

Laminated rubber

Longitudinal
direction: East-West direction

eRB

2.71

: North-South direction

LRB

3.21

Foam metal andsilicone rubber

3.15

Only foam metal

3.42(White: Manufactured product,
Yellow: Developed product)• The effect of seismic isolation of the developed product was confirmed.
• The damping function of the developed product was unsatisfactory.
• It is necessary to reconsider using nickel chrome and silicone rubber.

Replacement work (jack-down)

2.91

Replacement work (jack-up)

4.36

Passing of atyphoonHDR
SnRB

Damping constant ratio

Foam metal

Press-fit guide(2) Structural characteristics whenreplacing laminated rubber

Characteristic period (s)(1) Development of laminated rubber with foam metal
used as a plug

During jacking-up,(1) the natural period gets shorter and the rigidity gets larger,
and(2) the damping constant gets smaller.

Future Developments
Improving the performance of plugs for practical use

No. 10TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2017.03

IoT system for disaster prevention, evacuation, andmitigation on urban buildings

Disasterprevention

Takumi ITO *Takahiro YAMAMOTO
Takayuki KAWAHARA
Mikio HASEGAWA
Takashi NAKAJIMA
Yoichiro HASHIZUME(Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science *Research leader)(Associate Professor, Liberal Arts, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)(Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)(Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)(Associate Professor, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science Division I, Tokyo University of Science)(Junior Associate Professor, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science Division I, Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

Japan is at the forefront of seismic technology. Still, the damage from recent earthquakes calls for viable measures for
ensuring safety in damaged buildings and cities, going beyond the traditional assumption of the perfect avoidance ofseismic damage. The development of an intelligent house in this research applies the concept of IoT so that buildings cansense and report any pain or discomfort.
Summary of Research

We propose a new IoT-based building system that detects, analyzes, diagnoses and notifies human activities and damage
from earthquakes. Such an intelligent house features: 1) energy harvesting to supply power to sensor and radio devices, 2)
power-saving radio communication network and 3) AI analysis and diagnosis system in order to effectively prevent disaster(seismic design of building), facilitate evacuation (quake diagnosis, life protection, and relief) and mitigate disaster(resilience to ensure rescue and quick recovery of the building).
Normal condition

Extraordinary
condition

Archiving function

Real-time response

Communication andnotification

Strain gauge

Cloud, AI
and big data

Digital automatic
strain gauge

Load detection
devicePC system

Statusevaluation

Switchbox

Power

Architecture design

Measurement, sensing and AI
analysis

Watching out for children
and senior citizens

Measurement andrecording

Measurement

Logistic hub (recovery
materials and relief goods)

Radio communication network

Power-saving radio
communication*1)

Workers and volunteers

Energy harvesting
Integration

AI analysis
3D ising machine

Wi-SUN
Energyharvesting

Preventing crimeand disasters

AI signal processing

Protection
against sneak Security andpolicethieves

Evacuation to outside andguidance to shelters

AI LSI chip

Earthquake*1) Partnership with the National Institute ofInformation and Communications Technology

Schematic illustration of an intelligent house applying IoT

Building performance

Normalcondition
Comparison ofrecovery time

Earthquake

Element technologies for achieving an intelligent house

Characteristics of Our Intelligent House
Normalcondition

Extraordinary
condition

E

Normalcondition

R0

R1

R2

: Conventional house

Time fordiagnosing• Conventional housethe damage= t0 + t1 + t2
• Intelligent houseD0= t0 + t3 + t4
D2

Shorter time for recovery construction
Shorter time for rating the damage: Intelligent house

E : Earthquake that disrupts normal condition
D : Damage from earthquake (extraordinary condition)

D1

R : Recovery from earthquake (extraordinary condition)

t0

t3

t4

t1

t2

Recovery time

Shorter time for diagnosing damage and recovery

Points• An intelligent house that embodies IoT• Energy harvesting, power-saving radio communication,
and AI analysis• Quicker damage diagnosis and recovery from earthquakes

Future Developments• Consolidation of element technologies based on discussing performance target
and on-site research• Consolidation of architectural design method for installing an IoT system

2019.03

Sensing• Energy harvesting for powering sensor and radio devices• Power-saving radio communication network• Big data analysis with AI

Advantages of Our Intelligent House• Quick information of damage and recovery status• Quick recovery of affected building• Monitoring of children and senior citizens, andprotection against crimes, sneak thieves and disasters

What We Expect from Companies• Joint research on element technologies• Proposal of new research fields■ Associated System: JST Strategic Basic Research Programs (Sakigake)■ Intellectual Property: Patent application PCT/JP2016/080628■ Prototype: A demonstration unit is available■ Sample: A test building for on-site research can be visited

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration CenterNo. 11

Functional
materials

Ceramic electret for electrostatic vibration power
generation

Yumi TANAKA (Associate Professor, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of ResearchSome small-size vibration power generators use what is known as “environmental vibrations,” which are generated by the
movement of people, vehicles, and machines, as a power source. Recently, there has been a move to put this type ofgenerator to practical use. Electrostatic vibration power generation is a vibration-to-power conversion method that uses anelectret, which is a material that stably holds static electricity. This research aims to develop a ceramic electret forelectrostatic vibration power generation.
Summary of Research

While many types of electrets use polymers as the base material, this research uses a ceramic base material that exhibits
properties that are in between those of dielectrics and ionic conductors depending on temperature. To turn a ceramic baseinto an electret, apply a DC electric field and heat to the material to induce ionic polarization in it, and then cool it under theelectric field to room temperature to freeze the polarization. Using this method, we have developed an electret that holds a
surface potential exceeding ± 4000 V.
Ceramic base

Polarization
process

Ceramic electretComparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies• Surface charge density is dramatically increased(double-digit increase or more).
• Surface charge stability is dramatically improved(semi-permanent).

Expected Applications
Heating and applying
an electric field
Induce ionic conduction

Cooling under anelectric field
Freezing polarization• Vibration power generators for devices with a power
consumption of microwatts to milliwatts (Such as
sensor nodes for wireless sensor networks)• Special substrates that exhibit a peculiar selective
adsorption property for ions and molecules using a
local electric field

Challenges in Implementation
We have developed a high-performance bulk ceramicelectret with a thickness of about 1 mm. Making athin-film electret is the main challenge before thistechnology can be put to practical use. It is necessary toestablish a technology that applies a high surface electric
potential to a film with a thickness of tens of microns.

Points• Generates a surface electric potential of ± 4000 V or
higher on a planar element• Has a heat resistant property superior to polymers(maintains the surface electric potential up to about 80ºC)• The surface electric potential can be increased bylaminating multiple films

What We Expect from Companies
We hope to conduct a joint research program with acompany that holds a ceramic thin film manufacturing
technology or a company that is developing vibration
power generators and plans to advance into the IoT
market.

■ Associated System: JST’s CREST program, Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-141797 “Electret Materials and Manufacturing Method,”and others■ Prototype: Completed

No. 12

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

2019.03

Telecommu- An individual controllable secrecy computation system
nications realizing effective use and privacy protection of big data

Keiichi IWAMURA (Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

The effective use of big data is one of the keywords in the present technology. However, because big data includes personaland confidential information, there is a need to protect privacy while using this data. One of the technologies for realizing
this is secrecy computation. However, because the data is processed while being kept secret, the processing is generally
heavy, and due to the huge amount of data, conventional technology cannot be easily used. Thus, I am researching a methodthat can be controlled by even a smartphone.
Summary of Research

When users store data in the cloud, it is encrypted in order to protect the data. However, when it is time to use the data, thedata must decrypt itself, so it cannot be processed in the cloud. In recent years, much research has been conducted into secrecy
computation, which utilizes the secrecy sharing scheme to enable processing in the cloud using secret data while maintaining
the secrecy of the data. However, when management of the cloud is outsourced to a single company, users cannot escape theinsecurity that the secretly shared data may be collected and decrypted. Therefore, I propose a system in which secrecy
computation using the secrecy sharing scheme cannot be performed without the data that is managed by the user. Even for ahuge volume of data, as long as the user manages a single key, the system realizes high-speed secrecy computation.

Life log system using a smartphone
Because of the light weight and small volume, it is possible tocreate an application that secretly manages an individual’s
own records (life log) on a smartphone

User enters
his/her ID andpassword

Select a product

PointsEven if the user
stores the large
purchase history on
a management
system, it ispossible to manage
the history, total
amounts, etc.
without the contentsof the data being
made known.

 Generate a huge volume of shares from a secret key withoutstoring the data High-speed secret sharing scheme can be realized using justaddition and subtraction
 Owner of the secret data can control the secrecy computations

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology
 The huge volume of data that should be managed on
the server can be consolidated into a single key datathat the user can manage.
 Proposing a high-speed secrecy sharing scheme thatenables sharing and restoration through just additionand subtraction.
 Because the user only needs to manage a single key,secrecy computations using smartphones and othersimilar devices are possible.

Expected Applications
 Managing household expenses online (can average andtabulate monetary amounts, which is personal
information, while maintaining the secrecy) Life log application (every time data is created, it canbe shared, secretly computed and decrypted using asmartphone) Statistical processing while maintaining the secrecy ofthe personal information in the medical and other fields(enables both a reduction in record volumes andstatistical processing)

Challenges in Implementation
The basic secrecy calculations has been realized, but study
needs to be conducted into the practical applications.

What We Expect from Companies

Future Developments
October 2015:
Demonstration at the Computer Security Symposium 20152016: Presentation at an international conference=> Acquire an international evaluation (target)
2016: Realize the world’s smallest and fastest secrecy
computation (target)
2016: Specialize specific applications (target)

2016.03

Companies that want to use this research for a specificapplication are asked to contact me.

Associated System: Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research, Basic
Research (C)Intellectual Property: Patent application filed in Japan
Prototype: Available
Sample: Can be provided subject to the conclusion of an agreement
Awards: Fellowship from the Information Processing Society of JapanTOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration CenterNo. 13

Communica- Next generation network communication technology
based on complex system theories
tion

Mikio HASEGAWA (Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

Advances in ICT have brought into service a variety of wired/wireless networks throughout society. Such networks are now being
applied to not only inter-human but also inter-device communication, e.g. in information collection and systems control. To deal
with emerging problems associated with the more diversified types and larger scale of networks and their applications, we areapplying new complex mathematical modeling theories to develop a novel paradigm for information communication systems.
Summary of ResearchExperimental system of optimized wireless network

Wireless inter-node synchronization basedon natural environmental noise

PointsNovel Synchronization Method Based on Nonlinear
Oscillation Theory
In order to establish a wireless communication link, transmitter andreceiver have to be synchronized. This is conventionally done bymeans of a synchronization signal, but the overhead is not small. We
have developed a novel natural environmental noise-based synchronization technique which requires no synchronization signal. The basic
concept is that when the same noise is applied to the limit cycle ofnonlinear oscillators, phase synchronization occurs. A nonlinear
oscillator is run on each terminal, and highly correlated environmental
noise is added thereto to achieve phase synchronization, based on
which the clocks in each device are adjusted. Thus, synchronization
occurs without any synchronization signal interaction. We havedemonstrated the feasibility of this type of synchronization in an
actual wireless sensor network.

• Algorithm for rigorous optimal wireless network selection• Inter-node synchronization using natural environmental noise in actual wireless network

Future Developments

 5th gen. wireless optimization technology
 Further applications of complex systems theories

No. 14

Rigorous Optimization of Operating Efficiency of WirelessCommunication Networks
A typical modern communication device such as a smartphone usuallycontains more than one wireless module and can access more than one
network. Finding and changing to the optimal network at a location
can improve the entire communication quality of networks.
To realize such optimal wireless network selection, we are studying
various optimization schemes based on autonomous distributed
algorithms, machine learning, and rigorous optimization algorithms.
In a selection problem with a huge number of possible combinations,an approx-imate solution by an algorithm with no theoreticalguarantee is usually used. In contrast, we have formulated this as aminimum cost ﬂow problem and developed a new algorithm that canrigorously obtain the optimal state even of a large scale network.

Awards:
IEICE Communications Society Best English Paper Award(May 2015) and SR Society Best Paper Award (May 2012)

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2016.03

Communication Object segmentation from videos captured by freely
and information
moving camera
processing

Takayuki HAMAMOTO(Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

Moving object extraction is one of the most important techniques because a wide range of applications can be expected, suchas video surveillance system, etc. Previous methods have assumed that a video was captured with a stationary camera. In
contrast, the proposed system allows us to extract moving objects from a video captured with a freely-moving camera. The
proposed system will be applicable to a wide range of applications such as automatic digest generation of a video, etc.
Summary of Research

By analyzing motion information (motion flow fields) acquired from a video, the proposed system separates such motion flow
fields into the motions of the moving objects and those of background regions. In particular, clustering of the motion flows is
performed by using a histogram of oriented gradients that is computed using the motion flow fields. Unlike the previous
methods that require an analysis of long-term motion information of a video, the proposed system can discriminate themotions of the moving objects by only using the two consecutive frames. Therefore, the proposed system is able to capture thesmall motions of objects. Based on the results obtained by this motion field analysis, the proposed system enables us to extract
regions of the moving objects using an algorithm called “graph cut,” which is a well-known method for image segmentation.

PointsOriginal image

Motion vector field

Extracted moving objects

Motion detection result(green: foreground; blue: background) A novel method for extracting moving objects from a video captured with a freely-moving camera is proposed Only the two consecutive frames are used for an analysis for discriminating the motions of the moving
objects from those of background regions
 Small motions of objects can be differentiatedFuture Developments• Explore an effective approach when the camera moves toward the forward-and-backward direction or rotates• Verify the effectiveness of the proposed system using various videos• Real time processing implementation

2019.03

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration CenterNo. 15

Energyandenvironment

Monitoring and analysis technologies for PV systems

Yuzuru UEDA (Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

For great utilization of renewable energy resources, many PV (Photovoltaic) systems, with high reliability and a lifetime of
20 years or more, are expected to be installed. However, daily weather changes can greatly affect their power output, andthus the problem occurs that a PV system may not be noticed. Accordingly, in order to maintain the performance of a PV
system for many years, it is essential to monitor the system and analyze the monitoring data. Our group is developing a
failure detection system which can monitor and diagnose a wide range of PV systems (from rooftop to mega-solar plants)
at low cost and in a simple manner.
Summary of Research

To effectively diagnose a PV system, its power output and the energy input (solar irradiance) must be monitored. However,an on-site pyranometer is rarely installed in a typical rooftop PV system. We have developed and are using a Web-based
self-diagnosis support system, which diagnose PV systems based on the data from pyranometers installed at nearby weather
stations and public buildings. For mega-solar and other large power plants that are often monitored by on-site pyranometry,
we are developing a method to detect a small (a few %) power decrease by detailed analysis of data obtained by measuring
over periods of 1 min.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology

Module power output (Wh) monitored

DC circuit

Analysis error

Measurement error

Losses/gains in lightto electricity
conversion

AC output

Measurement error

Solar irradiation

PV conversion efficiency
Difference in ratings

Sunlight
losses/gainsSystemoutputPCS (inverter)

Maximum output function point mismatch

Array I-V imbalance
Module temp.
Non-linearity at• MPPT tracking error
low irradiance
I-V curve with steps
Degradation/restoration
Fast change
Spectral mismatch
System start/low irradiance
Reflection (incident angle)
Optical degradation/dirt
Shade• PCS protection function• System voltage• Insufficient PCS capacity

System power output (Wh) monitored

From web-based self-diagnosis for domestic PV
systems to complex analysis of mega-solar plants,
the energy conversion of a PV system is analyzed
and its health is evaluated using our model. Ourmodel can also predict power output based on
weather information with high accuracy.

Expected Applications
 Self-diagnosis support for actual PV systems.
 Evaluation of health of large PV plants.
 Pre-construction power generation prediction
and profitability assessment for a new plant.

Challenges in Implementation
 Make server environment and optimize
system to enable use of the self-diagnosis
support system by many users.
 More pyranometer sites required.

What We Expect from Companies
PointsAdvanced analysis system to detect a problem in a PV system
based on minimal monitoring data.

Future Developments

Use satellite data for better solar irradiance estimation.
Deploy the self-diagnosis support system throughout Japan.

No. 16

 Pyranometer installation and provision of databy power plants.
 Joint study proposals for server systeminstallation and web system optimization.

 Associated System:
Participated in JST CREST EMS “System Theory for HarmonizedPower System Control Based on Photovoltaic Power Prediction”(April 1, 2015–March 31, 2017) as the chief joint researcher

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

2019.03

Energyandenvironment

Technology assessment to create value added for
power plant operation and electricity retailingbusiness with the liberalization of electricity sales

Nobuyuki YAMAGUCHI (Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

In Japan, the phased liberalization of electricity sales (electricity system reform) is under way with its completion scheduled
for 2020. As a result, any company will be able to enter power generation, power transmission and distribution, andelectricity retailing businesses if it obtains a license. With this deregulation, an electricity market worth ¥7.5 trillion is
expected to emerge according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In Europe and North America, where theelectricity market was liberalized earlier, not only electric energy (kWh), but also electric system control called an“ancillary service” is procured or traded openly, and this is attracting public attention as something that suggests how
electricity business and technology assessment in Japan should be in the future.
Summary of ResearchThis research uses mathematical programming to formulate operation plans aimed at cost minimization taking complicatedtechnical restrictions at power plants into consideration and proposes optimal agreements for electricity users using demand
response by adjusting power consumption according to wholesale electricity prices. It also assesses the value of ancillary
services for electricity system control in order to support interconnected photovoltaic and wind power generation systems
whose output fluctuate widely.
Draw up operation plans
using bidding information

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies

System operator

Residue oil
Coal-based
synthetic fuel
Water power
Output at power source (GW)Natural gas
Subbituminous coal

Hard and bituminous coaltmensess ningsalogy y plan n ofghno
Tec strate ralizatio
and e libe y salesht
for t lectricieExpected Applications

Nuclear power• Formulating a wholesale electricity trading
strategy with ancillary services in mind
• Examining power source investment
strategies taking future policy risks into
account• Lowering wholesale electricity
procurement costs utilizing demand
response

Hour end

Demand response
aggregator
Electricity generator
Seller of energy andancillary services

PointsSeller of ancillary
services
Retailer

Challenges in Implementation• Enabling reviews focusing on technical restrictions andpolicy/market risks to which analyzers pay attention• Analyzing power generation, power transmission and distribution,and electricity retailing businesses in an integrated manner• Examining suggestions to Japan through research and analysis ofoverseas electricity business

Future Developments• Sophistication of analysis according to the progress in electricity system
reform• Establishment of a body to promote wide-area electricity use• Creation of an hour-ahead market and full liberalization of electricity sales• Creation of a real-time market and removal of pricing regulations

2017.03

Setting questions in a way that is consistent
with the technical restrictions of power plants,
power transmission networks, distribution
networks, etc. and with electric business
policy in Japan and abroad and enablingstrategy planning transcending the boundaries
between engineering and policy-making

Verifying the effectiveness and refining
models based on not only sample data but also
actual data

What We Expect from Companies
Considering corroborative joint research using
field data

■ Associated System:
Participating in the research project in the JST-CREST EMS
area, named “Building System Theory for Harmonized Power
System Control based on Photovoltaic Power Prediction” as its
principal joint researcher(From April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2017)TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration CenterNo. 17

Device

Flow visualization, analysis and control

Hitoshi ISHIKAWA (Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

Fluid machinery, such as pipelines, wings, pumps and blowers, are widely used in engineering application. But it isdifficult to study and analyze the behavior of their working fluids, such as air, water and oil, since most of them areinvisible. By using dedicated measuring instruments and utilizing our expertise, our laboratory can visualize flows andefficiently measure flow velocity and flow structure. We propose flow control technologies and develop devices that are
useful for improving the efficiency of fluid machinery.
Summary of Research

We can visualize flows using smoke-wire, tracer and other techniques, and can measure flow rates and flow velocities using
flowmeters, hot-wire anemometers, and particle image velocimetry (PIV), etc. Objects brought into our laboratory can bemeasured using our wind tunnel equipment, and we can also conduct analysis under multiple conditions using numericalsimulation.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies

Flow visualization (flow control jet)

• Ability to visualize invisible fluids• Measurement instruments specificallydesigned for measuring flow rates andflow velocities• Abundant expertise regarding fluid
control• Two approaches to analysis:
experiment and numerical simulation

Expected Applications• Proposing design specifications forequipment• Performance evaluation andimprovement of equipment• Proposing and developing control
methods and devices to suppress flowtransition and separation
Wind tunnel equipment with 400 × 400 mm outlet

PointsFlow visualization (separation from a wing)• Flow visualization• Flow velocity measurement using hot-wire anemometers and PIV, and vector analysis• Wind tunnel equipment with an outlet of 400 × 400 mm, and other advantages

Future Developments

Development of new types of flow control devices.

No. 18■ Research Structure: Successful history of conducting joint researchwith public and private institutions■ Awards: Awarded for our contributions by the Fluids Engineering
Division, Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers■ Technical Guidance: Abundant experience in providing technicalguidance

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2018.03

Medical andwelfareHuman assist technology cultivating a new market

Hiroshi KOBAYASHI (Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

To research & develop seeds for innovative technologies to realize the world where “whoever lives can live independently.”
Summary of Research

Develop a wearable robot assisting muscle force: muscle suitActive walker which allows a person with gait disorder to walk in a right posture
without fallingDevelop a teacher robot which can communicate with hyper-realistic facial expressions
Develop a toilet with new buttock-fitting mechanism
Develop a swallowing robot

Muscle suit for lower back support
PointsOur university actively collaborates with the companies to proceed R&D of “Only One,” worldwide uniquerobots and machines for actually helping and assisting people in viewpoint of the human, considering
productization

Future Developments

We have established a venture corporation “INNOPHYS” incollaboration with KIKUCHI SEISAKUSHO CO., LTD., alisted enterprise whose main business is to manufacture
prototype and has undertaken a joint research with ouruniversity for producing the muscle suit, on December 27, 2013.
The new products are released in a market via INNOPHYS.

2016.03

 Intellectual Property:
Japanese Patent No. 05505740 “Waist Assistance Device,” andmany others
 INNOPHYS CO., LTD. (Representative: Takashi Fujimoto)
Address: c/o Tokyo University of Science, 4-2-2 Kagurazaka,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel. +81(0)3-5225-1083
Main Businesses: Development, Design and Sale of Motion
Support Devices

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration CenterNo. 19Device

Tribology research activities in TUS

Shinya SASAKI (Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science), etc.
Purpose of Research

The tribology can be applied to various fields, and it requires broad knowledge of science and technology. Since thesystematized techniques in order have not been established yet, this subject tends to be shunned by field researchers. However,there are lots of unavoidable problems related to the tribology existed within mechanical system design and machine
maintenance. Hence, we have been working on the research in order to develop unique key technology from the viewpointthat tribology is one of the strategically important technologies for enhancing competitiveness of industrial products.
Summary of Research• Evaluate tribological features (Standardization, development of evaluation equipment)• Fundamental mechanism (Super low friction, zero wear, tribo-chemical reaction)• Surface analysis (Chemical and mechanical analysis of tribo-surface and layers)• Evaluate nano-properties of surfaces (Nanoindentation, SPM)
• Develop a lubrication system for special environments by using new lubricants(Ionic liquid as a lubricant for high-temperature and high vacuum conditions)• Develop technology for producing a functional surface by using a metal 3D printer• Surface modification (Soft-mater and hard coatings, surface texturing)• Design and evaluate high-functional bearings (Sliding bearing, rolling bearing or novel bearings)

Production: metal 3D printer,
laser fine processing, coating, etc.

PointsTribology feature evaluation:
develop international standard
and evaluation device

Tribology is very important and fundamental technology within a wide range of science and technology forcreating the new product groups. Tribology is useful for improving mechanical system performances (high-energy
efficiency, high reliability, long service life, high accuracy and low cost)
Both investigation and understanding the tribological phenomenon must to be understood correctly in order toperform troubleshooting or maintenance of the products. When the new product is developed, the tribo-element
which is an essential component of the machine system tends to become a problem. Such a problem should be
solved by the design technique based on the tribology. If you find any problems or obstacles related to the tribology
or you want to get more information on mechanism and evaluation, please contact us

Future Developments
Open “Tribology Center” at Katsushika Campus
on April 2015
International Tribology Conference
2015 (held by Japanese Society of Tribologists,
Site: TUS Katsushika Campus)

No. 20Analysis/interpretation: shape measurement,
nano-property evaluation (SPM), adsorption property (QCM),
wettability evaluation and various surface analyses

 Associated System:
Support project of open platform construction in university,
one of 2013 Local Innovation Promotion Projects supported by
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Subsidy for collaborative creation program(support for maintenance of facilities and equipments within university)

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2016.03

Device

Numerical investigation on diagnosis and treatment
system for diseases in blood vessel with CFD

Makoto YAMAMOTO (Vice President and Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering Faculty of Engineering,Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research
The human blood vascular system can be suffered by various diseases under the influence of blood circulation state. In the past, how
to diagnose or treat these diseases have been determined almost depending on experiences of the physician. The diagnosis/treatment
techniques based on scientific knowledge are demanded to be proposed and developed. This study is intended to confirm thediagnosis criterion for vascular diseases with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) algorithm, and to develop a diagnosis/treatment
system for predicting efficacy of therapy using a coil or a stent.
Summary of ResearchThis study deals with growth or rupture of cerebral aneurysm, efficiency of stent therapy for cerebral aneurysm, atherosclerotic lesionin a carotid artery, etc. The blood vessel shape model is created from the images obtained by MRI or CT. The blood circulation stateis analyzed in detail based on the model with the CFD algorithm. Using this analysis data, the quantitative diagnosis criterion is
confirmed for each disease, and the diagnosis/treatment system is structured and developed based on the scientific knowledge.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology
Out university is able to create/propose the diagnosis
criterion based on enormous patient data through thecollaborative project with the Jikei University Schoolof Medicine. Though the blood flow analysis is nottechnically difficult, it is impossible to establish thereliable diagnosis criterion without patient data.

Expected Applications• Scientific diagnosis for various vascular diseases• Planning of treatment policy• Core or software for diagnosis/treatment system

Challenges in Implementation
CFD Analysis example

Points• Scientific diagnosis and treatment are realized!
• Diagnosis/treatment criteria are made based on enormous
patient data!
• Diagnosis is made at the same time as the patient issubject to MRI or CT scan!
• The therapeutic efficiency can be confirmed scientifically!
• This system can be introduced in every hospital in theworld!

Future Developments• Reflect verification examples and establish
diagnosis/treatment criteria• Develop diagnosis/treatment system• Develop a prototype system• Introduce such system in every hospital in theworld

2019.03

The fundamental blood flow analysis technique isestablished, but the blood vessel shape model cannot
be automatically created from MRI or CT image. If
the automatic model creation becomes possible, thediagnosis/treatment system construction will beachieved as a supplement system of MRI and CT.

What We Expect from Companies
We are looking for a company as a collaborative
project partner who is willing to deal with
development of diagnosis/treatment system for
vascular diseases together with us.

 Research Structure:
Tokyo University of Science and Jikei University School of Medicine
 Awards:
Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Neuroendovascular Therapy(Golden Award)
Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Award in the Category ofComputational Dynamics (Prize Awarded for Achievement)
110th Anniversary Meeting of the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers(Achievement Award) JACM (Fellow Award)
 Blood Flow Analysis Skill: Offerable

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 21

Precision fluid film lubrication bearings and smallsized non-contact support devices

Tribology

Shigeka YOSHIMOTO
Masaaki MIYATAKE
Yukishige KONDO(Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)(Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)(Professor, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

To present solutions of problems related to tribology
Summary of Research

Research area of our laboratory is related to one of machine elements, a fluid film lubrication bearing (FFLB) to support or
guide an object using a lubricant such as oil, water and air. Therefore, the object can be supported by a lubricant without any
direct contact between bearing and object surfaces. A newly developed FFLB can control the bearing clearance very
precisely by controlling the flow rate entering the bearing clearance. A noncontact chuck we proposed can support a small
object using ultrasonic levitation technique and hold a small object both horizontally and vertically without any contact.
Moreover, a magnetic ionic liquid has been developed for a magnetic fluid seal used in a vacuum environment.
Hydrostatic Bearing & Flow Rate Control Unit

Guide way

Bearing
clearance

Proposed
self-controled restrictor

Pressurized
fluid

Hydrostatic bearing
Elastic hinge

Non-contact Chuck
Floating object
FloatingheightVoice coil
motor

Magnetic Ionic Liquid
Magnetic Ion Liquid

Permanent Magnet

Squeeze film
Ultrasonic vibration

Horn

PointsA proposed FFLB has a small-sized flow
control unit with high-speed response tocontrol the bearing clearance with thenanometer order of accuracy. When this
proposed bearing is applied to a
guideway of machine tools, higher
accuracy of movement of the guideway
table can be achieved compared withconventional hydrostatic bearings during
cutting
process.
A
developed
non-contact chuck can hold a floating
object without any contact by using theultrasonic squeeze effect. The proposedchuck does not need an external air
source such as a compressor which a
Bernoulli chuck does.

Expected Applications(a) Without Permanent
Magnet(b) Move Permanent
Magnet Closer to Liquid•Ultra-precision machine tools•Ultra-precision measuring equipment•Non-contact conveying device• A fluid film lubrication bearing (FFLB) can support a shaft and a guideway table by a fluid film. FFLBs
can achieve low friction and high accuracy of movement of a supporting object even when an imposed
load on the object is varied• We proposed a flow control unit that could precisely control the flow rate of lubricant entering a FFLB,
and a very precise positioning control of the object became possible• We developed a small noncontact handling device by using the ultrasonic squeeze effectFuture Developments
Open “Tribology Center” at Katsushika Campus
on April 2015
International Tribology Conference 2015 (held by Japanese Societyof Tribologists, Site: TUS Katsushika Campus)

No. 22Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology

 Intellectual Property:
Japanese Patent No. 04376737 “Non-contact Chuck”
Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-226961 “Compound, Method
for Preparing the Same, Magnetic Fluid Composition, Method for
Preparing the Same, and Magnetic Fluid Sealing”

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

2019.03

Ultra-light cellular (micro lattice) structure
Machinery
manufactured by metal 3D printerKuniharu USHIJIMA (Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo
University of Science)

Purpose of Research

In order to realize the main purpose of material mechanics—namely, utilizing materials safely without waste—this study
was undertaken with the aim of developing a manufacturing technology with a refined structure through the use of a metal
3D printer and to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of formed objects using numerical simulation analysis.
Summary of Research

An ultra-light cellular (micro lattice) structure, which is expected to be widely applicable in fields ranging from medicine
to aerospace, was produced using a metal 3D printer utilizing an additive manufacturing (AM) technology. The mechanicalproperties of the formed objects were then evaluated using numerical simulation analysis.

Modeling of a lattice structure by exploiting thecharacteristics of a metal 3D printerExample lattice
structure #1

Example lattice structure #2

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies• The lattice structure has a specific strength that isequivalent to a honeycomb structure but is more
lightweight.
• The lattice structure has a large surface area, offering
improved heat radiation.

Expected Applications• Can be used as an impact absorption material for vehicles• Can be used to manufacture a highly efficient heatsink
since it can be designed to have an internal structure thatallows for thermal conductivity control

What We Expect from Companies
Numerical simulation analysis

PointsStrength evaluation test

We are now searching for companies with which we cancarry out joint research to develop new applications forlattice structures.

• Optimization of lattice structures using numerical simulation analysis technologies• Formation of an actual lattice structure using the metal 3D printer at the Tokyo University of Science’s
Tribology Center and performing of an evaluation test

Future Developments• Development of a heat insulation structure and a heat radiation structure using the new cell structure• Development of a new light-weight metal structure using a textile structure• Development of a spatially expandable structure by imitating origami (the Japanese art of paper
folding)2017.03 Prototype: Completed Sample: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 23

Tribology

Low-wear, low-friction material; urushi lacquer
containing a solid lubricant

Masaaki MIYATAKE (Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

Urushi lacquer is a natural resin material, which has long been used in Japan as a hard coating material for tableware, armor andother items. As a resin material with excellent chemical and wear resistance, this research focuses on urushi lacquer, and aims
to study the friction and wear properties of sliding materials made from urushi lacquer with PTFE added as a solid lubricant.
Summary of Research

In this research, we prepared a sliding material by hardening urushi lacquer with PTFE added as a solid lubricant, andconducted friction tests using a ring-on-plate friction tester under dry conditions. The results indicated that adding PTFE tourushi lacquer resulted in a low friction coefficient equivalent to that of 100 wt% PTFE, and a high degree of wear resistanceequivalent to that of hardened urushi lacquer.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies

Ring-on-plate friction tester

Materials with a low effect on human health are required
for the resin sliding parts of food processing machines,
since, in manufacturing processes, small amounts ofharmful substances may elute from the synthetic resinsused in machine parts. In addition, there is a need for resinmaterials that are resistant to the chemicals in cleaners.
This research aims to solve these issues.

V=0.005m/s

Expected Applications• Bearings for the reciprocating sliding parts and rotatingparts of food processing and water treatment machines,
etc.
• Materials applied to and hardened on metal and otherbase materials (wear-resistant coatings)• Impregnants for lamination and hardening of woven andunwoven fabrics, such as cotton cloth (fiber reinforcing
resins)V=0.025m/s

Friction coefficient measurement results

Test piece

Mating material

Challenges in Implementation• Optimization of hardening conditions of urushi lacquer
and PTFE• Performance measurements under a wide variety of test
conditions (load, temperature and various environmental
conditions)• Testing of materials containing solid lubricants otherthan PTFE, and testing for comparison with competing
materials

What We Expect from Companies
Wear measurement results

Points• With the aim of utilizing this material for the bearingsin the reciprocating sliding parts and rotating parts offood processing and water treatment machines, etc., wewould like to conduct joint research with companies
involved in this area.

• The effects of wear debris on human health are low, due to the use of urushi lacquer, a natural material
with a long and successful history as a coating material for tableware• Low-friction, low-wear sliding materials are produced by adding PTFE solid lubricant to urushi lacquer

Future Developments• Investigation to optimize the hardening conditions for urushi lacquer
mixed with PTFE or other solid lubricants• Conduction of performance evaluations under environmental conditions
that have not been examined before, such as high-temperature and water
circulation environments

No. 24■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-093303“Sliding composites, sliding part materials andtheir manufacturing methods”■ Prototype: Available■ Sample: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2018.03

Newly developed aerostatic porous bearings
Machinery
manufactured using direct metal printing technology
Masaaki MIYATAKE (Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo University of Science)
Background of Research
Metal powder sintering 3D printers are not only able to produce durable, complex shapes, but are also able to provide air permeability
to arbitrary places of the processed part by adjusting the laser intensity when sintering the metal powder. In this study, we tried to
improve the performance of a mechanical element called an aerostatic porous bearing using a metal powder sintering 3D printer, which
can not only manufacture parts by adding shapes but also to “add functions,” such as making it air permeable, to arbitrary places of the
manufactured part.

Summary of Research
An aerostatic porous bearing is a mechanical element that floats moving parts of a mechanical device in a noncontact manner by apressurized film of air, and is widely used for precision processing machines and precision measurement instruments. By utilizing theadvantages of the metal 3D printer, it is possible to (1) simplify the structure by integrally manufacturing the porous material and the
support structure, and (2) to control the air permeability at arbitrary place of the porous material by adjusting the laser intensity at thetime of molding.
Comparison with Conventional orCompetitive Technology
Bearing clearance (air film thickness)
h = several µm to several dozen µm
GuidewayPressurized gas, Psg
Porous body (thickness of several dozen µm toseveral hundred µm)
Air permeability of the same level as the
restricted layer of the general porous bearing

Aerostatic bearing

Support structure(thickness: several mm)
Porous layer supporting member

Figure: Aerostatic porous bearings in which the porous layer and the support structure are
manufactured integrally using a metal powder 3D printerPoints• Simplification of structure by integral manufacturing of porous
material and support structure• Control of air permeability at arbitrary places in the porous
material by adjusting the laser intensity at the time of molding Porous air bearings currently on the market• Fabricated using several mm thick porous material.
• Surface choking modification is necessary to prevent
unstable vibrations (pneumatic hammer).
• It is necessary to control air permeability and choking levelof the porous material at the time of mass production, andwill be cost consuming.
 New technology• The structure is simplified by manufacturing the porous
layer to be 1 mm thick or less, and the support structure
integrally using metal 3D printer.
• It is possible to arbitrarily adjust the air permeability of theporous layer during manufacturing.
• Bearings with higher performance than conventional
products can be manufactured.

Expected Applications•••

Guide mechanism of precision processing machines
Guide mechanism of precision measuring instruments
Noncontact levitation device

Challenges in Implementation•••

Application to radial bearings supporting rotating shaft
Optimization of porous layer air permeability
Cost reduction of metal powder used in the 3D printerWhat We Expect from Companies•

We hope to collaborate with companies that areconsidering the use of static pressure air bearings in
movable parts such as precision processing machines andmeasuring instruments or the manufacturing ofhydrostatic gas bearings.

Future Developments• Currently, application to radial bearings supporting rotating
shaft is proceeding.
• We are working on optimizing porous layer permeability torealize greater performance.

2019.03■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-085277"Aerostatic porous bearings and manufacturingmethod of the same"■ Prototype: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 25

Bio

In silico platform for pharmacogenomics “COSMOS”

Sei-ichi TANUMA (Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science)
Ryoko TAKASAWA (Junior Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Tokyo University of Science)(Junior Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
Tokyo University of Science)

Akira SATO
Purpose of Research“Personalized medicine” based on disease genomic big data analysis is anticipated for genome medicine in the twenty-first
century. To make this a reality, it is essential to establish a platform for “personalized drug discovery” based on a novel drug
discovery methodology that allows molecular design of optimal pharmaceutical lead compounds against disease target
molecules in individuals. Currently, the conventional drug discovery method of high-throughput screening of combinatorial
chemistry (HTS/CC) conducted in many pharmaceutical companies requires enormous amounts of work, time, and cost;
however, in reality, it has a low success rate. To radically change this situation, we have established a novel in silico
genome-based drug discovery system “COSMOS” and are conducting research to achieve higher success rates in drug
discovery.
Summary of Research

We have developed a novel drug discovery methodology implementation system, the COSMOS method, targeting
protein-protein interactions, which are considered to be difficult to target by conventional drug discovery methods. The
concept is to identify an optimal binding peptide that interacts with the active/regulatory site (Hot Spot) of the target drug
discovery protein by using in silico methods. Using this as a design element, transformation design to small molecule andautomatic optimization is possible by refining the unique binding 3D coordinates.
Novel Drug Discovery Strategy Targeting Protein-Protein Interactions

Target protein

Optimal binding peptide(Design element)
PeptideDocking
Study

Optimal peptide

Mimetic compound

Seed compound
Small-moleculecompound library(Up to 5 × 106)

Peptide library(20n–300n)
Optimal drug molecule

Optimal lead compound

Future Developments

Validation of the applicability of COSMOS methodand discovery of novel lead compounds will be done incollaboration with pharmaceutical companies todevelop novel drugs.

No. 26

 Associated System: Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research2015 Basic Research (C)2016 Basic Research (B) Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent No. 4612270 “Design method
and applications for physiologically-active peptides”
 Highly experienced in collaborative research with companies

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

2019.03

Bio

Development of central delivery technology of peptides
by intranasal administration based on new concept

Chikamasa YAMASHITA (Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research
Most of the intranasal formulations for improved CNS delivery have not been put to practical use. This is primarily because theanatomical features of the human nasal mucosa have not been taken into consideration. The nasal mucosa consists of theolfactory epithelium and respiratory epithelium, each of which accounts for approximately 50% in rodents. In humans, on theother hand, the olfactory epithelium accounts for 2% and the respiratory epithelium for 98%. We created neuropeptides
containing various functional sequences, seeking to develop the central delivery technology via the trigeminal nerve in the
respiratory epithelium.
Summary of Research
Results(1) CPP induces macropinocytosis.
PAS

CPP

Intracellular kinetics
control sequence(2) PAS accelerates the escapefrom the endosome.

Peptide(3) CPP stimulates the cell membrane,
and the peptide is transported outof the cell, followed by the transfer
into the next cell.

Fig. 1. Concept of derivatization
Intracerebroventricularadministration (i.c.v.)
GLP-2

Intranasal
administration (i.n.)
GLP-2 derivative
The peptide derivative
had pharmacologicaleffects at the
intranasal dose
similar to the i.c.v.
dose.
The peptide
dose is 2.15 µg.

Peptide dose

Peptide derivative dose

Fig. 2. Pharmacological effects by different administration routes
Hippocampus/
Hypothalamus

Olfactoryepithelium

Intranasal
administration

Respiratory
epithelium

Pons
Trigeminal
nerve

Approximately 98%of the human nasal
mucosa is respiratory
epithelium, which
requires CNS delivery
technology via thetrigeminal nerve forclinical applications.

Respiratory
epithelium

Nasal cavity

Peptide derivative• Peptide derivatives are taken up by macropinocytosis
and efficiently escape from endosomes.
• Peptide derivatives had CNS effects at the intranasal
dose similar to the i.c.v. dose.
• The novel central delivery technology was used for
intranasal administration to achieve CNS effects via
the trigeminal nerve.
• The same results have been demonstrated with otherpeptides.

Points• Macropinocytosis that can take up
1-µm particles is expected to be
applied to nucleic acids and antibody
drugs as well as peptides and proteins.
• The central delivery technology ofneuropeptides via the trigeminal
nerve that is suitable for the humannasal mucosa is the first successful
technology of its kind in the world.

■ Patent:
C. Yamashita et al., US2017/0253643
C. Yamashita et al., EP 3 190 129, 2017
■ Applicants:
Tokyo University of Science Educational
Corporation

Fig. 3. Delivery route of peptide derivative to the CNS

2019.03

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 27

Bio

Solution for multi-drug resistance bacteria

Shin AOKI (Professor, Department of Medicinal and Life Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of ResearchWith the introduction of antibiotics, it was thought that the battle against infection had ended. However, antibiotic-resistantmicrobes (drug-resistant bacteria) have appeared and is now an issue of global challenge since there are no effective therapeutic
methods against them. In addition, the appearance of multi-drug resistant bacteria has become a new threat and effective
countermeasures are required. Recently, inhibiting “metallo-β-lactamase,” an enzyme that leads to multi-drug resistance inpathogens, is gaining interest. At our laboratory, through research on metallic zinc complexes, we have focused on enzymes that
selectively inhibit enzymes that contain zinc and are developing drug agents to inhibit the activity of enzymes that contain zinc suchas metallo-β-lactamase. At the same time, we are designing molecules with lower toxicity and developing a reactivation method.
Summary of Research

Zn2+

Metallo-β-lactamases are considered to be the mostdangerous among β-lactamases and degrade almost
all antibiotics that include penicillins, cephams andcarbapenems. Bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Acinetobacter, E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae,etc.) that carry the gene for this enzyme on atransmissible plasmid have strong pathogenicity
and may cause infection not only in the hospital, butalso to the general public.
Among metallo-β-lactamases, there are dinuclear
zinc enzymes with two zinc molecules in the active
center (Class B) and there are currently few drugs(inhibitors) that effectively inhibit these enzymes.

Binding of 8-quinolionol tothe active site of AAP(Result of X-ray crystallographic analysis)

Points• Search for compounds that bind to the active site ofdinuclear zinc enzymes and analyze mechanism of binding
in detail using X-ray crystallography• This compound was found to inhibit the dinuclear zinc
enzyme AAP (Amino-peptidase from AeromonasProteolytica)• A protective group was introduced to reduce toxicity ofthese compounds and we developed a method to eliminate
the group under physiological conditions• Knowledge, techniques and know-how which are related
to complex chemistry in water

Our laboratory is applying basic research on
metallic zinc complexes to develop dinuclear zinc
enzyme inhibitors. Specifically, we have analyzed
the structure of the active site of these enzymes indetail and searched for inhibitors that can bind to thezinc ions. However, inhibitors to metal enzymes aremetalloligands which lead to toxicity. Therefore, we
are investigating prodrugs that protect the ligand
site to lower toxicity but can also be deprotected andreactivated at the right time and place.
Through these activities, we are aiming to develop anovel antibacterial agent against dinuclear zinc
enzymes such as β-lactamase while avoiding
multi-drug resistance.

Future Developments• Selection of optimal compound from those known to bind to the active site
• Evaluation of enzyme inhibitory potency of the selected compound in vitro• Molecular design and synthesis to lower toxicity (prodrug)• Safety and efficacy evaluation in vivo
• Collaborative research with domestic and global partners

No. 28■ Research Organization: This research is a collaborative

study with Kengo Hanaya at the Faculty of Pharmacy,
Keio University.

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

2019.03

Bio

Development of a separation system for circulatingtumor cells (CTC)

Shin AOKI (Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science)Atsuo YASUMORI (Professor, Department of Materials Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that leak into the blood from primary tumor sites. CTCs are considered to
be deeply involved in cancer malignancy, such as metastasis and recurrence. The detection and analysis of CTCs are
difficult as there is only a small number of them in the body. The purpose of our research is the development of convenientand efficient methods to detect, trap, and reculture CTCs, to elucidate their nature, to test anticancer drugs against thetrapped CTCs, and to remove CTCs from patients’ blood.
Summary of Research(1) A new algorithm has been developed to detect cancer cells
from blood cells using their size and shape (marker-freedetection).
(2) Convenient and efficient methods have been developed toseparate and culture cancer cells.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology• This technology is independent of a CTC’s antigens and the results of
CTC detection are not affected by surface proteins.
• The biological & immunological properties of CTCs can be analyzed.
• The recovery rate of CTCs is ca. 80%–90%, with only minor damage toboth CTCs and red blood cells.

Expected Applications• Cancer diagnosis by CTC detection and evaluation of therapeutic
efficacy for personalized cancer therapies.
Diagnosis of primary tumor by analysis of CTCs.
Development of anticancer drugs targeting CTCs.
• New cancer treatments (prevention of metastasis) by filtration of CTC
from cancer patient’s blood.
• The detection of cancer cells spiked in animal blood has been successful
and CTC detection in cancer-bearing animals is now in progress.
• The detection accuracy up to greater than 95% would be required.

What We Expect from Companies• This technology would be useful for companies that develop PC softwareand plan new entry to medical markets.
• Collaboration with companies that are strong at dialysis, apheresis(human, animal) technologies is highly appreciated.

• Cancer cells can be detected from cell images taken on various microscopies• Trapping and reculturing of cancer cells are possible under physiological conditions

Future Developments
The detection, isolation (reculture), and filtration of CTCs
from cancer patients (animal and human).

2018.03■ Patent Process: Underway■ Collaboration: Welcome■ Prototype: Available for rent

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 29Development of medicine for ischemia/reperfusion
injury with a novel mechanism

Bio

Yoshikazu HIGAMI (Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

Various organs may be damaged when blood flow resumes after the treatment of cerebral and myocardial infarctions. In
ischemia/reperfusion injuries, excessive activation of the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) molecule, which acts
as a repair enzyme for healthy DNA, induces tissue damage. Therefore, there is demand for the development of a PARP1
inhibitor. However, conventional therapeutic agents for ischemia/reperfusion injury cause side effects due to theirmechanism of action, and effective medication has yet to be developed. Our laboratory is developing a new drug with anovel mechanism for the treatment of ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Summary of Research

Ischemia/reperfusion injury is organ damage caused by the resumption of blood flow during the treatment of and/or
recovery period after the treatment of ischemic diseases, which include cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction, andtransient ischemia due to organ transplantation. This injury results from tissue damage by free radicals and inflammatory
cytokines, which are caused by an excess of reactive oxygen species produced in the presence of fresh blood after ischemia.
Cell death accompanied by the excessive activation of PARP1 is a known cause of this. Therefore, PARP1 inhibitors are
considered to be effective drugs for ischemia reperfusion injury. So far, many PARP1 inhibitors have been clinicallyevaluated. However, most of those have side effects on organs other than the one targeted, due to their competitive
inhibitory mechanism. The candidate PARP1 inhibitor found in this study has a novel mechanism which degrades the
PARP1 protein. This compound is expected to become a drug for ischemia/reperfusion injury treatment, which acts withdifferent molecular mechanism.

Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies(Acute phase to chronic phase)

Ischemiareperfusion
PARP1

Necrosis

PARP1

Inflammation

Acute phase(—6 h)Inflammation
Apoptosis

ROS

Chronic phase(—7 days)

Almost all available PARP1 inhibitors are NAD+
mimetics, i.e. aimed at binding to the catalytic
domain of PARP1 and competition with NAD+.
The candidate PARP1 inhibitor found in thisstudy has a novel mechanism which degrades the
PARP1 protein in both p53 protein andproteasome-dependent manners. This compoundis expected to become a drug for ischemia/reperfusion injury treatment with few side effects,
because it is potentially effective at low
concentrations.

Expected Applications

Neuronalcell death

Lipidperoxidation

Organ damage• A drug for ischemia/reperfusion injury• An anticancer agent, particularly breast cancer
with BRCA mutations

Future Developments

A detailed analysis of the PARP1 degradation mechanism
in collaboration with interested companies.

No. 30■Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent No. 5954839■Sample: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2018.03

Bio

New molecular technologies for stabilization andactivation of nucleic acid drugs

Takeshi WADA (Professor, Department of Medicinal and Life Science, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

Recently, there has been an increase in the development and research on nucleic acid drugs, such as antisense nucleic acid,ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) medicine, and aptamers. Problems that must be solved for implementation of nucleic
acid drugs include improvement in in vivo stability of nucleic acid molecules and establishment of delivery technology. As
one methodology to solve these problems, this research focuses on the development of artificial cationic molecules thatspecifically bind to nucleic acid drugs with double-stranded nucleic acid, such as short interfering RNA (siRNA) anddeoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)/RNA heteroduplex oligonucleotide (HDO), and not only protect these molecules fromdegradation enzymes in vivo but also improve physiological activity itself.
Summary of Research

Novel artificial cationic oligosaccharide and artificial cationic peptide

Points• Binds to double-stranded nucleic acid drugs andsignificantly improved thermodynamic stability
and nuclease resistance of the double strand• Improves activity of RNase H, which digests
target mRNA

Future Developments

Nuclease resistance, RNase H activity, intracellular introducing
efficiency, and gene-expression suppression effect of artificial
cationic molecule and double-stranded nucleic acid drug
complexes have been evaluated in vitro.
In the future, we plan to conduct in vivo functionality evaluation,
synthesize conjugates with ligand molecules, and evaluateorgan-specific delivery and gene-expression inhibition.

2019.03

Conventionally, cationic carrier molecules used as drugdelivery system (DDS) for nucleic acid drugs require
excessive administration. The ratio of the number ofcationic functional groups and number of anionicfunctional groups in a complex is expressed as the N/Pratio, but normally, N/P of 2 or above is required toensure sufficient in vivo stability of nucleic acids. We
are developing molecules that specifically recognize
and strongly bind to nucleic acid molecules withdefined higher-order structure in this research. In
particular, anticipating application to double-stranded
nucleic acid drugs such as siRNA and DNA/RNA
heteroduplex oligonucleotide, we have developed
artificial cationic molecules (artificial cationic oligosaccharides and artificial cationic peptides) that recognize
specific higher-order structure of such double-stranded
nucleic acids and specifically bind to them.
It was found that cationic peptides that recognize
defined structures of double-stranded nucleic acids andselectively bind to them can selectively inhibit theactivity of nucleic acid-degrading enzymes such as
RNase A, and conversely, has the ability to improvespecific nuclease activity such as RNase H. Using thecationic peptides developed in this research, it isanticipated that effective methodology to achieve
stabilization and high activity of nucleic acid drugs canbe developed.
■ Associated System: JST-CREST
Establishment of Molecular Technology towards theCreation of New Functions* This research is in collaboration with Professor
Takanori Yokota at Tokyo Medical and Dental
University

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 31

Communication
andinformation
processing

Quick spoken term detection system

Kouichi KATSURADA (Associate Professor, Department of Information Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of ResearchThis research aims to develop a keyword search system that works very quickly (several milliseconds to one second) onlarge-scale spoken documents (tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of hours). Due to its compact data structure, thesystem can run on general personal computers if searching for spoken terms in data of approximately ten thousand hours.
This technology enables searching based on the content of video and audio data, and is expected to dramatically improvethe convenience of audio and video data searching.
Summary of Research

In this research, we use a suffix array data structure to enable quicker searching with a more compact system. We also utilize
ambiguous searching, keyword separation and multiple voice recognition devices to achieve high-speed and high-performance searching. Furthermore, through development of an optimum keyword separation algorithm for quick searching,etc., we are working to establish theoretical assurance of the high speed and high performance of searching.

I want to see the Olympic
Games 2020 hosting bid
presentation.

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology• Uses suffix arrays to achieve a quick, compact
search system

System instantly retrieves thepoints in the videos where
the term was spoken.

omotenashi• A keyword separation method has beenformulated that is not used in conventional
systems, and there is theoretical assurance ofperformance

Huge quantity ofaudio content

SearchLecture videos, call centers,
video conferences,
conference logs, etc.

The keyword is...
“omotenashi”?

Expected Applications• Searching cases at call centers• Searching lectures in e-learning materials• Searching content at broadcasting stations• Searching discussions at various kinds ofconferences and assemblies• Searching videos in hard-disk video recorders
for home use

Challenges in Implementation
Since high-precision voice recognition devices
are necessary for utilization of this technique, weneed to cooperate with companies that aredeveloping these devices.

What We Expect from Companies“o-mo-te-na-shi. L’omotenashi, c’est
un sens profond de l’hospitalité... ”

Points• Ability to search spoken terms quickly• System can be run on general personal computers, due to its compact data structure• Theoretical assurance of high speed and high performance

Future Developments
December 2017: Completion of development of theory regarding
keyword separation
March 2019: Achievement of 80% search performance

No. 32

We would like to cooperate with companies thatare developing high-precision voice recognition
devices, which serve as the basis for this system.
This technology can also be utilized effectively
in the video content and education industries, andby broadcasting related companies.

■ Associated System: SCOPE ICT Innovation Creation Challenge
Program
JST Research Grant for Promoting Technological Seeds■ Prototype: Available■ Sample: Please enquire

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2018.03

Communication
andinformation
processing

Secure, fast, light encryption based on
non-commutative algebra

Satoshi IRIYAMA (Associate Professor, Department of Information Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

Prof. Emeritus Ohya (TUS) and Prof. Accardi (University of Rome II) have developed a novel encryption method as a resultof their more than 20 years of study on mathematics (noncommutative algebra and noncommutative probability theories).
We are studying a cipher based on noncommutative algebra and an encryption method based on a new principle.
Summary of Research

The shared key stream cipher (QP-DYN), based on a unique mathematical theory, can generate high-quality random
numbers. The public key exchange (QP-KEX) is based on mathematics that can be reduced to a matrix type discrete
logarithm problem and is safe. It does vector calculation and allows parallel processing for fast encryption.

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology

Throughput (Mbps)

Throughput more than 10 times fasterthan AES was achieved. Key generationand key exchange was about 10 times
faster than RSA. When implemented on
FPGA, the circuit size was about 75% thatof AES.
Expected Applications

Key sharing time (µsec)
Cryptobox(8 cm x 8 cm, 500 g)• High-speed processing by a cloudserver, etc.
• Higher safety in a mobile environment• Real-time processing for 4K/8K video
distribution
Challenges in Implementation• Development of attractive services• Registration as an encryption standard• Standardization of specifications

Points• Safer One-Time-Pad cipher• Faster key generation, key exchange, and encryption• Smaller and lighter circuit

What We Expect from Companies
Collaboration on the installation on asmaller chip and the product/service/
application development of the newencryption method.

Future Developments

Many pilot products are being developed. These will
be broadly publicized both in Japan and overseas.

2016.03 Prototype:Portable encryption device “Cryptobox,” Emailencryption (compatible with Outlook and Google), andmobile App.

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 33

High-throughput screening and identification of novel chemicals
enhancing plant defense against pathogens/pests

Bio

Kazuyuki KUCHITSU (Professor, Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Nobutaka KITAHATATokyo University of Science)(Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of ResearchControl of pests and diseases is a critical issue in crop production, since biotic factors cause economic losses of $220 billion.
Since traditional chemical pesticides have disadvantages such as the emergence of drug resistant organisms and the toxicity tobeneficial symbiotic organisms and insects, i.e. possible disturbance of ecosystem, an entirely novel approach to protect crops
from pathogens and pests is needed.
Plant defense activators, chemicals that boost defense/immune responses of plants, have excellent advantages as new type of
low-toxicity pesticides which does not lead to emergence of drug resistant organisms. The plant immune system consists of two
major pathways, involving salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA)/ethylene (ET). Only a few plant defense activators that
activate only the SA pathway are available in the market, and these have only narrow application, mostly limited to rice pests.
Summary of Research
Advantage of plant
activator as pesticide

Plant immune responses

Fungicides/insecticides
Chemicals directly kill
pathogens or pests

PathogenIntercellular signaltransduction
Gene expression

Plant defense activators

Synthesis of antibiotics

Chemicals activate plant’s
immune system

Intracellular signaltransduction
Programmed
cell death

Plant defense/immune response
Strengthening of the cell wall bymolecular crosslinking

New plant defense activators for jasmonic acid/ethylene pathway
Salicylic acid pathway

Jasmonic acid/ethylene pathway

Biotrophic pathogens

Necrotrophic pathogens
wounding

Salicylic acid

Jasmonic acid/ethylene

PDF1.2Disease resistanceTarget of known
New type of plant defense
plant defense activators
activators for this pathway

PointsComparison with Conventional or Competitive Technology
Traditional chemical pesticides have disadvantages of toxicity to beneficial
symbiotic microorganisms and insects, as well as disturbance of
eco-system. In contrast, Plant defense activators, chemicals that boost
defense/immune responses of plants, have excellent advantages as new typeof low-toxicity, environment-friendly pesticides to avoid emergence of drug
resistant organisms. We have developed a novel efficient high throughput
screening system for plant defense activators.

Expected Applications• Development of novel pest control methods for organic andpesticide-free farming.
• Reduction of the dose of traditional pesticides by the enhanced plant
defense/immune responses.

Challenges in Implementation

ROS production
PR1

We have developed a novel high throughput screening systemfor plant defense activators (PCT filed), and have discovered
novel putative plant defense activators that activate the JA/ET
pathway or both of the above pathways, and that are expected
to enhance defense responses against a wider spectrum of
necrotrophic pathogens and pests.

• Identification/optimization of more lead compounds from a larger
chemical library.
• Field test of the identified activator candidates.

What We Expect from Companies
Partnership opportunities are open to interested corporations.

• Plant defense activators are a novel type of pesticides which can preserve the ecosystem and environment in a field
and avoid the emergence of drug resistant organisms• We have established a high-throughput system for screening plant defense activators• We have identified putative novel plant defense activators that can activate two major immune pathways in plants

Future Developments
In vivo (whole plant) testing of the identified chemicals(secondary evaluation) is now going on.
Select high-potency activator candidates (2015).
Field test start (2016).

No. 34

 Intellectual Property: JP2013-510162 “Method for plant defense
activators, plant defense activators, and method for enhancing
immune responses”

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2016.03

Bio

World’s first visualization of the switching mechanism of plant
tip growth using novel fluorescence imaging without
recombinant DNA technique

Sachihiro MATSUNAGA (Junior Associate Professor, Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science andTechnology,Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of ResearchThis imaging method which simply applies a small-molecule compound and a fluorescent label to plant tissue, visualizes
plant growth process in a non-invasive and real-time manner, without recombinant DNA technique. Using this method, we
have identified distinctive boundary cells which switch cells from proliferation to elongation in root and other meristems,
for the first time in the world. This imaging method will be an effective, easy-to-handle tool in developing novel usefulplants. It will also help develop “digital plants” and other plant simulations and provide a tool for minute and efficientsoil/fertilizer assessment, breeding, etc.
Summary of Research

Imaging that clearly reveals plant growth processes and structures has great potential to aid in breeding and many otherprocesses in agriculture. Conventional live imaging of cell division and elongation requires recombinant DNA technique.
In our method, a tested plant is simply soaked in a solution of the thymidine analog EdU (5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine),
which is incorporated into the chromosomal DNA in dividing cells and then detected with a fluorescent azide label. Thus,
plant growth processes in a whole plant can be analyzed successively in a non-invasive, real-time manner. In addition, thismethod can be widely used because it only requires commercial reagents.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology
Conventional imaging methods are time-consuming(recombinant DNA technique methods) and/or
invasive (biochemical methods). Our method has
the following advantages:• No recombinant DNA technique required;• Non-invasive, real-time observation possible; and• Fast and easy.

Expected Applications• Soil/fertilizer assessment.
• Novel breeding focused on plant growth process.
• Digital (virtual) plant model.

Challenges in Implementation

Points• Non-invasive, real-time imaging of plant growth process• No recombinant DNA technique required• Fast and easy
• Possible application to digital plant models

No particular problem. The method only requirescommercial reagents and so has not been patented.

What We Expect from Companies
Development of new applications of this imaging
method. We can optimize/customize the method onrequest.

 Articles:“Imaging of plant growth process” Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun, October 16, 2013; “Associate Prof. Matsunaga and colleagues of TUS
visualize plant growth without recombination and discover boundary cells” Nikkei Biotech ONLINE, October 14, 2013
 Publication:“The boundary of the meristematic and elongation zones in roots: endoreduplication precedes rapid cell expansion”
Hayashi, K. Hasegawa, J. Matsunaga, S. Scientific Reports 3 2723 (2013)2016.03

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 35

Active learning software for automatic classification to take overproficient farmers as smart cultivation management

Bio

Sachihiro MATSUNAGA (Junior Associate Professor, Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science andTechnology, Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

The active learning software of the present study can automatically classify bioimage data to achieve “amateur-friendly
agriculture,” by converting a wide spectrum of skills and hidden knowledge of proficient farmers to standardized objective
data. Growth management of agricultural plants (e.g. seedling selection) has been a labor-intensive task of proficient
farmers. In their place, the present software, which has learned from their “skilled eyes,” can achieve standardized growth
management, labor-saving, improved productivity, and a higher level of quality control. When combined with a portable
imaging device, it also allows remote growth management. The present software does not limit itself to images of certain
organisms, making it a versatile tool for the rationalization of the production/distribution of agricultural and fishery products.
Summary of Research

Humans (even infants) can identify the items of a sample group which are different from the others even though no selection
criteria has been set, something conventional learning software cannot do well. Our “active learning” software automatically classifies any kind of bioimage data, like humans do. Once given a small amount of “training data,” it iterates analysisof this data and learns the standards of “professional skills” and “skilled eyes” so as to classify any bioimage, whateveranimal, plant, or cells. This is an outstanding feature not found in conventional systems and software.
Classify
these!
Featureextraction

Initial clustering by SOM
Classification instruction “Classify thecells into Types A and B according towhether the shape is pointed”

SOM is monitored during classificationand instruction can be given again.
Featureoptimization

Classifier tool automaticallygenerated when optimalclassification accuracy achieved

Classifier tool
generation

Active-learningalgorithm

Featureassessment

Conventional image analysis requires separate
software for each type of object and a lot of“training data.” In contrast, our software• operates without much training data;• can be used for automatic classification of
any kind of bioimage;• is amateur-friendly and simple.

Expected Applications
Highly accurate, cell shape-basedclassification function created by
iterative clustering

Automatic growth monitoring system: automatic image recording of a cultivation shelfby a Web camera, automatic image upload, and image analysis by a remote PC

PointsComparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology• Highly reliable growth management not dependent on highskill of the user
• Labor saving, simple growth management• Widely applicable to all processes from production to
distribution• Smart management of agricultural andfishery production.
• Smart management of agricultural andfishery product distribution.
• Labor saving by remote monitoring.

Challenges in Implementation• Customization/optimization for particularpurposes and incorporation into systems ifnecessary.
• Acquiring patents for the above.

What We Expect from Companies
Proposal of new applications of the software. We
can optimize/customize the software on request.

■ Patent: JP04521572 “Cell evaluation method, cell measurement system, and cell measurement program”(basic patent of this method)■ Publication: “Active learning framework with iterative clustering for bioimage classification” Kutsuna,N. Higaki, T. Matsunaga, S. Otsuki, S. Yamaguchi, M. Fujii, H. & Hasezawa, S. Nature Communications 3, Article number: 1032 28
August 2012

No. 36

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2016.03

Functional
materials

New applications of photocatalysis

Kazuya NAKATA (Associate Professor, Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

Photocatalysts are functional materials that convert photo-energy to chemical energy. They exhibit oxidation-reduction
reactivity and convert surface wettability into superhydrophilicity when illuminated. Those properties can be exploited for
production of useful chemicals, environmental purification, etc. For example, hydrogen as a fuel can be produced fromwater using the oxidation-reduction reaction. Furthermore, a surface shows self-cleaning when it is given superhydrophilicity. Those properties are very unique and are already applied in many commercialized products. Applications forphotocatalysis are expanding into new areas, where they are in great demand.
Summary of Research

Our group is developing new
applications of photocatalysis in
biological and agricultural researchareas.
1) Production of useful sugars frombiomass using photocatalysis
Sugar is not only a necessary source of nutrition
but recently also resource of bio-ethanol,electricity, and PLA plastics. Thus, recent demand
for sugars in various purposes is significantly
increasing. Our group succeeded in producing
glucose and rare sugars from cellulose-based
biomass using photocatalysis. This finding should
lead to cheap industrial production of value-addedsugars.

Points• Glucose and other useful rare sugars can be produced
from biomass resources using photocatalytic oxidation• Germination of seeds can be improved with reactive
oxygen species produced from photocatalysis,
benefiting agriculture

Future Developments• Large scale, cheap production technology of glucose anduseful rare sugars will be developed, which can be used forindustrial and medical applications.
• Technology for growing value-added plants using
photocatalysis will be developed.

2016.032) Improvement of germination rate ofseeds using photocatalysis
Improvement of the germination rate of seeds ofplants is key to improving the efficiency and costsof agriculture. Our group used TiO2 photocatalyst
to produce active oxygen species which induced
dormancy release of seeds, and successfully
improved germination. This finding can be applied
to improve germination of seeds such as medical
plants which have low germination rates.

■ Associated System: JST Strategic International Collaborative
Research Program (SICORP)■ Awards: Young Researcher Award of The ElectroChemical
Society of Japan (Sano Award) (2012)
The Japanese Photochemistry Association Prize for Young
Scientist (2013)■ Intellectual Property: N.A.
■ Prototype: Present■ Sample: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 37Material

Silica hollow particles prepared with facile process
and their application

Hideki SAKAI (Professor, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research
Silica hollow particles have excellent characteristics such as low density, low refractive index, substance encapsulation ability,
etc., and are used in lightweight materials and heat insulation materials. If the particle size can be controlled to be 100 nm or
smaller, they can be expected to be applied to anti-reflection coatings and the carriers of drug delivery systems (DDS). One
method of synthesizing silica hollow particles is the soft template method, which uses molecular assemblies formed by surfactant
as templates, and research into this method has been actively conducted in recent years as this process is easy to do andsubstances are easily encapsulated in the hollow space. However, the low dispersion stability of the manufactured hollow
particles has been a challenge in improving this method. In this study, we used vesicles as a soft template and aimed to synthesize
silica hollow nanoparticles with excellent dispersion stability by changing pH stepwise during the forming period of silica.
Summary of ResearchThis technology is related to the soft template method for producing hollow silica particles, using vesicles formed by surfactant
as templates. By changing the pH of the manufacturing process stepwise, hollow silica particles with a uniform diameter of 100
nm or below can be obtained. In this method, vesicles are used as templates so that various substances can be supported inside
the hollow silica particles. By controlling retention and release, the particles can be made to adapt to various applications.
Comparison with Conventional orCompetitive Technology

Preparation of highly dispersible hollow silica particles using the vesicle template method

Silica precursor
addition

pH Adjustment
Hydrothermal
treatment

Silica wall
film
formation

Template
removal• Conventional: The majority is manufactured by the hard
template method.
• Conventional method: It is difficult to encapsulate
substances inside the silica particles, and applications werelimited to their properties as “hollow” silica particles.
• This technology: Both “hollow” and “encapsulating
substances” silica particles can be developed to meetvarious needs.

Expected Applications
200 nm

VesicleHighly dispersed silica
hollow nanoparticles
Characteristics• Small diameter (30 to 50 nm)• High dispersion stability

Application• Low specific gravity pigment• Catalyst carrier

By film coating • Low refractive index film

• Inorganic DDS carrier• Thermal barrier film

Figure: Preparation of silica hollow nanoparticles with vesicles as templates• Inorganic anti-reflection film making use of low
refractive index characteristics• Inorganic DDS material for diagnosis• Development into thermal barrier/thermal insulation
paint• Supported type catalyst

Challenges in Implementation• Small amount of surfactant remains even after washing Establishment of complete removal method

What We Expect from Companies

Points• Nano-sized hollow particles can be prepared by a facile process• Substances can be supported inside hollow silica particles• Excellent dispersion stability is retained in water system (Stabledispersion for 1 year or more)• Suitable for coating processes etc. and superior in environmental affinity

Future Developments
November 2017 Start cooperation with companies
October 2018

Completed method for preparing hollow
particles other than silica

January 2020

Start sales of silica hollow particles

No. 38We seek cooperation with industries in fields working in
low refractive index inorganic films, transparent thermal
barrier films, highly dispersible pigments, etc. in hollow
particle formation and application of not only silica, but also
other various materials.
Also, we hope to cooperate with industry for thedevelopment of silica particles for DDS, which include
diagnostic reagents.

■ Awards: JACM Annual Conference, Gold Poster Awards■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-166604, Japanese Unexamined
patent Application Publication No. 2016-041643“Method for Producing Hollow Silica Particles and Hollow Silica
Particles”■ Prototype: Not available■ Sample: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

2019.03

Nano/micro-seized dual drug capsule for enhancing
efficacy of supplements

Bio

Makoto YUASA
Takeshi KONDO(Professor, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)(Associate Professor, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

To date, a vast number of pharmaceuticals and supplements have been developed to treat diseases and maintain health. Inorder to deliver such drugs into the body so they can realize their effect, it is necessary for them to be smoothly absorbed
into the body. Also, the method for ingesting the drugs should not involve any labor or stress. In this research, with the aimof enhancing the efficacy of existing drugs, we are developing a capsule that can be ingested orally and delivers the drug tothe intestines, which has a high absorption rate.
Summary of Research

We have developed a capsule that can be ingested orally and promotes the absorption of the drug substance. The main featureof this capsule is its dual layer structure. The first layer (outer layer) is a microscopic spherical capsule that is made from agelatinous substance derived from seaweed. The second layer (inner layer) is a nano-sized capsule which holds the drug
substance. The first layer is resistant to stomach acid and does not dissolve in the stomach. This protects the drug substanceand limits dissolution in the stomach. Also, this layer is expected to provide the benefit of limiting any deterioration of the drug
substance. Once the capsule reaches the intestines, the outer layer immediately dissolves, releasing the inner nano-capsules.
Using this dual layer capsule, it is possible to deliver drug substances, such as existing supplements, to the intestines without
waste, and this is expected to increase the concentration of the drug substance in the intestines and promote absorption.
Difference in solubility of the dual capsule in stomach fluid and intestinal fluid

Stomach fluid(does not dissolve)

Outer
layer

2–3 mm in diameter

Intestinal fluid(dissolves)

0.1 um in diameterNotadministered

Administered

Biomater. Sci. 3, 861–869 (2015)

Points• Transport drug substances to the intestines using a gel
derived from seaweed• Nano-capsules can encapsulate substances with poor
water solubility within the gel

Future Developments
We will test the encapsulation of a wide range of drug substances other thanthe model drug and confirm what properties the drug substances that can be
encapsulated and released have. Based on this data, we will present a
formulation as a universal drug capsule.

2019.03• Drug substances can be ingested orally.
• Possible to encapsulate a wide range of drug
substances, including substances with poor watersolubility.
• The size of the drug substance can be adjusted (frommicro to millimeter in size), making it easy to
swallow.

Expected Applications
Validation of the antitumor effect

Inner layer (liposome)Drugsubstance

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology• Make it possible to orally ingest substances with
beneficial pharmaceutical effect.
• Increase the absorbability of existing supplements.
• Limit the “bad taste,” such as bitterness, ofparticular drug substances, and make easy to ingest
such substances orally.

Challenges in Implementation
We are currently validating the antitumor effect of amodel drug in mice, but because no pharmaceuticaleffect trials have been conducted in humans, it isnecessary to study formulations for humans.

What We Expect from Companies
Companies with a drug substance they would like to use
with this capsule should feel free to consult with us.
■ Intellectual Property: Patent application 2014-093428“Oral treatment drug”■ Prototype: Available■ Sample: Requires consultation

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 39Device

High-throughput screening of multicomponent functional
materials using combinatorial technology based on theelectrostatic spray deposition

Kenjiro FUJIMOTO (Associate Professor, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

A broad range of multicomponent functional materials are a subject of extensive study and screening. However, as morecomponents are included in a material, the combinations of parameters to be screened (component ratio, temperature,atmosphere, pressure, etc. in the case of composite materials) exponentially increase. In 1960s, peptide synthesis by Dr.
Merrifield led to the rise of combinatorial technologies. In the late 1990s, automated synthesizers using multiple inorganic/
metal material components were developed, allowing the use of thin films and bulk samples for high-speed material
screening. We have developed the electrostatic atomization-type high-speed material screening system “M-ist Combi,”
which allows screening of liquid, film, or bulk samples of materials. Using this system, we are investigating novel
multicomponent functional materials and obtaining findings that may provide clues for next-generation materials.
Summary of Research
Combinatorial material screening system basedon electrostatic atomization: M-ist Combi

Combinatorial high speed X
ray powder diffraction

Example: Screening for lithium secondary battery cathode material
Reaction of quasi-quaternary Li-Ni-Co-Ti oxide (@ 700ºC)

Our system can achieve 100-fold fastermaterial synthesis, 1000-fold lower reagent
cost. Because its core technology,
electrostatic atomizer, has a simple
configuration, post-screening larger scale
synthesis of candidate materials is easy

Future Developments
Not only lithium secondary battery cathode materials and oxide
thermoelectric materials, but also environmental cleanup materials
will be studied. Because our system is compatible with various
sample forms (powder, thin film, liquid), screening for optimal paintand building materials (plaster, etc.), plating solutions, conductive
paste compositions, and polymers will be possible.

No. 40■ Awards: Intl. Solid Reactivity Assoc. Best Poster Award, etc.,
invitation lectures at conferences, companies■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent No. 5016960“Electrostatic atomizer and method of producing samples frommain agents”■ Prototype: made■ System demonstration: can be viewed

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2016.03

MedicalPinpoint electrolysis unit with conductive diamond
ink electrode for dental treatment

Takeshi KONDO (Associate Professor, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science), etc.

Purpose of Research

Conductive diamond electrodes are generally made by the CVD method, but with this method, the types of substratematerials are limited and manufacturing is expensive. In this research, we have developed an ink that contains conductive
boron doped diamond powder. By coating various substrate materials with this ink, we have succeeded in simply manufacturing diamond ink electrodes in a wide range of shapes.
Summary of Research

Conductive boron doped diamond is a functional electrode material with excellent chemical stability and bioaffinity. Using
this technology, by combining conductive diamond power with a polymer material, we developed a conductive diamond ink
which can be used to coat various substrate materials to create electrodes. The conductive diamond ink was applied to thetip of a metallic needle, and an electrode unit was created by then wrapping the tip with an ion exchange membrane andaluminum ribbon cathode. By applying voltage to this electrode unit in water, it is possible to efficiently generate electrolyticozone, and it has been shown that this unit can be used as a dental treatment instrument for localized disinfection.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology• By applying the conductive diamond ink to substratematerials with a wide range of types and shapes, it iseasy to manufacture electrodes.
• Compared to other materials, it is possible toefficiently generate electrolytic ozone, thereby
enabling disinfection treatments.

Expected Applications
Fig. 1 Structure of the electrolysis unit and principle of electrolytic ozone generation• Dental treatment instruments (root treatments,
gingivitis treatments)• Electrochemical sensors for medical use(electrocardiogram, electromyogram, blood sugar
level, measuring uric acid levels)• Electrolytic water treatments (sterilization, produce
drinking water, generate water with electrolytic
function)

Challenges in Implementation
Fig. 2 Survival rate and SEM image of P. gingivalis in the root of a cow tooth after treatment

Points• Disinfection through the localized generation of electrolyticozone• Uses diamond with excellent bioaffinity• Can be used with a wide range of materials, shapes and sizes

Future Developments• Manufacture of electrodes with an even smaller tip• Trials using human teeth• Study with the aim of commercialization and pharmaceutical approval• Development of sensors and electrodes for electrolysis

2016.03

Collaboration with a company that creates prototype
dental treatment instruments

What We Expect from Companies• Create a prototype dental treatment instrument(prototyping).
• Develop new applications for the conductive
diamond ink other than dental treatment instruments.

■ Research System: Photocatalyst Group at the Kanagawa Academy of Science andTechnology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Healthcare Oral
Instruments and Materials Research Center■ Associated System: Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research, Young Researcher (B)■ Intellectual Property: International patent application filed■ Prototype: Available■ Sample: Provision of conductive diamond power samples is subject to priorconsultation

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 41

Colloid andinterfacechemistry

Developments of functionalized amphiphilicmolecules and active control of interfacial properties

Kenichi SAKAI (Associate Professor, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

Every material has an “interface.” The key point of the “interface chemistry” is to freely control the interfacial properties
by selectively using (or molecularly designing) suitable amphiphilic material. Our laboratory aims at developing functionalized amphiphilic material (surfactant) and achieving precise control of various interfaces with such material.
Summary of Research1) Developing novel amphiphilic materials (Gemini type, amino acid-based, stimulus-responsive, or polymerizable surfactant)
2) Preparing emulsion focused on saving resources and energy3) Analyzing adsorption of amphiphilic material at a solid-liquid interface (experimental analysis using atomic force
microscope, quartz crystal microbalance and friction force measurements)
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology
Ultraviolet Irradiation

Oil
Water

Photoviscosity Control of Stimulusresponsive Surfactant Solution

TEM Image ofEmulsion Sample

AFM Images of Surfactant Adsorption Layer Formed at Solid-liquid Interface

Points• We have developed the amphiphilic material which is eco-friendly or
has distinctive additional values• Correct understanding of properties of the amphiphilic material leads
to appropriate formulations in product development• We expect to assist to solve the problems occurred during development
works by evaluating or analyzing interfacial phenomenon

Future Developments
We want to approach complicated boundary study fields(e.g. tribology) from the aspect of interface chemistry.

No. 42Out laboratory has advanced researchon interfacial phenomenon in order totake advantage of obtained informationin manufacturing. We also willingly
accept the collaborative project withprivate companies to share the research
results for the common good, whileemphasizing basic research.

Expected Applications• Developing surfactants (detergent,emulsifier, dispersant, thickening
agent, lubricant additive, etc.)• Developing formulations using thesurfactants(cosmetics,
foods,
medicaments, paint, ink, etc.)• Developing particle
dispersion
system (emulsion or suspension)

What We Expect from Companies
We are finding the company as acollaborative project partner. We arealso willing to offer tech support if you
want more information on interface
chemistry.

■ Awards:
Innovation Award (2012) in Oil Technology of Japan Oil Chemist’s Society
Best Paper Awards (2010)
CSI Medallion of Japan Society of Colour Material (2007)■ Intellectual Property:
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-131137“Cationic Surfactant, Blend Composition of Anionic/Cationic Surfactants andHair Cosmetics”

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2016.03

Multi-in-situ electrochemical impedance monitoring
system for healthcare of lithium battery

DeviceIsao SHITANDA (Associate Professor, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

The method for determining replacement timing or reusability of built-in batteries is demanded along with the popularization of a hybrid car. In this study, we propose a multi-in-situ electrochemical impedance monitoring system which is able
to diagnose deterioration without breaking a secondary battery.
Summary of Research

We have developed a measurement system which can measure quantitative internal deterioration parameters of a lithium ion
battery in a charge/discharge cycle using an electrochemical impedance measurement without disassembling the battery. Thissystem separately measures interfacial resistance of each of positive and negative electrodes within the lithium ion battery
when internal deterioration evaluation for the battery is performed by multi-in-situ electrochemical impedance method.
We have developed a novel and revolutionary method for evaluating positive andnegative electrodes individually whilecharging or discharging.

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology• The battery state can be evaluated inreal-time while charging anddischarging the battery.
• The positive and negative electrodes,
components of the battery, can beevaluated status quo.

Positive
Electrode
6 /2

V vs.Li+ /Li

4
3

Expected Applications• State evaluation for battery installed inan electric car or an aircraft• Deterioration diagnosis for a big-scalelithium battery module

2
1
0

6 /2

0

50

150

6 /2

7570s

6 /2

2s

100
Capacity mAh/g

6 /2

Points

Whole
Battery

Negative
Electrode

6 /2• This technology enables to evaluate a natural state of the battery• The information on positive and negative electrode can be obtained
individually without breaking the battery• Since various equivalent circuit models are provided, battery
performance parameters can be evaluated in detail by automatic
fitting

Challenges in Implementation
It is necessary to figure out the individualfeatures of positive and negative electrodesin the lithium battery during charging/discharging cycle in situ, and to collect the dataon quantitative evaluation, with thedeveloped product.

What We Expect from Companies
We are finding a collaborative project
partner for evaluating a correlation
between a secondary battery states and ameasuring result obtained by thedeveloped product.

Future Developments• Establish deterioration diagnosis algorithm through evaluation of actual
batteries mounted on the hybrid car or the electric car.
• Utilize this theory to development a battery with functions of high-speed
charging and discharging.

2016.03■ Intellectual Property:
Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-173644“Method and Device for Evaluating Battery Features”

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 43

Wearable healthcare devices based on printableelectrochemistry

DeviceIsao SHITANDA (Associate Professor, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research
To develop thin biological information monitoring devices (wearable healthcare devices) equipped with self-driven biofuel cells, which
generate electric energy at the same time as monitoring by using the biological substances found in sweat and urine. We will use advanced
printing technologies to make wearable devices significantly thinner, lighter, more productive, and less expensive than the wearable devices
that are already on the market, and we will make them able to catch the first signs of diseases, assist in day-to-day health management, prevent
lifestyle diseases, and help manage other healthcare issues by measuring various vital signs (such as activity level, pulse (heart rate), andamount of sweat).

Summary of ResearchThis technology offers a mechanism in which the device serves as both the power source and the sensor. The device reacts with enzymes togenerate electric energy using substances in body fluid such as glucose, and then it uses that energy to send signals from a transmitter.
Furthermore, the devices are composed of inexpensive materials, such as paper, so they can be manufactured with a simple printing process.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies

Electron transfer
Electrons

Gluconolactone

We are proposing new self-driven wearable devices that
contain a power generator that offers high biologicalcompatibility and is easy on the human body, as well as
being completely environment-friendly, convenient, andinexpensive.

Enzymes

Expected Applications

Hydrogenions
Glucose

Water

GOD

BOD

Diaper battery

Bandage battery• Day to day health management and prevention oflifestyle diseases• Prevention of heat stroke and measurement of fatigue
level during sport activities and mountain climbing• Monitoring of the health of workers in special working
environments• Reduction of the burden on caretakers by embedding
the devices in diapers

Challenges in Implementation
We have confirmed that the urinal sugar cells are able togenerate electric energy and wirelessly transmit data byusing artificial urine. In the future, we need to implement
and evaluate the devices in diapers.

What We Expect from Companies

5 cells in series (0.34 mW)

4x4 cells are arrayed (1 mW)

We believe this technology will be beneficial forcompanies developing biosensors and those seeking to
expand their businesses into the healthcare field.
We hope to collaborate with companies that have thetechnologies to communicate with wearable devices aswell as companies that focus on integrating technologies
into IoT systems.

Enables measurement of the level of biological substances• Costs less but has better performance than other methods of energy harvesting• Simple, safe structure and disposable as it is made of paper•

PointsFuture Developments

January 2016 to March 2021
Material development → Manufacture and evaluation technology development→ Mounting technology development(We are planning to demonstrate the devices in the year of the 2020 Tokyo
Olympics and Special Olympics, which is the last year of the A-STEP Project)
We always welcome ideas for new applications and proposals for collaborative
research.

No. 44

 Associated System:
JST Adaptable and Seamless Technology Transfer
Program through Target-driven R&D
A-STEP Strategic theme-focused type
(Project period: January 2016 to March 2021)
 Partners: Tsukuba University, Riken, and other institutes
 Prototype: Completed

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2017.03

Electrical

Wireless power transfer with electromagnetic waves
for remote charge of wearable terminal

Yohtaro UMEDA (Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

Wearable communication terminals, which are powered by a small embedded battery, must be frequently charged.
Currently, a wireless charging method using a nearby magnetic field is employed in some devices, but the usability of suchdevices is significantly limited during the charging. This problem can be solved by a long-range RF power transfer.
However, this transfer method has poor efficiency. In addition, the transmitter in current terminal devices consumes a large
amount of power and thus requires a large supply of power. The present study aims at solving these problems and developing a chargerless wearable terminal that is powered by 24-hour wireless power transfer.
Summary of Research

In our research, we are building a wireless RF charging system which charges a wearable terminal several meters away with
unprecedented high efficiency. In addition, all-digital envelope pulse width modulation technology is applied to thetransmitter in the terminal, to easily and consistently achieve highly efficient communication. A millimeter or quasi-millimeter wave band array antenna is used to improve the beam convergence for more efficient charging, so that lower powertransmission is sufficient.
Comparison with Conventional
Highly efficientor Competitive Technology
beam convergence•Powertransmitter

DC/AC conversion

DC
power
supplyDC/ACconversion(array antenna
control)DC
power
supplyPointsHighly efficient
AC/DC conversion

Po
w
Ch

er

an

ne

l in

for

ma

Antenna

Mobile communication device
RectifiercircuittionChannelinformation

AntennaTransmitter/receiver
circuit

ta

Da

el

n
an

Ch

m

or

inf

Transmitter/receiver
circuiton
ati

Expected Applications• Remote wireless charging for wearable devices
e.g. watch, bracelet, glasses, or sewn-in-clothes• Remote wireless charging of mobile phone,laptop, and other mobile devices• Highly efficient wireless charging and power-efficient
communication, based on a millimeter or quasi-millimeterwave band and a multi-element array antenna• Simple, constant usability, high efficiency digital communication with less energy consumption

Continued development of high efficiency signal/powertransmission using an easy, continuously usable, highly efficient
all-digital transmitter and RF propagation control.

2016.03

Power

Highly efficient
digital transmitter

Future Developments

A millimeter or quasi-millimeter wave band, shorter
than that conventionally used, improves the beam
convergence for more efficient power transfer.
Using a digital instead of an analog transmitterlowers terminal power consumption and thus theamount of power to be charged.

Power

Battery

Fixed communication
deviceAntenna

Challenges in Implementation
Design and control of a highly efficient
multi-element plane array antenna for RF wirelesscharging. Reducing quantization noise of the digitaltransmitter. Radiation exposure and EMC
assessments will be necessary.

What We Expect from Companies
Collaboration on RF wireless charging systems
using a multi-element plane array antenna, and on
power-efficient digital transmitters.

■ Associated System: Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research C.
■ Intellectual Property: JP2014-204904 “Signal processing device
and transmitter device”■ Prototype: Not made■ Sample: Not available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 45

Device

Reconfigurable module type robot

Shinichi KIMURA (Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

A robot used to repair/recover a satellite in orbit is itself hard to repair when
any malfunction occurs. Such a robot needs to be able to autonomously adapt
to a failure of a part, short power failure, etc. It should also have many degrees
of freedom in order to carry out a wide range of tasks, but at the same time beas small as possible for good mountability. We are developing a small
connection mechanism that can maintain a joint angle in the absence of driving
torque but has many degrees of freedom, and a self-disassembly function.
Summary of Research

Based on the skills accumulated during our previous projects on in-orbit maintenance robots, we have developed amulti-module robot that is smaller, has high flexibility of movement and assembly/disassembly, and does not harm humans
if there is accidental contact.
Cross-gear universal joint
The cross-gear is composed of two gears that intersect at a right angle.
Another two gears sandwiching the cross-gear are each driven by a
motor to move the joint in a rack and pinion-like manner. This enables
an ultra-small drive mechanism with two degrees of freedom at one
point. Using a worm gear, the joint angle can be maintained even in theabsence of a driving torque due to a malfunction, a change in configuration, etc.
Magnet-based connection
We have adopted a connection mechanism using magnets so that themodules separate if there is accidental contact, etc., providing safety
upon contact. No sensor is required for the parts to detach from eachother at each connection, further ensuring safety.
Ultra-small controller
An ultra-small, distributed controller (57 mm × 33 mm) in each module
allows autonomous, flexible motion. Each module has a battery, awireless communication device, and autonomous function, and thus
can adapt to the failure of a part.

Points• Driving mechanism with 2 degrees of freedom at one point• Distributed autonomous function based on an ultra-small, decentralized controller

Future Developments• Safety on contact, free module assembly/disassembly, and complex
movements make this usable as an educational toy.

■ Associated System: JST Intellectual Property Utilization
Promotion Highway (2013) “Prototype of jointed device”• Application in rescue operations, utilizing flexibility
configuration and high degree of movement freedom.

■ Intellectual Property: JP5435676 “JOINTED DEVICE”

No. 46in■ Prototype: Joint mechanism demonstration model madeTOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2016.03

Device

Low cost high performance on-orbit equipment using
commercial-off-the shelf devices

Shinichi KIMURA (Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

To repair/recover an artificial satellite in orbit, highly autonomous search forand approach to the satellite is necessary. On the other hand, outer spacedevices have limited functions and are also extremely expensive, making theabove difficult. We have investigated commercial parts (of automobiles,
mobile phones, etc.) that can work in outer space and developed systems
with software that can deal with malfunctions, for low-cost high-performance satellite-borne devices which we have made and which have been
adopted for IKAROS, Hayabusa 2, and many other missions.

Space computer

World’s smallest
space camera

Summary of Research

In the present study, we are developing high-performance, satellite-borne devices at low cost based on the following threetechnologies and our experience in many satellite missions.
1) Orbit environment compatibility evaluation
technology for commercial devices
Before a commercial device is put into orbit, its compatibility with the orbit environment (radiation, high vacuum,etc.) must be evaluated. We have established such anevaluation technology and a collection of commercial
devices which have successfully operated on orbit. Using
these resources, we can develop a camera and a computer
suitable for a wide range of missions.
2) Satellite-borne circuit board design technology
In order to manufacture ultra-small, high-performance,satellite-borne devices from commercial parts, acircuit/board design technology is required. The world’s
smallest space camera, etc. developed in our laboratoryshows the excellence of our satellite-borne device design
technology.

Points• Outer space computer• World’s smallest outer space camera

3) Software technology for advanced AI
High performance and reliability depend on not only
hardware but also software technologies. Based on oursoftware resources nurtured over many missions, aflexible and reliable software platform has beendeveloped. Our software simulator, when connected to
hardware, can reproduce the behavior of a satellite undervarious conditions. This provides a system for effective
hardware testing.

Future Developments• Ultra-small, deployable outer space camera module.
• Controller/image acquisition and processing unit for extreme
environments.

2016.03■ Successfully participated in IKAROS, Hayabusa 2, andmany other satellite missions■ Prototype: engineering modules, etc. madeTOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 47

Energy
Sodium tetrahydroborate power (STEP) system
andenvironment
Nobukazu HOSHI (Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science)
Noboru KATAYAMA (Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

The building cost for a typical hydrogen station, which is required to feed hydrogen to fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), isestimated to be as high as 400 to 500 million yen. Thus, hydrogen stations are planned to be constructed primarily inmetropolitan areas and it likely will take many years for FCV to become popular in provincial areas. In the present study,
we propose a power supply system for FCVs and stationary power generation facilities which runs on a hydrogen storage
compound so that there is no need for large, expensive infrastructure.
Summary of Research

In the present research, NaBH4 (sodium borohydride) powder is used as a hydrogen fuel to establish a hydrogen supply
system with a high volumetric energy density. We are developing an FCV and a stationary power supply system based on
this system.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology

Hydrolysis

Because the hydrolytic reaction in this system
is exothermic, no external high energy sourceis required to produce hydrogen.

NaBH4 powder
HydrogenPower supply

Fuel cell
Reactor

Expected Applications

Power generation

STEP System** Sodium TEtrahydroborate Power System

 FCV.
 Power supply for prefab housing, onsite
offices, etc.
 Power generation in remote islands.

Challenges in Implementation

Points• We developed an FCV fueled by NaBH4 powder as fuel
The fuel is hydrolyzed into hydrogen which is converted into
electricity by the fuel cells on the vehicle; and vehicle runsby the electricity. Test run is successful• 3 kW power supply system based on the proposed system isunder development• We aim for a society that recycles NaBH4 powder
produced/rehydrogenated overseas, etc. for use as ahydrogen carrier Smaller reactor.
 Water recycle system.
 Fuel cartridge.
 By-product collection system.
 Fuel regeneration.

What We Expect from Companies
We seek companies for joint research toward ahydrogen-based society.

Future Developments
A smaller hydrogen generator is necessary for practical application. This will be
installed in a miniature car and subjected to a test run, and used in a power
generation system for remote islands.

No. 48■Awards:
Outstanding Paper Award in the 1st International
Conference on Renewable Energy Research andApplications, Nagasaki 2012

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

2019.03

Communication
andinformation
processing

All-optical downlink re-modulation in optical accessnetwork

Joji MAEDA (Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

Optical fiber networks for high-speed internet connection are now used even at home. To achieve increased speeds in the
future access networks, WDM (wave division multiplex), which assigns one wavelength to each user, is thought to beeffective. The biggest problem associated with WDM is that a tunable laser, which is too expensive, is required in each user
terminal. We are trying to achieve the next generation optical access system at lower cost, by suppressing the data
component of the downlink signal from the central office to the user and carrying out “downlink re-modulation” in an
all-optical manner which generates an uplink signal from the user.
Summary of Research

By combining a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) with a Fabry-Perot filter (FP), the modulated component ofdownlink signals over a wide frequency band can be suppressed, and subsequent optical modulation generates an uplinksignal. We have already achieved the suppression of a downlink signal of 10 Gbps, and the generation of an uplink signal
therefrom, which is a benchmark of the next-generation access system. The evaluation of the signal quality is in progress.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology

Optical signal(downlink)

A downlink re-modulation method using only
SOA is well known, but the response speed of
SOA limits its application to signals of 1 Gbps or
less. The present method can be used to constructa front-end which accommodates future
increased network speeds.

Optical signal(uplink)

Expected Applications

Fig. 1. Downlink re-modulation of the present
study.
FP: Fabry-Perot filter
SOA: Semiconductor optical amplifierFig. 2. Re-modulated optical signal.
Data transfer speed for
uplink/downlink signal = 10 Gbps.

 Subscriber terminal (ONU) for the next
generation optical access network.
 Simple optical terminal useful at times ofnatural disaster, etc.

Challenges in Implementation
Technology to match the etalon transmission
spectrum to the downstream signal wavelength.
High-gain amplifier is also required to deal witha wide range of downstream signal power.

Points All-optical processing, so it is compatible with future
increases in network speed and various modulation methods
 No laser: long lifetime

Future Developments
2015: Automatic tuning of the system
2016: High-gain amplifier mounting technology

2016.03

What We Expect from Companies
Putting our system in packages or modules;
proposals for devices suited to our system.

■Associated System:
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research C “Colorless optical terminals
in next generation WDM-PON networks” (2013–2015)

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 49Energyandenvironment

Material design for novel-concept-based solar cells—sulfurization or oxidization of “cheap” metals –Mutsumi SUGIYAMA (Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research• We have developed a novel method for fabricating a solar cell, which is safe and stable from manufacturing point of view
as well as environmental friendly while disposing. The materials used for fabricating the solar cell are available at general
hard-ware store that are inexpensive and harmless.
• We have proposed new ways to use the solar cell of oxide semiconductor (not limited to nickel oxide) as a transparent
energy harvesting device.
Summary of Research• We have considered an entire process (bottom to top approach) to develop novel concept-based solar cell. It includes
searching a proper semiconductor material, investigating its electronic properties and engineering the materials fordevice fabrication. For example, SnS and Cu2SnS3 solar cells were fabricated by subjecting a copper (Cu) or tin (Sn) film
or both to a heat process under a sulfur atmosphere.
• The solar cell fabricated using nickel oxide (NiO) is a transparent solar cell, which absorb only ultraviolet rays that isharmful to humans, and generate electricity. This type of solar cells can be installed even at location where theconventional solar cell cannot be used, for example windows or plastic greenhouses. Furthermore, they can also be used
for preparing an invisible camera or sensor by combining with a transparent diode or transistor.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology
Since the silicon semiconductor, which constitutes approximately
90% of the solar cells currently produced requires highly puresilicon, hence the manufacturing cost increases. In a contrast, wehave developed a next-generation solar cell which is safe,
risk-free and has excellent performances that can be manufactured
at a low cost.

Expected Applications• Transparent window glass which generates electricity using
ultraviolet rays
• Shade-type power generation window glass• Employ such solar cell in the energy harvesting device (forexample, a sensor which doesn’t need electricity or aninvisible security camera)

Challenges in Implementation

Points• We have proposed a solar cell whose transparency graduallychanged (NiO-based solar cell, photo on the left) and "atransparent intelligent glass" with high added value, which ismade by combining transparent transistors (p-type TFT, photoon the upper right) and sensors• We have managed the entire process from material
development to device design e.g. fabricating solar cell with asafe and inexpensive materials like SnS (photo on lower right)

Future Developments
The currently available solar cells have several “economic”
problems such as use of harmful materials, dangerous production
processes, which result high manufacturing/materials costs. This
study has a purpose to realize an inexpensive “next-generation solarcell” which can be safely manufactured and used with no risk.

No. 50• Need to improve power generation efficiency and develop a
way to use in new fields (proposals).
• Selection of safe and eco-friendly materials is important todevelop environment-friendly, low cost, next-generation solar
cell.

What We Expect from Companies
We are looking for collaborative project work with companies todevelop safe, risk-free and inexpensive next-generation solar cellin not only field stated above but also in other various fields.

■ Intellectual Property:
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication
No. 2013-109076 “Photovoltaic Light Control Element andMethod for Manufacture the Same”■ Prototype: Present■ Sample: May be provided. Decision on this made after discussion withrequester.

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

2019.03

Nanotechnology

Preparation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
catalyst layers using electro spray deposition

Noboru KATAYAMA (Associate Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

Conventional catalyst layers for PEMFC (polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell) are usually prepared by air spraying or
screen printing. We employed electrostatic spraying to form the PEMFC catalyst layer, which enables increased surface area
and control of the structure to improve the power generation of PEMFC.
Summary of Research

In the electrostatic spraying method, a high voltage of several kV is applied to a needle which drips out catalyst ink.
Droplets of ink are broken up by Coulomb force into submicrometer droplets. These droplets are electrically charged andthus attracted to the target to be coated (ground plate), resulting in a resource-efficient, uniform coating.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology

The cross section (left panel) and surface (right panel)of a catalyst layer prepared by electrostatic spraying

Conventionally used air spraying or screen
printing methods do not allow fine-tuning of
coating conditions. In electrostatic spraying,
the degree of atomization can be controlled
by regulating the voltage and ink flow, andcoating under various conditions can be
carried out. Because the droplets are
attracted by electrostatic force, there is muchless waste of the catalyst.

Expected Applications
Syringe pump

• Production of fuel cells• Forming thin films• Production of microparticles

NeedleCatalyst ink
Catalyst layer

High voltage
power supply

Electrolyte membrane
Ground plate
Outline of electrostatic spraying method

Challenges in Implementation
For industrial production, the method mayneed further improvements such as larger
coating area, shorter coating time, and higher
stability.

What We Expect from Companies
Points• Catalyst layer preparation under various conditions• Much less waste of catalyst ink• Uniform coating

Future Developments• Application of the method to a larger coating area in a shorter
coating time.
• Manufacture of a high-power, low-platinum PEMFC based on acatalyst layer prepared by the method.

2016.03We seek to collaborate with companies inindustrial applications of the present method.

■ Awards:
Kenjiro Takayanagi Foundation Young Researcher Award (2014)■ Prototype: Made
■ Sample: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 51

Manufactur- Miniature fuel cell with monolithically fabricated Si electrodesing– Multi-layer catalyst by electrochemical atomic layer deposition –technology
Masanori HAYASE (Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research
There are increasing expectations regarding compact power sources for the industrial use of drones and utilization of various
types of robots. However, despite the clean energy image of fuel cells, they are fueled by hydrogen produced mainly from fossil
fuel. In light of this situation, we are developing miniature fuel cells that can be fueled by biomass-derived hydrogen. In thisresearch, we have, in order to achieve compatibility with biomass-derived hydrogen, developed a catalyst that is highly resistantto carbon monoxide and requires little platinum.
Summary of Research
In order to miniaturize fuel cells using MEMS technology, catalytic layers were previously formed by depositing porous platinum
on silicon substrates. Although this achieved high power density fuel cells, reducing the amount of platinum used remained a
problem. At the same time, the search continued for a catalyst that is highly resistant to carbon monoxide, a large quantity ofwhich is contained in biomass-derived hydrogen. Excellent properties were obtained by depositing a small amount of platinumon porous palladium, but it was found that hydrogen absorbed into and discharged from the palladium caused the catalytic layer
to break. This research aims to create a catalytic layer using electrochemical atomic layer deposition, with palladium and platinum
being precisely deposited on the superficial layer of a core made of porous gold.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology

Pt
Pd• This is a unique technology that forms high-performance catalyst using a porous gold
structure—suitable for MEMS fuel cells—as a base.
• In our previous research, a core shell structure wasformed on metal microparticles throughelectrochemical atomic layer deposition.
• There is little research that uses porous gold as abase.
• Using porous gold as a base allows precise
electrochemical atomic layer deposition to beachieved.

UPD-SLRR
Au

Au

Porous Au

Expected Applications
500nm• Portable power sources• Moderately quiet power sources for drones androbots• Promotion of use of biomass-derived hydrogen

Si
Porous Au-Pd-Pt

Challenges in Implementation

Figure: Third-generation Au-Pd-Pt catalyst• Reduction in amount of platinum used (approx. 5 μg/cm )• High resistance to carbon monoxide• High-power MEMS fuel cells
2

Points• It is currently unclear how competitive thistechnology is with respect to the performance andcost of fuel cells for general-purpose devices.
• Optimization of the catalytic layer structure(number of UPD-SLRR processes, porous Au layer)

What We Expect from Companies• We would like companies to offer popular productsthat use biomass hydrogen fuel cells.

Future Developments
Until 2018: Prototyping cells prepared with Au-Pd-Pt catalyst
Until 2019: Increasing power of fuel cells(demonstration with smartphones)
Until 2020: Studying combination with fuel tanks and other accessories
From 2018: Seeking partners and venture companies

No. 52■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-159735“Silicon substrates with catalytic layer, fuel cells,
and method for manufacturing silicon substrates
with catalytic layer”■ Prototype: Available■ Sample: Samples of cells prepared with Au-Pd-Pt catalyst

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2018.03

Imageprocessing

The image processing technology related to cancer cellregion extraction for automatic pathological diagnosis

Hiroshi TAKEMURA (Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research
In recent years, the number of cancer patients is increasing, and with this increase, the number of pathological diagnoses, which
identify the type of cancer, that pathologists perform is increasing as well. However, Japan suffers from a chronic shortage ofpathologists as there are only about 2,300 of them. The purpose of this research is to develop an automatic pathological diagnostic
technology in order to overcome this situation.
Summary of Research
In this research, we will employ new technologies that resolve issues with conventional technologies, and promote the applicationof the technology in a pathological diagnostic system after improving its accuracy. More specifically, this research is being
conducted to construct a system for accurate pathological diagnoses using virtual slides to automatically detect cancers. The
system imports microscopic images as digital data by scanning them, changes their format to a special image format, andprocesses them into super high-resolution images (for example, 2,400 times the resolution of a Full HD monitor). This technology
also addresses the shortage of pathologists.
Conventional technology
 Because it only focuses on the nuclear cells anddifferentiates them by their sizes:• Some nuclear cells are not detected.
• Normal areas remain as noise.
• The threshold differs from image to image due to thedifferent background colors.

New technology
 By using multiple color spaces, it:• extracts the background – Bipolarization of the intensityof the HSV color system• extracts the cytoplasm and red blood cells – RGB color
system• extracts normal nuclear cells – Binarization with the
YCrCb color system• removes contour noise with a local binarization method
 Very effective as pre-processing for machine learning
All detected
Diagnostic
determination

Double-check
Some undetected

Succeeded in reducing the influence of staining level, one of
the issues hindering the conventional technologies• Supplements the lowered recognition accuracy caused byhuman errors and improves the accuracy of the automateddiagnostic system•

PointsFuture Developments• FY2015 Overcame the challenges in improving the accuracy• FY2016 and 2017 Validated the reproducibility based onclinical trial data

2017.03

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies
The technologies that have already been put into practiceuse a technique that combines the heuristic technique,which mimics the pathological determination process,with machine learning and other technologies. However,they have not spread because they have issues such as:• differences in colors (albeit caused by differences instaining), and• the inconvenience of creating training data.

Expected Applications• This technology can be used for the preprocessing ofexisting machine learning technologies, increasing theaccuracy of the existing systems.
• By using the creation support system for training datafor deep learning, recognition at the cellular level will
be possible.

Challenges in Implementation
Currently, the false negative is 79% and the false positiveis 99%. In order to put this technology into practice, weneed to increase the under-detection accuracy to 100%and establish a technology that further increases theover-detection accuracy.

What We Expect from Companies• We hope to collaborate in research with companies
that have database construction technologies and thatdevelop automated imaging devices such as
microscopes.
• We believe the adoption of this technology will prove
effective for companies that require microscopic
counting of materials and cells, as well as companies
seeking to expand their businesses into therecognition field.
• To further enhance the accuracy, we need a large
amount of data. We hope to collaborate withcompanies that can provide data to us.

■ Associated Research: Collaborative research with National Cancer Center
Hospital East, Japan (2014–2015) and others■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2013-238459 “Cancer cell region extraction device, method, and program”

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 53

Three-dimensional printing of continuous-fiber
Machinerycomposites
Ryosuke MATSUZAKI (Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research
Three-dimensional (3D) printers that use resin are now available on the market. It is well known that they easily form simple andcomplicated 3D objects without using molds or jigs. However, they can only produce structures that are too low in strength to be
used as high-quality components for industrial products. This research uses continuous fiber-reinforced resin composite materials
to develop 3D printers that can make high-strength and high-rigidity products that support people’s lifestyles, such as structuralmembers of automobiles and aerospace equipment as well as medical and welfare equipment.
Summary of ResearchThis technology not only enables single-stroke drawing using continuous carbon fiber composites, but also controls the directionsof fibers and the fiber content in local regions of an object in accordance with how it will be used. It also computes and proposes
optimal material conditions, leading to new product structures and usages.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies

High-strength 3D shape forming witha continuous carbon fiber 3D printer• Using continuous carbon fiber dramatically improved thetensile strength and rigidity of a structure compared withcommercially available industrial use 3D printers (powder
sintering, photo-fabrication, and fused deposition modeling).
• Using thermoplastic resin significantly reduced
production cost and lead-time compared withconventional thermosetting CFRP.

• A printing nozzle blends continuous carbon fiber with thermoplastic resin.
Thermoplastic filamentContinuous carbon fiber

Drive gear

Preheater

Printer head

Expected Applications• Structural members of automobiles and aerospace equipment• Medical equipment and welfare equipment such as
rehabilitation assist devices• Sports gear and recreational facilities

HeaterNozzlez yChallenges in Implementationx
Continuous carbon fiber composite

Hot table

1
Appearance when printing

We have already developed elemental technologies such ascontinuous carbon fiber 3D printing, fiber cutting, andoptimization of fiber orientation. To put the technology into
practice, we will increase the volume content of fiber to thelevel equivalent to that of conventional CFRP products.

What We Expect from Companies
Test piece

PointsThis technology is useful for companies that need to
manufacture a large variety of high-strength components insmall lots. We would like to conduct joint R&D activities
with companies that have the technologies to manufacturefinished devices or those who plan to expand their business
into the 3D printer field. We would also appreciate thesupport needed to start a venture firm.

• Lightweight, high strength, and high rigidity• Controlling the orientation and content of reinforcing fiber• Significant reduction in production cost by on-the-spot impregnation of fiber into
thermoplastic resin

Future developments
August 2016: Finalize the specifications of a large prototype.
March 2017: Complete assembly of the prototype.
April 2017−: Exhibit the prototype at an event and ship samples.
(Plan to develop a small-type concurrently.)

No. 54

Associated System: Strategic Core Technology Advancement Program(Supporting Industry Program): NEDO Project, Next Generation Structural Material Creation−Development of Processing Technology
Associated Institutions:Tokyo Institute of Technology, Nihon University, JAXA, and others
Intellectual Property: PCT/JP2015/65300, and others
URL of This Project: http://www.rs.tus.ac.jp/composites2/

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2018.03

Disaster
prevention

An image-feature enhancement and interpretation system forcrack detection of concrete surface based on featurecomposite moving image inducing visual illusion

Hirohito KOJIMA (Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science)
Hayato OHWADA (Professor, Department of Industrial Administration, Faculty of Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

Images of concrete surfaces that are taken to ﬁnd cracks are basic data for maintenance management of a concrete structure.
Features included in such an image are often hard to interpret and thus are generally processed for image enhancement.
However, conventional processing methods are not effective and tend to result in image degradation. To facilitate the crack
detection of concrete surfaces, we have developed an optical illusion-inducing image interpretation support system. This
allows real-time feature enhancement/support for interpretation of a video taken during inspection.
Summary of Research

We developed a method for combining images of features which maintains image quality and creates an afterimage optical
illusion whose effect is to sharpen the whole image and thus make cracks on a concrete surface more visible. Spatial
frequency components corresponding to changes in density among the frames of the feature composite moving image arecalculated, and the power (amplitude) of each spatial frequency component is determined, allowing objective evaluation of
the image visibility. Inspection of actual concrete surfaces demonstrated that this system composed of general-purpose
devices such as a video camera and laptop performs adequately.
Comparison with Conventional or
Crack width 0.2 mm
Crack width 0.1 mm
Competitive Technology

Original image

Optical illusion-inducing featurecomposite moving image(composite-imaged features
are dispersed)

Moving image forvisibility evaluation

In our system, embossed images (virtually irradiated from 8
directions) are sequentially displayed to the user to provide acomposite moving image of particular features that induces
visual illusions (i.e., pseudo-rotational and persistent of vision).
Conventional feature enhancement processing has the problem
of image degradation. This optical illusion inducement provides
image enhancement/sharpening while maintaining the quality ofthe original image. In addition, using DFT to calculate spatial
frequency components, our system can quantitatively andobjectively evaluate image visibility, which is evaluatedsubjectively in conventional methods.

Expected Applications<System components>• PC (laptop or tablet)• Video camera(UV, visible light, or near IR)• Hyperspectral camera

Video recording & real-time analysis

Points• Fast inspection, even in dark places such as
inside a tunnel or underneath a bridge• Compatible with both on-site, real-time analysis
and subsequent analysis/graphing• Applicable to both still and video images (UV,visible, and near IR)

Future Developments
June 2016

Test of UAV camera implementation.
Use in concrete surface inspections and apply public projects.
November 2016 Production of sales software (VIS system) started.
From April 2017 VIS system sales started.
From June 2017 Expansion and deployment of applicable field of VIS system.

2018.03• Crack inspection of concrete structures.
• Interpretation, detection and graphing of crack propagation(in RC beam bending/shear test videos, etc.).
• Inspection aid in dark places (tunnel, etc.) (IR image
acquisition and analysis available).

Challenges in Implementation• Development of more portable systems, e.g. mountable on a UAV.
• Application to ultraviolet cameras and hyperspectral cameras.

What We Expect from Companies
Seeking for a joint research companies, local government or
structure maintenance ﬁrms in evaluating the VIS system’s
applicability.
Intellectual Property:
Japanese Patent No. 04868509, Japanese Patent No. 05046119,
Japanese Patent No. 05246770, Japanese Patent No. 5769295,
Japanese Patent No. 6021053
Patent license agreement entered into with three companies.
Technical instruction contracts are available.

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 55

Safety performance measures for railway stations

SafetyShintaro TERABE (Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

The railway system in Japan is generally safer than that in other countries. However, falling and from the platform of thepassengers, the contact accident between train is generated not a little, it is necessary to establish safety strategy. The
purpose of this study, station structures and equipment, and its usage is, is to establish a quantitative evaluation methods theimpact of the passengers safety and trusty.
Summary of Research

In order to improve the pleasantness and safety of public transport services, We developed ICE (Index of Comfortable andEaseful Public Transportation)1) along with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT). In the present study,
the safety level of railway platforms, which was not included in ICE, is evaluated based on four major indices: structure,
passenger ﬂow, train movements, and passenger characteristics. From these indices, sub-indices were set which can bequantitatively evaluated.
Comparison with Conventional
Index
Sub-index
or Competitive Technology
Platform structure factor
Passenger flow factor
Train movement factor
Passenger characteristics
Shape of platform
Total accessible platform area

Any narrow areas?
Train-platform
gap width

Curve of theplatform up to
the middle
Platform crowdedness
Crowdedness aroundstairs, escalator
Frequency of trains
passing/stopping
Recognizability of thedirection of an
approaching train
Ratio of drunken passengers

No. ofpassengers
crossing paths
near the edge

Railway platform
Systemization of station safety evaluation concepts
Hierarchical classification of the factors

Passenger flow
outside of yellow
lines (except for
narrow areas)

AHP2 questionnaire
to railway companies

Amount of visual
information on
approach of train

Setting weight(Wi) of each index

Setting evaluation indicesStatistical data, investigation of actual platforms

Amount of auditory
information on
approach/arrival of train

Choice of threshold/standard values

Results of platform investigation, statistical data

Calculate evaluation score for each index (Ei)Ratio of visually handicapped passengers
Ratio of aged passengers

Calculate total score (Ei X Wi)

Fig. 1. Platform safety indices.

Fig. 2. Flow of safety evaluation
score calculation steps

In a previous attempt to evaluate the safety of arailway system, statistical data on actual railway
accidents were used to calculate their probability
distribution, and causes of and countermeasuresagainst serious accidents (crash, derailment, etc.)
were investigated. However, human injury or
death in a station, though more frequent, was notinvestigated. Another study set up a method tocomprehensively evaluate the convenience,
pleasantness, and execution certainty of trainchange in a Shinkansen station that was the sameas the present study except that it did not include
safety evaluation. The present study is the first toquantitatively evaluate the safety level of arailway station from the viewpoint of passengers.

Expected Applications
Can evaluate the relative safety level before andafter a safety measure by the railway company or
the relative safety of each platform side to decide
the order in which new measures are executed.

Challenges in Implementation
Use actual data to make this quantitative safety
evaluation method more useful and convenient.

Points• Indices weighted in accordance with multivariate analysisof actual data. Good reproducibility

Future Developments

June 2015

No. 56

Started further study to improve usefulnessof the present system based on actual data.

What We Expect from Companies
Collaboration with a railway company or safety
management firm to apply the present method toan actual platform.

1) MLIT Transport Consumer Policy Division: Investigation into
improved “pleasantness and safety” of public transport services,
2004
2) AHP: Analytic Hierarchy Process

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2016.03

Disaster
prevention

Development and installation of new type of river and tsunami
embankment that withstands various forces, and evaluation ofevacuation action under actual flood conditions

Yasuo NIHEI (Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

There is great concern about huge damage due to flood and debris flow caused by storms and tsunami compounded withearthquakes, all over the world. It is necessary to replace disaster prevention measures with disaster mitigation measures,but fundamental technology for disaster mitigation has not been sufficiently established. The present study aims to develop
hardware and software measures of disaster mitigation which can deal with huge floods and compound disasters, andminimize the risks to life and property caused by flood and tsunami.
Summary of Research

One of the world’s largest flow flumes

Hardware Measures
Development and installation of new
type of river and tsunami
embankment that withstands
overflow erosion of huge floods
Connecting many geotextile layers to concrete
panels covering the embankment increases
resistance against overflow erosion andearthquakes. A new type low-cost embankment
effectively blocks huge floods with a steep slope
and a small cross-section. Our laboratory recently
built one of the world’s largest wave testing
channels (left photograph) in addition to a large
wave maker for tsunami testing. Using this and asmall flume, we conduct model tests to develop
new types of levees that will actually protect
against disasters.

A new type (GRS) of river levee
ConcretepanelsOverflow
Geotextile

foundation<Full reinforcement>

Points2016.03

Existing cross section<Partial reinforcement>• Embankments made with very earthquake-proof
geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) and integrated withconcrete covering the embankment, greatly increases
resistance to flow erosion• Embankments reinforced and made erosion resistant witha small cross-section at low cost
• Structure adapted to specific conditions (partial
reinforcement, etc.)

Software Measures
Evaluation of evacuation action under
actual flood conditions
To evaluate property of evacuation activities after
floods and landslides, we conducted tests of floodevacuation, recreating flood conditions using thelarge-scale channel. Based on these experimental
results, we developed models of flood evacuationthat will save lives in an actual flood disaster.
Laboratory Apparatus:
Large-scale open channel(length: 20 m, width: 10 m, height: 1.8 m)
Small open channel(length: 4.0 m, width: 0.2 m, height: 0.4 m)
Two-dimensional wave flume with tsunami maker(length: 36 m, width: 1.0 m, height: 1.2 m)

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 57

Communication
andinformation
processing

Medical application of image processing technology

Naoyuki AIKAWA (Professor, Department of Applied Electronics, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

To develop a “medical front-end processor” in order to provide an interface that enables definite early detection of pathological lesions while reducing the burden on doctors and laboratory technicians. More specifically, we have been working todevelop efficient analytical methods and presentation methods for high-dimensional image information, as well as a display
and input device that incorporate the method and the means to construct a highly visual interface that uses shapes anddesigns to engage with feelings and senses.
Summary of Research

Use of the contrast adjustment method for the target site using conversion functions, the region extraction method using
Gabor filters and morphological filters, the clustering method, or other methods enables efficient medical diagnostic
imaging and image analyses.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies
Conventional methods had issues such as low
contrast of the extracted target site and indefinableedges, leading to low accuracy extraction, whichconsequently made them difficult to use in medical
diagnostic imaging. However, by employing thistechnology, the extraction accuracy will be higher
and the efficiency of medical diagnostic imaging
and image analyses will be increased.

Expected Applications• Vascular extraction without using a contrast agent• Efficient detection of abnormal sites such as
cancer cells

Original image with
FutureDevelopments
contrast
agent

Processed image
without contrast agent• Support in diagnoses• Measurement and sorting of blood cells

Challenges in Implementation• Development of a human-centered device (tablet
device) without a high-end CPU

Points• Efficient recognition using multidimensional information• Image analysis, extraction, and recognition
using mathematical methods• Lower burdens on the patients and doctors

Future Developments
2016 Improved the vascular extraction accuracy
2017 Develop a human-centered device2018 Enable detection of abnormal sites such as cancers and thrombus

No. 58• Extraction of small blood vessels• Integration of a learning function to increase
detection accuracy

What We Expect from Companies
We are looking for companies to collaborate with in
the development of input/output devices andpresentation methods.

 Awards: Incentive award of the technical committee of the Institute ofElectrical Engineers of Japan (3/7/2013), etc.
 Intellectual Property:
Japanese Patent No. 5618129 “Medical image display control device
and program”
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2013-103080 “Medical image processing device, method, and program”
Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-252388 “Target detection device
and program”

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2017.03

Communication
andinformation
processing

Particle size analyzer technique using image
processing

Naoyuki AIKAWA (Professor, Department of Applied Electronics, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

Detection of tumor cells circulating in the blood is usually conducted by visualization using reagents and microscopic
observation by physicians. However, it requires effort and cost, and individual differences may occur during microscopic
observation; therefore, a convenient method to detect tumor cells is required. Tumor cells circulating in the blood are large
and distorted compared with normal cells, and a particle size analyzer may aid in detection to some degree. However,commercial particle size analyzers target industrial products and are not appropriate for blood cell analysis. Therefore, thisstudy aimed to develop a particle size analyzer technique that was appropriate for blood cells. In addition, the analysis
technique placed an emphasis on versatility.
Summary of Research

Using an image processing technology, the size and shape of blood cells were measured from the images of blood, and theparticle size distribution for each shape was obtained. Based on this information, an algorithm that detects cells that have ahigh probability of being tumor cells circulating in the blood was developed. Compared with conventional particle size
analyzers, the analyzer used in our research has a higher resolution. In addition, the software used for conventional particle
size analyzers can only be used for that specific analyzer; however, our software can be used with ordinary personal
computers, and as long as a microscope image of blood is available, detecting cells with a high probability of being tumor
cells circulating in the blood is possible.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies

Analysis of a blood image using the software
Result of blood cell size
distribution analysis• Shape, size, and distribution in a blood image of 3840
× 2748 pixels are measurable in approximately 2 s.
• Robust to noise• High resolution

Expected Applications

Blood image of a 14-year-old female dog (Welsh Corgi)with liposarcoma (under the skin of the right shoulder).

ISO Circularity• Software to detect tumor cells circulating in the
blood using a blood image.

Challenges in Implementation
Cells with a highprobability of being
tumor cells circulatingin the blood

Blood Image

x-axis: Inner diametery-axis: Circularity =Circularity, 1

Diameter of the circle withthe same area as the cell
Diameter of circle with same
circumference as the cell

Circularity, 0.75

Circularity, 0.5* If the diameter is large and circularity is small, it has
a high probability of being a tumor cell circulating in
the blood.

Inner Diameter

PointsFuture Developments• Speeding-up of processing with a graphics processing unit
(GPU)

• Classification of detected blood cells

2019.03• Increasing the number of detection experiments toimprove precision and to validate robustness to noise

What We Expect from Companies
We are looking to collaborate with a company thatwould develop the user interface of this software andwork on it commercialization.

• Optimal for particle size distribution measurement of blood cells• Usable with an ordinary personal computer (does not require
specialized equipment)• Measurement is possible with a microscope image of blood (noblood sample required)Awards:• The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, Prize of Progress from theTechnical Committee (2013.03.07)• IEEE Information Theory Society Japan Chapter Travel Support Award
for Young Researchers (2012.10.30), etc.

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 59

Nanotechnology

Multifunctional film fabrication by nano-scale rapidtransfer technologies

Jun TANIGUCHI (Professor, Department of Applied Electronics, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

Nanoimprinting is the one of the most common technique for transferring a nanostructure. However, this technique is forforming a pattern on a resin; thus it is not suitable for transfer to metal. In recent years, a “printed electronics,” i.e. a
bendable electronic device manufactured by distributing a metal wiring on a plastic substrate, has been developed, and atechnique for transferring nanometer order metal pattern using a mold also grows in importance. This study aims at
satisfying these technical needs with the nanoimprinting.
Summary of ResearchTechnologies for preparing the nanostructure includes manufacturing a moth-eye (antireflection) structure by irradiating
glassy carbon (GC) with oxygen ion beam; and transferring patterns to resin and metal from the manufactured moth-eye
mold. Nanoimprinting for the resin and the meal release layer for the metal can allow the patterns to be formed on PET.
Moreover, the researchers have advanced the research to achieve the roll-to-roll continuous transfer. It will enable the rapid(with a speed similar to printing) and bulk production of the metal nanostructure as well as the resin nanostructure.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology
Moth-eye mold

Au is deposited on Cr (release layer)

Transfer Au to PET film

Releasing (demolding) is the one of the most important points
in transferring nanometer order pattern to resin or metal. Out
laboratory formulates a proper releasing method and enablestransfer from the metal. Nanotransfer using a roll, like aprinting, and rapid transfer are also established.

Expected Applications• Printable electronics(e.g. IC tag, sensor, etc.)• Wearable devices (e.g. sensor, etc.)• Optical film (e.g. antireflection film, etc.)

80°C, 30 min.

Au nanostructure on PET

ReleaseMetallic moth-eye structure can be transferred by NIL
PET film

Drop a UVcurable resin

Challenges in Implementation
The mold cost tends to be too high, but our laboratory
possesses a technology which enables to prepare a plurality oftransfer molds from only one master by creating replicas.
Moreover, a large-area mold is difficult to manufacture but ourlaboratory succeeds to extend the single mold by tiling,
provided that the joints are improperly visible.

What We Expect from Companies

Nip pressure: 0.25 [MPa]Replica moldWe are finding the company as a collaborative project partner,
who is willing to build new articles.

UV exposure

Roll-to-roll Nanoimprint lithography (RTR-NIL)

Future Developments
A functional film with a nanostructure provides greater
novel values to products in various fields including but notlimited to displays, automobile components, touch-screensand mobile device. We are willing to cooperate with thecompanies who demand such new functions and technologies.

No. 60 Associated System: JST A-STEP “High-risk Challenge” type
 Awards: MNE 2014 “Best Poster Awards”
 Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent No. 04550089 “Antireflection
Structure Body, Method for Preparing the Same, and Method for
Preparing Optical Member” US8328371 “Anti-reflection structure
body, method of producing the same and method of producing opticalmember” EP2065736 “Antireflection structure, process for producing
the same and process for producing optical member”
 Prototype: Present Sample: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2016.03

Device

Development of a next-generation low-power transistors
capable of operating at frequencies ranging from gigahertz toterahertz

Hiroki FUJISHIRO (Professor, Department of Applied Electronics, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

For technologies such as next-generation communications, unexplored sensing technologies, and ultimate computing to beachieved, new high-frequency low-power transistors are required. To develop such devices, we are conducting research intotransistors using Sb-based compound semiconductors that exhibit high electron mobility.
Summary of Research

To develop a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) that can operate at frequencies ranging from the millimeter-wave bandto the terahertz wave band (30 GHz–1 THz) using Sb-based compound semiconductors, we carried out the design andanalysis of the device by means of a Monte Carlo simulation of HEMT using an InSb-based material, fabricated and evaluatedthe HEMT epitaxy structure using a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) apparatus, and then fabricated and evaluated the device.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies
InSb exhibits electron mobility that is more than 50 times
higher than that of Si, and it is attracting attention as thethird-generation electronic material following GaAs- andInAs-based materials. It is possible to produce a material
that will deliver a world-leading performance that issuperior to that of GaAs- and InAs-based materials byapplying the following: a device structure design thatmakes full use of band engineering and strain engineering;
thin film growth at the atomic layer level that realizes thedesign; and ultrafine processing at the nanometer level.

Expected Applications
Simulation results for the band structure andelectron density distribution of thestrain-controlled InSb HEMT

Layer structure of an InSb quantum wellchannel for which the electron mobility has
been increased by strain control

The terahertz range of the invisible light and electromagnetic spectrum is regarded as being a suitable bandwidth
for unexplored sensing technologies, next-generation
communications, ultimate computing, and the like. It is
expected to be applied in a variety of fields, including
manufacturing,telecommunications,medicine,
biotechnology, agriculture, and security. InSb-based
HEMT can make a significant contribution to therealization of applications such as an ultimate-performance low-power transistor that is capable of operating in
the terahertz range.

Challenges in Implementation
Cross-sectional TEM image of the prototype
strain-controlled InSb HEMT (gate electrodelength: 80 nm)

Points• High-frequency operation(30 GHz–1 THz)
• Low-power consumption

We aim to stably achieve a high-level transistor
performance in the terahertz range and further pursue theformation of an IC.

What We Expect from Companies
The InSb-based material is attracting attention not only asa high-speed high-frequency transistor, but also as achannel material for LEDs, light detectors, and the like inthe terahertz to far-infrared range. We are searching forcompanies and research institutions that can work together
on developing practical uses for this material.

Future Developments
2015: Test production of an ultimate-performance InSb-basedtransistor that operates in the terahertz range
2016: Evaluation of properties and improvements to performance
2016: Test production of a low-noise IC

2019.03■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication
No. 2014-045024 “Production Method for Semiconductor Devices”■ Awards: Distinguished Services Award for Electronics Society Initiatives
received from the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication
Engineers (2011)

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 61

Color sensors based on wavelength-dependent
bipolar photodetectors

DeviceTakashi IKUNO (Associate Professor, Department of Applied Electronics, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

Wavelength-dependent bipolar photodetectors (WBPDs) are attracting attention as color sensors and building blocks for
optical logic circuits. Conventional WBPDs are photoelectrochemical devices mainly composed of an electrolyte andorganic molecules, and suffer from the problems of having a slow response (due to their principle) and of having a transition
wavelength—at which the polarity is reversed—that is limited by the optical properties of their materials. In order toovercome the problems posed by conventional technologies, this research aims to improve response speed and control thetransition wavelength by using an inorganic semiconductor.
Summary of Research

Through precise control of surface band bending of a general inorganic semiconductor material, our device is given
characteristics whereby the output polarity changes depending on the wavelength of incident light. For example, a positive
current is output when red light is detected, and a negative current when blue light is detected. The advantages of the device
are that it can respond faster than conventional devices and can be seamlessly tuned to detect different colors by changing
the size of the semiconductor.
Comparison between a conventional photodetector and WBPD

EQE

Photodetector

External quantum
efficiency

Conventional
photodetector

0

Light

Schematic illustration of device
developed in this research
Semiconductor withbifacial band bendings

Electrode

WBPD

Transition
wavelength

λ th

0

Wavelength

Wavelength

Advantages as a color sensor• No output comparison circuit• No power supply

100

λ th

Incident
light

PointsEQE (%)

0

λ2

-100

• Discrimination of traffic light colors for self-driving cars
• Discrimination of product colors for production lines• Building blocks of optical logical circuits

Challenges in Implementation
We have already completed proposal of the device’s
principle, execution of operation simulations anddevelopment of prototype components. We need to establish
an integration technology in order to enable practical use.

What We Expect from Companies
400

600 800 1000 1200
Wavelength (nm)We require partners who will work with us to develop
various applications.

• Output polarity changes depending on wavelength of incident light• Ability to control the transition wavelength at which polarity is reversed• Quick response (tens to hundreds of microseconds or less)Future Developments■ Awards: Poster Award from the Japan Society ofMarch 2018: Achievement of color sensor arrays
March 2019: Creation of prototypes suitable for applications

No. 62

Bipolarity

-50

λ1

• Successfully increases response speed—which is aproblem with conventional devices—by more than 100
times.
• Our device can be seamlessly tuned to detect different
colors by changing the size of the semiconductor, whileconventional devices can detect only limited colors.

Expected Applications

Simulation results

50
Transparent
electrode

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology

Applied Physics (JSAP Autumn Meeting,2016) and other awards■ Prototype: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2018.03

Wireless energy transmission

DeviceKenji SHIBA (Associate Professor, Department of Applied Electronics, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

The wireless energy transmission using electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance has already been put into practicaluse. However, this technology has the following problems: 1) output voltage is ﬂuctuated depending on distance between
coils, 2) transmission efficiency decreases depending on distance between coils, 3) output voltage is ﬂuctuated due to load
ﬂuctuation, 4) electromagnetic radiation noise is high, and 5) safety to the human body is not confirmed yet. Thus it can beused on the limited condition. This study has a purpose to overcome such a conventional problem and to develop thetechnology for wireless energy transmission which enables safe and risk-free charging.
Summary of ResearchThis wireless energy transmission system has excellent features such as high energy transmission efficiency (98% between
coils), output voltage (= electrical power) never changes even when the load varies, it is kept at constant level even whenrelative locations between primary coil and secondary coil are changed and lower electromagnetic noise, and so on.
Our Proposal Wireless Energy Transmission System
DC Power Supply
or Battery

TranscutaneousTransformer

Constant voltage
against thefluctuation of the load
resistance

RectifierCircuit

Load

Inverter Circuit

Rated Input
Voltage X[V]Feedback Circuit

Receiving
CircuitTransmitting
CircuitInformation of
Output Voltage

Wireless

Primary

提案する無線
電 力 伝 送 は、
このフィードバック回路が不要

Secondary

Example of Energy Transmission for Ventricular Assist Device
For VAD

Skin

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology
Since it has a structure that a ring of the secondary coil is clamped bya ferrite core wound by the primary coil, the physical distance between
the primary and secondary coils is limited. However, higher
transmission efficiency and secure electrical insulation are achieved,
and they are able to be detachable very easily.

Expected Applications• Wirelessly charging household appliances with several tens- or
hundreds-watt (charging mobile device, in particular mobile phoneor smartphone, rechargeable vacuum cleaner, rechargeable electric
power tools, etc.)• Wireless energy transmission for implantable medical equipments(such as ventricular assist device)• Charging connector for electric vehicle, etc.

Challenges in Implementation
The implantable medical equipment has a main problem that the
medical equipment requires design and manufacture of a speciﬁc
medical packaging. When it is used for the household appliance or theelectric vehicle, ﬁnally, dosimetry evaluation and EMC evaluation are
also needed according to the output voltage.

What We Expect from Companies

Primary Coil
(External Coil)

Secondary Coil(Internal Coil)

Future Developments
Energy can be transmitted wirelessly only by clamping even whenthe electric vehicle or the mobile device is charged. Thus safe
charging can be realized since it can be insulated even outdoors.
Furthermore, the AC-AC energy transmission efficiency is 98% orhigher. We can offer advices in accordance with the desired
applications. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

2016.03We are ﬁnding collaborative project partner companies which intend
to jointly develop a wireless energy transmission system with a
medical equipment manufacture. This technology would be
effectively introduced in companies which want to develop charging
device for the household appliances and electric vehicle, so we arewilling to undertake joint project with such companies.
■ Awards:

JSAO Best Paper Awards (2001) in Circulatory System, etc.

■ Intellectual Property:

Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-146119 “WirelessEnergy Transmission Apparatus and Electrical Device”■ Prototype: Present■ Sample: May be provided. Decision on this made after discussion withrequester.

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 63

Medicaland bioOTN (over 1000 nm)-NIR in vivo imaging system

Kohei SOGA (Professor, Department of Materials Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Imaging Frontier Center)
Purpose of ResearchFluorescent imaging is one of the most important basic technologies in fields of biology and medicine. Visible ornear-infrared light with a short wavelength, either of which is currently used, has limitations in observation depth andclearness due to strong light scattering and autofluorescence. Meanwhile, the 1000-nm or more near-infrared light(OTN-NIR) is expected to provide the observation depth of several centimeters, compared favorably with conventional
depth of several millimeters. However, the wavelength region 1,000 nm or more cannot be observed because a silicon CCD
camera can only capture the images with a wavelength less than 1000 nm.
Summary of ResearchThis technology achieves to realize OTN-NIR fluorescence in-vivo bioimaging, in so-called “the second biological
window” by developing an imaging system equipped with InGaAs CCD camera and a diode laser excitation and rareearth-containing ceramics nanoparticles (RED-CNP) as fluorescent probes at the same time.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology• Bioimaging in OTN-NIR• Enable measurement insensitive to lightscattering and autofluorescence• Imaging with several cm depth

Expected Applications• Imaging for small animals• Imaging for diagnosis and medical care
• DDS kinetic analysis in the pharmaceutical field

Challenges in Implementation

Portable OPT(jointly developed with Shimadzu Corporation)

Points• Capable of imaging deep part of a living body
• Capable of highly-accurate measurement without effecting cell orvital environment• Capable of real-time measurement or long-time measurement

Research Schedule
December 2014: Launch the imaging device for small animal onto
the market (Shimadzu Corporation)
April 2017: Produce a prototype of the imaging device for diagnosis
and medical care
April 2022: Start the clinical applications & Launch the imaging
device for diagnosis and medical care onto the market
December 2027: Launch the imaging device for diagnosis andmedical care onto the market

No. 64• The imaging device for small animal
research has been already developedwith Shimadzu Corporation andlaunched onto the market.
• We will do the projects on 1) implementing the imaging device for diagnosis andmedical care, and 2) developing various
kinds of the fluorescent probes.

What We Expect from Companies
We are finding the company as acollaborative project partner, who is willingto develop the imaging device for diagnosis
and medical care, the novel fluorescentprobes, and 3D imaging technology
utilizing the depth imaging.

■ Awards:
JSDMD Symposium, “Best Lecture Awards” (April 11, 2009)
Japanese Bioimaging Society, “Best Image OLYMPUS Awards”(November 2, 2006)■ Intellectual Property:
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication Nos.
2013-103080 “Medical Image Processing Device, Method, andProgram” 2014-115151 “Optical Imaging Device”■ Prototype: Present ■ Sample: Available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2016.03

Energyandenvironment

Thermoelectric waste heat recovery byenvironmentally benign materials

Keishi NISHIO
Tsutomu IIDA
Hiroaki ANNO

(Professor, Department of Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science)(Professor, Department of Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science)(Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sanyo-Onoda City University)

Purpose of Research
Waste heat is one of the important energy sources. Establishing thermoelectric conversion technology that generates highly usefulelectric energy from waste heat is important to develop the elemental technology essential for reducing carbon dioxide by improving
energy utilization efficiency. The researchers have focused on molecular architecture, crystal structure, electronic property, etc. ofthe material, controlled semiconductor characteristics exhibition, electrical conductivity and heat conductivity, in order to implement
high-performance thermoelectric conversion material, and searched proper material satisfying the conditions considering availability
and safety as the raw material while securing high performance. Moreover, the researchers promote industry-academia-government
cooperation at home and abroad, and work on development of power generation system, i.e. module which can efficiently utilize
exhaust heat from automobiles or industry furnaces, and natural heat such as solar heat, ground heat and bioheat.
Summary of Research
100

200 300

400

500

600

700

800

Fuel Cell
Cogeneration

Small-scale Dispersed Power Source
Micro Gas Turbine, Gas Engine,
Fuel Cell (SOFC), etc.

Unused Heat
Source(°C)

Automobile
Hot Water Supplier

We have studied how to find, how to improve, and how to utilize
various thermoelectric conversion materials, including but notlimited to inorganic, silicide, organic materials. The power
generation module for automobile has been developed using
magnesium silicide (Mg2Si) among such materials, via
industry-academia-government cooperation at home and abroad.
Fuel(Polythiophene, Polyaniline, etc.)
Industry Furnace,
Incineration Furnace, Blast Furnace

Household, Illumination,
Kitchen, Water Supply, etc.

EnginePower Source

Driving Power
30%
Friction Losses
5%

Incineration
FurnaceLife

BATTERY

Living Body

100

200 300

400

500

600

700

800

(°C)

ExhaustGas

Cooling
Radiator

Silicide

Thermoelectric
Conversion Material

Exhaust heat powered generator

Mg2Si

Zinc-Antimony

Metal-based

Lead-Tellurium
Cobalt-Arsenic(Skutterudite)

Metal Oxide-based
Polymer-based(Polythiophene,
Polyaniline, etc.)• Research on thermoelectric conversion
materials corresponding to heat sources invarious temperature regions• Good for the ecology and resources

Future Developments
We have studied various materials; especially regarding Mg2Si, we
carry out the performance improvement and preparation of a module
prototype.
For corresponding to CARS 2020 Action Plan, we promote thedevelopment through industry-academia-government cooperation.

2019.03

Exhaust heat recycling

Thermoelectric
Conversion System

Bismuth-Tellurium

PointsFuel used for traveling–10%

Expected Applications
Fuel consumption is improved and CO2
emission is reduced by converting
exhaust heat from the automobile toelectricity and recollecting it as theenergy. This technology is expected toutilize the exhaust heat from theindustry furnace or the incineration
furnace, as well as from the automobile.

Comparison with Conventional orCompetitive Technology
The
conventional
thermoelectric
conversion material typically includes
scarce or toxic elements, but this new
material uses easily-available and safe
elements only. The future subject is torealize recycling the exhaust heat fromthe automobile.

Challenges in Implementation

What We Expect from Companies• Further improve thermoelectric
conversion characteristics• Evaluate and improve mechanicalproperties, durability and service life
• Evaluate and improve economic
efficiency

We are finding a partner who is willingto develop the materials usable in thevarious fields.

■ Associated Institution: Unused Heat Energy Conversion Division of
GUAS■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-517173“Method for Manufacturing Thermoelectric Conversion Module andThermoelectric Conversion Module” (filing several applications
associated to organic and inorganic thermoelectric conversion
material and modules at home and abroad)

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 65

Measurement
technology

Electrical and optical hydrogen gas
sensor with Pt/WO3 thin films

Keishi NISHIO (Professor, Department of Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

Hydrogen energy is one of the most prospective energy sources since it has been employed in various applications, such as
a fuel cell, a hydrogen vehicle, etc. However, the hydrogen gas reaches the flammability limit when about 4% to 74% of
the hydrogen is contained in the atmosphere, and thus leakage prevention becomes very important. The electrical type or
catalytic-combustion type hydrogen sensor has been conventionally used, but it has disadvantages that a detectableconcentration range is limited and a detection speed is slow. An object of this study is to implement the hydrogen gas
leakage detection with high-speed in the wide concentration range. The study focuses on a material structure, characteristics usable for detection and a device structure.
Summary of Research

A film of oxide (WO3) is prepared with a sol-gel method, and Pt/WO3, WO3 carrying platinum, is further formed on a glass
substrate. The researchers have discovered that the hydrogen gas can be detected within the wide concentration range bymaking the optical/electrical synergy sensor using gas chromism of Pt/WO3, that is, by combing two physical properties,
light and electricity. The high-speed response is realized by controlling microstructure and crystalline of the film preparedwith the sol-gel method.
Coloring

Decoloring

Wide Concentration
Range

Driving at >Room Temperature

High-speed
Response

Sol Solution
Optical Hydrogen
Detection based on
Transmittance
Fluctuation

Electrical Hydrogen
Detection based on
Electroconductivity
Fluctuation

WO3+xM+xeTransparent

MxWO3
Blue

Humid Gel

Dried Gel

Adjusting Metal Oxide Film by Sol-Gel Method

Only a portion sprayed withhydrogen gas is colored.

M+:H+, Li+, Na+, …

Expected Applications
Points• It can distribute to safe management ofhydrogen which attracts attention as the
future energy• Good for the ecology and resources• Hydrogen gas sensor: measuring and managing under theconcerning conditions including fixed quantity from thinconcentration close to the flammability limit, which especiallyrequires the high-speed response

Challenges in Implementation• Collaboration with measuring techniques• System architecture

Future Developments
We have a plan to utilize especially the Pt/WO3 film formed on the glass
substrate as the hydrogen gas sensor in the industry-academia-government cooperation, and to search and develop other materials.

No. 66

What We Expect from Companies
We are finding a partner who is willing to employ and utilize thistechnology in the various fields.

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2018.03

F1-ATPase relieves the damage caused by a hightemperature stress during seed development

Bio

Hiroaki SHIMADA (Professor, Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

Molecular Genetic Approach to the Exploitation of Plant Resources
All living species on the earth depend on plant biomass such as carbohydrates. Our goal is to develop novel technologies
that enable plants to exert their maximum abilities. To fully exploit plant resources and achieve a sustainable and stablesociety that can withstand the global warming, we are studying the key factors crucial to the productivity of plant biomass,plant genes involved in the tolerance to environmental stresses, and molecular agriculture techniques for producing
medicines and chemicals using plants.
Summary of Research
28–33˚CHigh
temperaturetolerant rice

Wild-typerice

Wild-typerice
Normaltemperature
Non-tolerant
rice

PointsHigh-temperature stress during seeddevelopment resulted in reduced grain
quality with chalky endosperm, which wascaused by insufficient storage starchsynthesis possibly because of shortage of
ATP supply and inadequate energy status indeveloping seeds. In this case, since theexpression of genes involved in F1-ATPasewas significantly decreased, it is suggested
that change in the amount of F1-ATPase andtherefore reduction in the ATP content indeveloping seeds largely affected the grain
quality. We created rice transformants inwhich an F1-ATPase β gene wasoverexpressed specifically in the endospermof immature seeds, which relieved the hightemperature damage.

• Creation of high temperature-tolerant plants by overexpressing F1-ATPase• Screening for/breeding of high temperature-tolerant rice plant lines• Breeding of high temperature-tolerant rice plant lines

Future Developments• Collaboration with seed companies, JA, and other organizations
and application for governmental research grants.
• Field testing of the overexpression lines on a collaborative basis.

2016.03

Overexpression of F1-ATPase β
in Rice Seeds Confers Tolerance
to High Temperature■ Associated System:
SIP (Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program)Agri-innovation Program■ Awards:
JSPCMB Excellent Paper Award (2013)■ Intellectual Property:
JP2014-102528 “Translational Enhancer”■ Prototype: present■ Sample: available

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 67

Bio

Translational enhancer that promotes protein
biosynthesis and leads to enriched grain production

Hiroaki SHIMADA (Professor, Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research[POINT] Enhanced crop production by promoting protein biosynthesis from mRNA without increasing gene transcription. Mostof conventional technologies to efficiently produce proteins do so by promoting mRNA production (gene transcription). Our
technology is unique in that it depends on translational enhancers that promote protein synthesis from mRNA (translation). We
have identified a novel translational enhancer derived from the Oryza sativa OsMac1, OsMac2, and OsMac3 genes. This enhancer
produced a 5- to 30-fold increased amount of a reporter protein encoded by its downstream ORF. Currently we are working on
the construction of a high-efficiency production system based on the function of such translational enhancers. The future goal isto establish a method applicable to highly efficient production of substances in various cell systems.
Summary of Research
We investigated the usefulness of translational enhancers by testing the effect of one of them on the production of a reporter
protein. The enhancer sequence was inserted in the 5’UTR that was located upstream of the coding region of a temperature-sensitive elastin-like peptide (ELP) fusion protein gene, to construct plasmids that expressed the reporter from a CaMV 35S promoter.
These plasmids were introduced into Nicotiana benthamiana and Oryza sativa. Both of the resultant transformants showed aseveral fold increase in the amount of the ELP fusion reporter protein, compared to a control. This indicated that translational
enhancers can promote translation in these plants.
Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology
Translational enhancer
sequence promotes protein
production from ORF

Thirty-fold protein production
by translational
enhancement in plants

Conventional high-efficiency protein production
technologies usually increase gene expression(transcription). The present technology is unique in that itenhances protein production from mRNA (translation).
When combined with conventional technology, thepresent technology can greatly raise protein production
through the synergistic effect of increased genetranscription and translation. It also enhances protein
production in cell-free protein synthesis systems.

Expected Applications
Translational enhancement

Points• Our system yields increased protein production bypromoting mRNA translation• Our system may give a synergistic effect using aenriched transcription because it targets thetranslational process• Our system also efficiently works on the protein
production by cell-free protein synthesis system

Future Developments• Fiscal 2015:
Application to various cell types• Fiscal 2016:
Research for practical applications(research reagents)

No. 68• Novel research reagents/kits (for high-efficiency
protein production).
• Production of valuable proteins in a living plant.
• Research reagents for protein arrays using cell-freeprotein synthesis systems.

Challenges in Implementation• Research needed for practical applications, e.g. innucleotide sequence optimization.

What We Expect from Companies
Please contact us if you are interested in industrial
application of the present technology.

■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent No. 5598899 “translational enhancer” Registered Japanese
Patent Application No. 2014-102528 “translational enhancer” Application unpublished■ Reference: Hiromi Aoki, Hiroshi Teramura, Mikhail Schepetilnikov, Lyubov A Ryabova, Hiroaki
Kusano, Hiroaki Shimada “ Enhanced translation of the downstream ORF attributed to a long 5′
untranslated region in the OsMac1 gene family members, OsMac2 and OsMac3 ” Plant
Biotechnology Vol. 31 (2014) No. 3 p. 221-228
Hiroshi Teramura, Yusuke Enomoto, Hiromi Aoki, Tadamasa Sasaki, Hiroaki Shimada
A long 5' UTR of the rice OsMac1 mRNA enabling the sufficient translation of the downstream
ORF. Plant Biotechnology 29, 43-49 (2012)

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2016.03

Bio

Plant aroma-mediated, biological interactions:development of agri-aroma plants and medicalaroma plants

Gen-ichiro ARIMURA (Professor, Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology,
Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research

In the present study, we used gene recombinant flowering plants that regularly emit volatile terpenes, which are a large classof natural organic compounds produced by plants, to elucidate the pharmaceutical (anti-cancer aromatherapeutic),
anti-stress, and other advantageous effects of terpenes and to establish the basis for applications of such “medical aromaticplants.” These recombinant plants also can be used as “agricultural aromatic plants” that can promote attraction of natural
enemies of harmful insects and promote inter-plant communication.
Summary of Research

Among aromatic chemicals produced by plants, terpenes have anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, relaxation (anti-stress), andmany other health-promoting effects and are therefore attracting worldwide attention from researchers and physicians. In
recent years, development of terpene production systems using plant factories and microorganisms such as yeast, and basic
research to incorporate inter-organism communication via volatile terpenes as agribio technology in production systems
have progressed rapidly. We are developing agricultural aromatic plants which regulate communications between plants andpest natural enemies and between plants, and medical aromatic plants which are expected to have health-promoting andanti-cancer effects, using the flowering plants torenia and tobacco as models.
Distinctive petal/
trichome expression

Applicable toa wide rangeof crops

Expression invegetative organs

Efficient terpene production using model flowering trees

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technology
Conventionally, one terpene compound is isolated
and used as the active ingredient in a drug
compound. Because our product is a live plant, theactive ingredients of the plant are all utilized, andmultiple functions are realized.

Expected Applications• Agricultural aromatic plants can protect
co-cultivated crops from pests.
• Medical aromatic plants can promote humanhealth when incorporated in daily life, reducing
medical care expenditure.

Fragrance

AntiInter-organism
cancer effect interactions

Stress resistance

Development of agricultural and medical aromatic plants with various functions

Points• Novel applications of aroma-based plant communication• Use of anti-pest and health-promoting effects of volatileterpenes• Creation/production of agricultural and medical aromaticplants with novel functions

Challenges in Implementation• Identification of genes that produce and regulate
effective aromatic components.
• Creation/production of functional plants.
• Genome editing (using CRISPR/Cas9).

What We Expect from Companies
Testing and commercialization of the agriculturaland medical aromatic plants generated by thepresent study.

■ Publication: Arimura G., Yazaki K., Takabayashi J., Kawakita A. (2014) Frontiers in Plant Aromascience: Why do plants emit various scents?
published by Fragrance Journal Ltd.
■ Reference: Shimoda T., Nishihara M., Ozawa R., Takabayashi J., Arimura G. (2012) The effect of genetically enriched (E)-beta-ocimene andthe role of floral scent in the attraction of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis to spider mite-induced volatile blends of torenia. New
Phytologist 193:1009-1021

2016.03

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

No. 69

Application of plant aroma-mediated biologicalinteractions to agri-system and healthy food science

Bio

Gen-ichiro ARIMURA (Professor, Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Industrial Scienceand Technology, Tokyo University of Science)

Purpose of Research
In the present study, we used transgenic plants and medicinal plants that emit volatile terpenes to elucidate the pharmaceutical (such as
anti-inflammatory effects on the colon), anti-stress, and other advantageous effects of terpenes and to establish a basis for applicationsof such “medical aromatic plants.” In addition, aromatic plants including mints can also be used as “agricultural aromatic plants” thatcan promote the attraction of the natural enemies of harmful insects and promote inter-plant communication.

Summary of Research
Among the aromatic chemicals produced by plants, terpenes have anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, relaxation (anti-stress), and manyother health-promoting effects and are therefore attracting worldwide attention from researchers and physicians. In recent years, thedevelopment of terpene production systems using plant factories and microorganisms such as yeast, and basic research for incorporatinginter-organism communication via volatile terpenes as agri-biotechnology in production systems have progressed. A patent application
has been filed for some results of the research and a specific commercialization project is being considered. We focus on terpenes thathave various physiological activities and are developing agricultural aromatic plants that regulate communications between plants andthe natural enemies of harmful insects and between plants, and medical aromatic plants that are expected to have health-promoting
effects including anti-inflammatory effects using tomatoes and other plants.
Development of production systems using
mints as companion plants

Development of plants producing secondary
metabolites that have health-promoting effects

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies
Conventionally, some unique terpenes areused as the active components for foods anddrugs. Because our product is a live plant,
the active ingredients of the plant are of easeto be utilized and functional for multiple
purposes.

Pest control technology for cruciferous vegetables
using aromatic components emitted frompeppermints (Japanese Patent Application No.
2017-214231)

Expected Applications
Attraction ofnatural enemies
Aromatic
components• Agricultural aromatic plants (including
mints) can protect co-cultivated crops
from pests without using agriculturalchemicals.

Protective
andrepellent
effects

Peppermints• Medical aromatic plants can be used toprovide scientifically provenhealth-promoting components at low costs.

Harmful insects

Specific Examples• Anti-inflammatory functions of tomatoes containing alarge amount of betalain (plant pigment)

Cruciferous plants• Improvement of intestinal environment by aromaticcomponents of Perilla frutescens

Challenges in Implementation• Identification of genes that produce andregulate effective aromatic components.
• Creation/production of functional plants.
• Genome editing (using CRISPR/Cas 9).

Points・ Novel applications of aroma-based plant communication
・ Use of anti-pest and health-promoting effects of volatile terpenes
・ Creation/production of agricultural and medical aromatic plants
with novel functions

What we Expect from Companies
Practical applications and marketing of the
agricultural and medical aromatic plants
generated by the present study.

■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-214231 “Methods of immune activation of cruciferous plants and production
methods of immune-activated cruciferous plants”■ Publication: Arimura G., Nishihara M. (2018) Plant Plot: Botany of Aroma and Color published by Beret Publishing Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) pp. 159■ Reference: Uemura T., Yashiro T., Oda R., Shioya N., Nakajima T., Hachisu M., Kobayashi S., Nishiyama C., Arimura G. (2018)
Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of perillaldehyde. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 66:3443-3448
Sukegawa S., Shiojiri K., Higami T., Suzuki S., Arimura G. (2018) Pest management using mint volatiles to elicit resistance insoy: mechanism and application potential. The Plant Journal, in press

No. 70TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

2019.03

Suppression of intestinal inflammation by short chain
ß-glucans

BioYoichiro IWAKURA (Professor, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research
The number of patients with inflammatory intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis is annually increasing and has increase by
two-fold over the last 20 years. In contrast, in recent years, improvements in the intestinal environment have been shown to beeffective in preventing and treating allergies, autoimmune disease, cancer, and infection. We discovered that binding of shortchain β-glucan to Dectin 1 in the intestinal tract suppresses the production of antibacterial peptides and as a result, increases
Lactobacillus growth in the intestines and suppresses inflammatory intestinal disease. We are currently developing functional
foods with these actions.
Summary of Research
Normal state

Dectin 1 inhibitory state

Inner wall of intestinal tract

Long chain ß-glucan

Short chain ß-glucan

Lactobacillus

Antibacterial
peptideAntibacterial peptide
DamageDectin 1

Lactobacillus

DamageDendritic cells
Macrophages

Treg cell growth
Treg cells

Inflammatory cells

Endothelial lamina propria ofintestinal tract

Inflammation
suppression

Inflammation
increase

Suppression of inflammatory colitis by short chain β-glucan
Dectin 1 in the inner wall cells of the intestinal tract promotes thesecretion of antibacterial proteins and suppresses the growth of
Lactobacillus spp. that are important for a healthy intestinal
environment.
In contrast, short chain β-glucan binds to and suppresses Dectin 1,
leading to an increase in the number of Lactobacillus and anti-inflammatory (Treg) cells, suppressing inflammation.

Future Developments• We are developing highly functional foods which
improve the intestinal environment and prevent
various inflammatory intestinal disease.
• Recently, improvements in the intestinal flora havebeen shown to be effective in preventing various
disease. We are looking to collaborate with a foodcompany that would develop such foods.

2017.03• Dectin 1, a protein present in the innerwall of the intestinal tract, promotes
antibacterial peptide secretion after
recognizing long chain β-glucan from thecell walls of fungi such as Candida andsuppresses the growth of certain
Lactobacillus spp.
• Dectin 1 knock-out mice have a lower
tendency of having colitis, and we foundthat this was because of an increase in thenumber of certain Lactobacillus spp.,
which increase regulatory T (Treg) cells
in the large intestine, leading to the
suppression of inflammation.
• Short chain β-glucans, such as laminarin
in kelp, inhibit the function of Dectin 1.
Therefore, we found that the intake ofshort chain β-glucan increases the numberof Lactobacillus and suppresses the onsetof colitis.
However, an excessive increase in theintake of kelp may have adverse effects
on the body. We developed a method tosafely produce short chain β-glucan fromyeast and showed that mice have a lower
tendency of having colitis and foodallergies when taking this short chain
β-glucan.

■ Associated System: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,
Science and Technology Research Promotion Program for Agriculture,
Forestry, Fisheries and Food Industry■ Awards: Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Award for Medical Science (2015)
Rheumatism Society Award (2009)■ Intellectual Property: Many applications and country transfers

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration CenterNo. 71

Medical/Drug
Discovery

The regulation of chondrogenesis via Adiponectin
receptors and the therapeutic agents for osteoarthritis

Yoichiro IWAKURA (Professor, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science)
Summary of Research
Osteoarthritis is a disease affecting many elderly people that is characterized by the deformity and degeneration of the articularcartilage, causing poor QOL and hindering the activities of daily life, substantially affecting healthy life expectancy. Osteoarthritis
poses a great concern with the advent of the aging society because no radical treatment is available. In the present study, we havediscovered that the adiponectin family of molecules and their receptors enhance the proliferation of chondrocytes. This finding is
considered to be useful in developing new therapeutic agents for osteoarthritis.
Details of Research
No radical treatment is available for osteoarthritis. Regenerative medicine has received much attention recently, but there are still
many problems that need to be worked out, and it will be some time before it can be used for practical applications. We foundthat a deficiency of CTRP6, a molecule in the adiponectin family of molecules, resulted in the spontaneous development of
osteoarthritis and we analyzed its pathogenetic mechanism. As a result, we discovered that CTRP6 is a factor that enhanceschondrocyte proliferation via adiponectin receptors. We also revealed that CTRP3 and AdipoRon, an adiponectin receptor
agonist, have the same action. These findings strongly suggest that the drug discovery targeting the adiponectin family ofmolecules and their receptors is promising for the development of drugs/therapy for osteoarthritis.
250

KO

Chondrogenesis (%)

WT

CTRP6 enhances cartilage formation.

CTRP6

CTRP3

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies

200
150
100
50
0

0

2.5

5

10

CTRP6 (ug/ml)

AdipoRon• Conservative therapy: Physical therapy, medication,and others• Surgical therapy: Arthroscopic surgery, replacement
arthroplasty, and others→ These are not radical treatments and impose aheavy burden.
• Regenerative medicine: Stem cell therapy and others→ Stem cells derived from patients have a low
proliferative capacity.

Expected Applications• Direct application to the site of disease as aproliferation promoting agent for chondrocytes• Proliferation promoting agents for chondrocytes
derived from iPS cells and stem cells(improvement in quality of regenerative medicine)

AdipoRs

Challenges in Implementation
Chondrocyte
Proliferation

Points・ Chondrocyte proliferation enhanced by the adiponectinfamily of molecules/receptors
・ Development of drugs/therapy for osteoarthritis

Future Developments
Based on the findings obtained from the basic research todate, we wish to investigate the effects on chondrocytes
derived from patients (including stem cells/iPS cells)with osteoarthritis and to conduct research anddevelopment aiming at clinical application.

No. 72• Investigation of the effects on chondrocytes derived
from patients.
• Creation of a more specific agonist than ever before.

What We Expect from Companies
Osteoarthritis is one of the diseases requiring
immediate action in association with the growing
concern for the aging society. To solve this problem,
we are willing to start a research collaboration program(basic/clinical research) to develop drugs/therapy.

■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-024297 “Proliferation
promoting agents for chondrocytes, methods for enhancing
chondrocyte proliferation, and screening methods forproliferation promoting agents for chondrocytes”■ Awards:
Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Award for Medical Science (2015)
Ando & Tajima Prize (2012)
Rheumatism Society Award (2009)■ Other:
Mice with modified CTRP6 or CTRP3 genes, etc. can beprovided.

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center

2019.03

Development of novel anti-tumor antibodies using
tumorinfiltrating B cells cultured with an original system

Bio

Daisuke KITAMURA (Professor, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

On the surfaces of cancer cells that constitute a tumor, there are antigen proteins peculiar to cancer cells which are involvedin cancer proliferation and malignant transformation. However, it is thought that B lymphocytes from the outside of tumor
tissues infiltrate the tissues, produce antibodies specific to cancer cell surface antigens. These antibodies then attack thecancer cells. Using our proprietary B cell culture technology, we aim to develop novel antibody drugs effective against
cancer by culturing B cells that produce such anti-tumor antibodies.
Summary of Research[Fig. 1] Inducible Germinal Center B Cell (iGB) Culture Method
Our B cell culture technology, “inducible germinal center B cell culture method” allows
for the long-term cultivation of B cells on 40 LB cells expressing molecules that enhance
B cell proliferation, in a specific culture medium containing cytokines (Fig. 1)

IL-21
IL-2

Tumor-infiltrating B cells (TiBc) are considered to be B cells which produce antibodies
that bind to tumor antigens. We believe that by culturing TiBc using this technology, we
can obtain antibodies against antigenic proteins on the tumor surface (Fig. 2).

BAFF

This antibody can serve as the seed of an antibody drug or a chimeric antigen receptor(CAR) used for immune cell therapy.

B-cell
CD40L

Furthermore, using the antibody obtained, it is possible to identify the corresponding
antigen, and to clarify the mechanism of action of the antibody drug under development.

40LB[Fig. 2] Research Outline
Tumor specimens

TiBc

Comparison with Conventionalor Competitive Technologies

2. iGB culture

1. Sorting

CD20 + TiBc

CloninglysateImmunoprecipitation
4. Mass
spectrometry

3. Selection

Expected Applications

 Development of antibody drugs for cancer
treatment.

5. Selection

Identification oftumor-cellsurface antigens

In the prior art, it was necessary to fuse mouse-derived B cells with other cells. However, with thistechnology, it is possible to cultivate B cells
originating from humans (or the desired animal)
without cell fusion.

 Development of chimeric antigen receptor for
immune cell therapy
Development ofanti-tumor
antibody drugs

4. Preparationof antibodies

Candidate TiBc clones
for anti-tumor antibody
production

 Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent No. 05550132(This study is being carried out in collaboration with Dr. Nakatsura, the head of field of immunotherapy development of the National Cancer Research Center.)

2018.03

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration CenterNo. 73

BioAnalyses of unknown protein-target interactions

Etsuko MIYAMOTO-SATO (Professor, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science)
Purpose of Research

Genome projects and whole genome analysis using next-generation sequencers have made genome information of variousorganisms available. As a result, expressing all genes that are expressed in an organism’s body by using bacteria andcultured cells is possible. However, regarding a protein coded by a particular gene, it is necessary to quickly identify theinteracting proteins to elucidate its function in vivo. This technology reduces false negatives and positives that are acommon problem for many interaction analyses and achieves high-throughput.
Summary of Research
Linker-attachedmRNA

This technique uses in vitro virus (IVV) molecules to detect
proteins that interact with a particular protein.

IVV moleculeBait(labeled protein)• The cDNA library is transcribed, and a puromycin linker is

Selective
recovery of IVV
molecules thatinteract with thebait• The protein in focus is labelled with a peptide tag to use as

cDNA
mRNA

Sequence determination of IVV
molecules using
next-generation sequencers

attached to the 3’ terminus. When RNA is translated using acell-free translation system, it leads to a combined IVV
molecule of a protein joined by a linker to RNA that is theblueprint for that protein.

bait. The bait and IVV molecules are mixed to allow
interaction and pulled down using a carrier that binds to the
peptide tag.

• cDNA of IVV molecules that bind to the bait is obtained

Determination of interacting proteins(left, positive; right, false positive)• The template cDNA can be amplified if levels in the

Number ofsequencesand becomes the template for IVV molecules used in thenext cycle.

• Sequence analysis of cDNA obtained at each cycle using

Number ofsequencesoriginal library are low or if the recovery rate is low
because the interaction is weak, so that it can then be
detected.

Number of cycles

PointsNumber of cycles

next-generation sequencers can identify the sequences of allinteracting proteins at the same time.

It is easy to exclude false positives by evaluating the appearance
frequency of each sequence.

• Reduction of false negatives using the enormous amount of sequence information
obtained by next-generation sequencers• Reduction of false positives by confirming the transition of IVV molecules per cycle

Future Developments

This technique can be applied not only to protein–protein interaction analysis but also to interaction
analysis between compounds and proteins. It is
anticipated that it will facilitate the analysis ofmechanisms of drug effects and adverse effects.
Please contact us for details.

No. 74■ Associated System: Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research, MEXTGenome Network Project■ Awards: The 3rd Shiseido Female Researcher Science Grant■ Intellectual Property: Japanese Patent No. 5712382 “Composition of
biomolecular interaction analysis tool and its analysis method,” Japanese
Patent No. 5896511 “Detection method of proteins interacting with atarget molecule”■ Technological Instruction: Highly experienced

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE University Research Administration Center2017.03

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東京理科大学

TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE
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2019.03