Various types of research are being advanced in the field of regenerative medicine as a treatment with great possibilities. Endeavoring to industrialize regenerative medical technology in order to bring this state-of-the-art medical treatment to patients as soon as possible is Masahiro Kino-oka, professor at the Osaka University Graduate School of Engineering. The Nikon BioStudio-T cell observation system, developed by Nikon Engineering, is used in Kino-oka's research laboratory. We talked with Kino-oka about his research and expectations for the future.
As an engineer, what can you do for patients?
Please tell us about your specialty.
My specialty is biochemical engineering. I was originally in chemical engineering and engaged in research on mono-zukuri—manufacturing, or "making things"—that utilizes findings in the field of chemistry. Biochemistry is a field that incorporates elements of biology. Every day I look for ways that the power of biology can be used to achieve mono-zukuri.
How did you become involved in regenerative medical technology research?
I've been interested in biotechnology and mono-zukuri for some time. My motivation to pursue research in regenerative medical technology grew when I went to study at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich after I got my doctoral degree and participated in a joint medical-engineering project that provided skin cells to burn patients who were brought to emergency surgery. This experience of being in close contact with patients prompted me to seriously think about what we, as people involved in engineering, could do for these patients. I want to create a system that provides cells to patients in need as soon as possible. This desire spurred my interest in establishing an industry devoted to regenerative medical technology. I'm constantly thinking about what is required to make such an industry possible, so now I'm conducting my research with a roadmap created from the perspective of engineering.
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