Development of non-electrically controlled SalivaDirect LAMP (NEC-SD-LAMP), a new nonelectrical infectious disease testing method.

In this study, non-electrically controlled SalivaDirect loop-mediated isothermal amplification (NEC-SD-LAMP), which can detect infections by amplifying viral DNA expression in saliva without using electrical control systems, was developed. By this method, only by adding water to the device, viral DNA was extracted from saliva using SalivaDirect, the extracted DNA was amplified via loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and the results were visually confirmed. Melting palmitic acid maintained the optimal temperature for the LAMP reaction, as the temperature of palmitic acid is maintained at 62.

Cardiac fibroblasts regulate the development of heart failure via Htra3-TGF-β-IGFBP7 axis.

Tissue fibrosis and organ dysfunction are hallmarks of age-related diseases including heart failure, but it remains elusive whether there is a common pathway to induce both events. Through single-cell RNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics, and genetic perturbation, we elucidate that high-temperature requirement A serine peptidase 3 (Htra3) is a critical regulator of cardiac fibrosis and heart failure by maintaining the identity of quiescent cardiac fibroblasts through degrading transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Pressure overload downregulates expression of Htra3 in cardiac fibroblasts and activated TGF-β signaling, which induces not only cardiac fibrosis but also heart failure through DNA damage accumulation and secretory phenotype induction in failing cardiomyocytes.

3D microdevices that perform sample purification and multiplex qRT-PCR for early cancer detection with confirmation of specific RNAs.

MicroRNA expression analysis is an important screening tool for the early detection of cancer. In this study, we developed two portable three-dimensional microdevices for multiple singleplex RNA expression analysis by microRNA purification and qRT-PCR as a prototype for point-of-care testing. These microdevices are composed of several types of modules termed 'chemical IC chips'.

Long-term Cryopreservation of Human and other Mammalian Cells at -80 °C for 8 Years.

Freezing is recognized as the most effective method of maintaining a stable supply of various cell types for long-term storage. However, cells might be damaged by environmental changes during the freezing process. There are various factors that influence the function of cells cultured after cryopreservation and thawing.

The development of real-time PCR micro device with optical sensor for early detection of cancer.

We can detect cancer in the early stages by validating the expression of cancer specific nucleic acids in the blood. In this report, we have developed the micro device for performing real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR), one of the methods used for determining the quantity of nucleic acids, using a small volume of reagent. This all-in-one device can perform real-time PCR with the inclusion of heating control and the analyzing system with optical sensor.

Spheroid Formation and Evaluation of Hepatic Cells in a Three-Dimensional Culture Device.

In drug discovery, it is very important to evaluate liver cells within an organism. Compared to 2D culture methods, the development of 3D culture techniques for liver cells has been successful in maintaining long-term liver functionality with the formation of a hepatic-specific structure. The key to performing drug testing is the establishment of a stable in vitro evaluation system.

Three-Dimensional In Vitro Hepatic Constructs Formed Using Combinatorial Tapered Stencil for Cluster Culture (TASCL) Device.

Attempts to create artificial liver tissue from various cells have been reported as an alternative method for liver transplantation and pharmaceutical testing. In the construction of artificial liver tissue, the selection of the cell source is the most important factor. However, if an appropriate environment (in vitro/in vivo) cannot be provided for various cells, it is not possible to obtain artificial liver tissue with the desired function.

Electrospray deposition and direct patterning of polylactic acid nanofibrous microcapsules for tissue engineering.

Electrospun nanofibers composed of biodegradable polymers are attractive candidates for cell culture scaffolds in tissue engineering. Their fine-meshed structures, resembling natural extracellular matrices, effectively interact with cell surfaces and promote cell proliferation. The application of electrospinning, however, is limited to two-dimensional (2D) or single tube-like scaffolds, and the fabrication of arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds from electrospun nanofibers is still very difficult due to the fibers' continuous and entangled form.

Embryonic body formation using the tapered soft stencil for cluster culture device.

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are expected to provide a source of tissue, a renewable cell source for tissue engineering, and a method for in vitro drug screening for patient-specific or disease-specific treatment. A simple technology by which iPS cells can be differentiated effectively and in large quantities is strongly desired. In this paper, a new device (Tapered Soft Stencil for Cluster Culture: TASCL) is proposed for the easy and efficient formation of EBs which can be used in regenerative medicine.