It has been known that cells respond to external stimuli and change their shape and functions. Scientists have been using various stimuli for guiding cell fate. And, cells useful for human has been created.
Plasma is the forth state of matter after solids, liquids, and gases, and is consisted of electrically positive and negative charges. The positively and/or negatively charged particles are in random thermal motion.
With the advancement of plasma technology, non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP) has been available under ambient conditions. Since NTAPP can generate many active species such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) ), the NTAAP has been used in biological applications. Thus far, many results have been reported: selected cell killing, promotion of cell proliferation, and promotion of cell differentiation.
On the other hand, towards stable cell culture, microdevice systems have been developed using Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Technology.
In Kumagai Laboratory, taking advantages of NTAPP and MEMS technologies, we analyze how the external stimuli affects cells and develop novel cell control methods.
We open up interdisciplinary research fields of plasma, MEMS, and life science.
