Research
Research backgrounds
We study advanced nano-micro technologies in chemistry and biochemistry and their applications to integrated analytical devices. We investigate easy and automated analytical technologies for life science, environmental science, food safety, and industrial process.We also investigate novel analytical technologies such as single cell analysis, single molecule analysis, single event analysis, and molecular behavior in rapid mixing. For the advanced technologies, fundamental chemistry such as chemical reaction and phase transfer in a confined space should be revealed in detail. We study unique advanced measurement tools such as microscopic imaging and laser microscopy.
Research Topics (Publications)
- Analysis of protein fibril nucleation using microfluidics
- Development of bioanalytical methods using droplet microfluidics
- Development of Portable immunoassay analyzer
1. Analysis of protein fibril nucleation using microfluidics
Protein fiberil formation is considered important for understanding many neurodegenerative diseases. Nucleation, the initial stage of fiberil formation, is a very small and extremely difficult phenomenon to be measred, making it difficult to observe and analyze nucleation, and its chemical picture has not been clear. We have developed a method to detect protein fiberil nucleation at the single-event level by conducting many parallel experiments in a microfluidic device. This method enables us to describe the chemical kinetics of the nucleation. We expect that this method will lead to the detection of nuclei in body fluids in the future and will be used for diagnostic techniques. We also expect that it will clarify the relationship between intracellular liquid-liquid phase separation and fiberil formation, which has been the focus of much attention in recent years.
[1] Fukuyama et al. Analytical Chemistry, 2023, 95, 26, 9855.
2. Development of bioanalytical methods using droplet microfluidics
Since the 2000s, a technology called Droplet microfluidics, in which micrometer-sized water droplets in oil (micro droplets) are generated and manipulated at high speed in a microfluidic device for chemical and bioanalytical applications, has made significant progress. It is used for single-cell analysis and trace biomarker detection. It has the potential to make a major breakthrough in the life science field. We have developed a new pretreatment method for Droplet microfluidics using "spontaneous emulsification". This method is a simple operation that involves only bringing micro droplets into contact with an organic phase containing a specific surfactant, and we expect that it will enable a dramatic improvement in analytical throughput. In addition, this technique enables the reproduction of minute biophysical phenomena (e.g., biological liquid-liquid phase separation) in vitro, and is expected to lead to various the application such as drug screening.
[1] M. Fukuyama et al. Analytical Chemistry, 2015, 87, 7, 3562.
[2] M. Fukuyama et al. Analytical Chemistry, 2017, 89, 17, 9279.
[3] M. Fukuyama et al. Lab on a Chip, 2018, 18, 356.
[4] M. Fukuyama et al. Analytica Chimica Acta, 2021, 1149, 1, 338212.
[5] M. Fukuyama et al. Langmuir, 2023, 39, 22, 7884.
[6] M. Fukuyama Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan, 2023, 96, 11, 1252. (Award account)
3. Development of Portable immunoassay analyzer
In recent years, the need for in-situ analysis and point-of-care testing has been increasing in the fields of environmental analysis, food analysis, and clinical testing. We have developed an easy-to-operate portable immunoassay system by combining a fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) with a microfluidic device. Using this device, various samples such as biomarkers in human serum, anti-Covid-19 antibodies and exosomes can be measured within 30 minutes. (This research was conducted in collaboration with Hokkaido University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tianma Japan K.K., and Komatsu University)
[1] O. Wakao et al. Analytical Chemistry, 2015, 87, 9647.
[2] M. Fukuyama et al. Analytical Chemistry, 2020, 92, 21, 14393.
[3] K. Nishiyama et al. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2021, 190, 113414.
[4] K. Takahashi et al. Lab on a Chip, 2022, 16, 2971.
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