私達は機能性高分子ハイドロゲルを創製し、その機能のメカニズムを理解し、得られた知見を新規機能性ゲルの設計指針として更に高機能な材料を創製するサイクルを繰り返す事によって、螺旋階段を登るように高分子ゲル材料の有用性を高めていきます。螺旋階段の途中にはバイオマテリアルにつながる技術となったり、新たな物性測定法を開発したりして、社会応用への出口へとつながっています。基礎から応用に至るまでゲル研究を通して学ぶことができます。研究テーマの例を挙げると、強靭なダブルネットワークゲルを人工軟骨へ応用することに繋がる基礎的な摩擦/摩耗・疲労の理解、治療に用いるゲルの創製と物性解析、強靭なソフト複合材料などです。

In the Laboratory of Transformational Soft Matter, we create functional polymer hydrogels, understand the mechanism of their functions, and use the knowledge obtained as a guideline for designing the next generation of functional gels. By repeating the cycle to create even more highly functional materials, we can enhance the usefulness of polymer gels as if climbing a spiral staircase. In the middle of the spiral staircase, some technologies lead to biomaterials and new physical property measurement methods, which lead to the exit for “real world” applications. In our laboratory, you can learn about topics ranging from fundamental basics of materials to cutting-edge applications through gel research. Examples of research themes that traverse this range include understanding fundamentals of friction, wear, and fatigue; developing double-network gels with toughness exceeding natural cartilage; and creation and physical property analysis of gels for therapeutic use. The culmination of this work leads to the development of tough soft composite materials with the potential for applied use, and a real impact on society. 

For more information about individual topics, click here.