Laboratory of Nanobiomaterials OKAMURA LAB
岡村研究室

Principal Investigator:
Yosuke Okamura (Assistant Professor)

Development of Innovative Nanobiomaterials and Their MedicalApplications
Keywords: Macromolecular chemistry, Molecular assembly, Nanobiomaterials,
Drug delivery, Ultra-thin film (Nanosheets), Nanoparticles
Background and Motivation
Much attention has recently been focused on the field of nanotechnology. Nano-sized structures with a large specific surface area (m2/g) in devices lead tohigh reaction efficiencies on the interfaces. As a result, size, weight and cost of the devices reduce. For example, ultra-thin films (nanosheets) has beendeveloped as nanoseparation membranes and flexible nanosensors for electrochemical and photochemical applications. However, it may be hard to apply
them for biomedical treatment, because monomer itself and preparative methods were very complicate.
In our laboratory, we develop innovative and unique “Nanobiomaterials” for medical treatment and other advanced technologies by simple methodologies
based on macromolecular chemistry and molecular assembly. Especially, we investigate the relationship between characterization of the nanobiomaterials(shape, size, thickness, interface and viscoelasticity etc.) and their potential abilities as follows:
1. Development of Innovative and Unique Nanobiomaterials for Biomedical Applications
2. Development of Intelligent Nanobiomaterials Based on the Function of Cell Shape Changes (filopodia, lamellipodia and spreading)Originality
1. Our key technique is to detach the nanobiomaterials from substrate to use them as a suspension for biomedical applications (drug delivery and diagnosis).
2. We design the nanobiomaterials based on theory of viscoelasticity. Therefore, we could investigate the detailed relationship between their characterizationand function.
3. We design the intelligent nanobiomaterials with abilities of cell-like shape changes such as filopodial extension and spreading. The concept could be creativeand challenging researches.

Impact and Perspective
We will develop innovative and unique nanobiomaterials with the concept of Engineering-Based Medicine. The nanobiomaterials (e.g. nanosheets andnanoparticles etc.) could be applied as not only nonconventional injectable carriers for drug delivery and diagnosis but also external use to skins, scaffolds fortissue engineering, surface modifiers and cosmetic materials. Interestingly, the nanosheets have a large specific surface area (> 1000 m2/g). Therefore, they
may be also applied as impurity removers from water, antireflective materials and surface modifiers etc. in energy and environmental sciences.
■ For more information:www.utokai.ac.jp/tuiist/english/tt/announcement_okamura.html【Aims】 We develop innovative and unique “Nanobiomaterials” for medical treatment and other advanced technologies bysimple methodologies based on macromolecular chemistry and molecular assembly.
【Research style】

Nanosheets

Biodegradable polymers
Commodity polymers etc.

nanoparticles
Spheresfragmentation

discs■ CONTACT:Yosuke Okamura, Ph.D.
Tokai University Institute of Innovative
Science and Technology
4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka,
Kanagawa 259-1292 JAPAN
Phone +81(0)463-58-1211 (Ext. 4877)
Fax+81(0)463-50-2478
Email y.okamura@tokai-u.jp

Nano-sized structures

Nanosheet(20 nm thick)

1 mm(Macromolecular chemistry, Molecular assembly)
2 cm

Innovative nanobiomaterials

30 µmCarriers for drug delivery and diagnosis, external use to skins,
scaffolds for tissue engineering, surface modifiers and cosmetics etc.