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Biotechnology and medical treatment
Algae biomas
Algae biomass, primarily in the form of biofuel, has been drawing much attention for a long time for its potential and huge social and economic impact in addressing environmental and energy issues. However, despite its other potential such as anti-obesity, anti-aging, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-dementia effects, algae biomass had been studied for very limited objectives. We, the TIA joint research group working under the program Kakehashi, have rich experience with algae biomass. The research group consists of the University of Tsukuba and AIST, which established the Algae Biomass and Energy System R&D Center (ABES) and have been playing a pioneering role in this field, and the University of Tokyo, which has been developing technology to add new functions to microalgae. The group aims to speedily discover new functions of algae biomass with a primary focus on medical and health fields, develop new markets, and implement new products and technologies in society.
●ABES(Algae Biomas and Energy System R&D Center)
Medical application of glycan-targeted lectins
Lectins are proteins bound to sugars (glycans). Japan leads the world in the development of their application technology. Lectins vary widely in terms of properties and functions. They are expected to be applied to regenerative medicine and diagnostic agents, owing to the recent progress in recombinant construction and the development of glycan profiling technology. Based on the advanced glycan analysis technology, called the lectin microarray, which was developed by AIST, and other technologies, we promote the development of diagnostic agents and therapeutic methods for pancreatic cancer. In the development of these agents and methods, we use glycan-targeted lectins, in collaboration with the TIA core organizations and domestic companies. Moreover, through the Lectin application technology meeting, collaboration with overseas companies will be expanded, and human resource development will be promoted.
Nano-biotechnology

TIA’s technologies and advanced systems are expected to be applied to nanobiotechnology, in a way that TIA can conduct every phase of R&D, from the creation of materials and their evaluation, to device fabrication, and even to systematization. The Tsukuba Clinical Research & Development Organization (T-CReDO) was established in the University of Tsukuba, where a system to support demonstrative and clinical trials for social implementation, which is important particularly for nanobiotechnology, has been put in place. In collaboration with T-CReDO, TIA aims to develop a nanobiotechnology platform, which enables the seamless execution of R&D steps, from basic research to the development of technology seeds and to the verification and implementation of clinical research. TIA also aims to create incubators for life innovation.
With the advancement in such surgery support systems, we will ensure further safety and accuracy of surgery and enhance education of next-generation surgeons in the improvementof their surgical skills.
A cognitive assessment system based on brain wave reading
Control of biomolecular dynamics

To achieve high-precision control of functional protein molecules, it is critical to obtain information on multidimensional molecular dynamics and structures, in addition to conventional information on static molecular structures. In order to understand time-series behavior of molecular dynamics, not only is data-driven science vital in processing immense amounts of data, but interdisciplinary integration based on theoretical considerations is also indispensable. For this purpose, several technological advancements need to be made as follows: 1) the enhancement of accuracy of sequential measurement technology and AI-based data processing technology using quantum probes such as X-rays, electrons, and neutrons, 2) improvement of accuracy of computational technology as it applies to molecular dynamics, to complement experimental results, 3) true integration of these technologies with molecular design technology, which enables external manipulation of molecules. For successful technological integration, we will continue to enhance the performance of the diffracted X-ray tracking (DXT), fundamental measurement technology available at Spring-8 (photo on the left).
- 2018.12.19