The Suzuki & Citterio Lab is working to create new sensing materials, such as dyes, and to develop chemical sensors. By combining organic molecules, electrochemistry, and molecular biology, the aim is to create chemical sensors that are smaller, simpler, and more sensitive. Such sensors will have a wide range of practical applications.
Q. Our goal is to measure various substances in the environment and living organisms, which will enable us to understand many things. Primarily, were developing chemical sensors. We want to develop sensors that are useful in food analysis, healthcare, and environmental testing. So in our research overall, we develop devices that involve everything from new materials to sensors, and we work with businesses to systemize those devices further, so that theyre easy to use.
In healthcare currently, MRI is the most representative imaging diagnostic method. But its still difficult to identify first-stage tumors that are less than 1 mm in size. To detect such small tumors, its necessary to develop contrasting agents that give sharper monochrome contrast than current ones, and also to selectively identify regions where tumors are present. The Suzuki & Citterio Lab is studying reactive molecules that can indicate specific regions, with the aim of developing more effective contrasting agents.
Q. Were studying how to make substances in nano-particle form, or molecules that create slightly larger forms called micelles. Were also studying how to introduce anti-cancer drugs if tumors are found. The idea is to combine diagnosis with treatment, by injecting a drug that can track the recovery process if a small first-stage tumor is found. So were making new substances that combine the roles of drug and contrasting agent.
To achieve such advanced chemical sensors, its essential to develop dyes. In particular, image analysis using near-infrared fluorescent dyes enable imaging deep inside the body, without obstruction due to light absorption. So such dyes are currently topical in healthcare and bioscience. Recently, the Suzuki & Citterio Lab succeeded in developing a near-infrared fluorescent dye thats brighter than previous ones. Its called Keio Fluorophore.
Q. With ordinary visible light, you cant see deep inside, because the light ends up reflecting from near the surface. The idea is that, using our dye, if a certain substance is present the substance we want to see the dye fluoresces when that substance is captured. Thats our aim in this research. If we can do this, then well be able to measure all sorts of substances inside cells, in vivo, with high sensitivity. This approach is currently being used in research on the brain, which were doing together with Keio University Hospital.
In addition, the Suzuki & Citterio Lab is developing many other sensing devices that measure chemical substances accurately. These include flavor sensors that simulate the human sense of taste, and sensors to detect toxins in the environment. To enable these sensors to become widely used in society, the Lab is working to fabricate low-cost, compact sensor chips using ink-jet printing technology.
Q. Were making electrodes using not just paper, but also better materials such as plastic polymers. This may mean, for example, that the sensors dont need to be calibrated before each use. A proper automatic operation could be obtained each time, so thered be no need to plot a calibration curve before doing the measurement. I think this would make measurement even faster, and reduce the cost overall.
Healthcare, environmental testing, and food hygiene all require chemical analysis, which plays an essential role in daily life. Chemical sensors are ideal tools for helping chemical analysis in that vital role. In the Suzuki & Citterio Lab, research students also participate positively; all students have their own specific, individual goals. And by continuing to develop superior chemical sensors, the Lab as a whole intends to help make life safer for everyone.
Негізгі бет Ғылым және технология Chemical Sensors Using Functional Dyes and Compact Sensing Devices
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