Innovative Animal-Free Diagnostic Platform Empowered by Engineered Biorecognition Molecules

Research Overview

Our research focuses on developing next-generation diagnostic solutions using recombinant antibodies, particularly rabbit single-chain variable fragments(scFvs). Conventional antibody production relies on animal immunization, leading to high costs, limited reproducibility, and ethical concerns. To overcome these issues, we engineer recombinant scFv with enhanced stability, strong affinity, and consistent quality, which can be produced at scale in microbial or mammalian systems. One of key applications is lateral-flow immunoassays (LFIA), where our optimized scFv greatly improves sensitivity and reliability. Unlike traditional animal-derived reagents, our platform enables cost-effective, ethical, and sustainable diagnostics for rapid testing in healthcare, veterinary, and environmental settings. With the growing demand for point-of-care testing, current supply chain limitations highlight the need for alternatives. By introducing recombinant antibody-based diagnostics, we reduce costs, shorten development timelines, and expand global accessibility. Our vision is to establish a startup that drives the animal-free diagnostic era with an innovative pipeline of recombinant antibody products.

Short Biography

Since 2002, I have been researching new technologies for heart regenerative medicine using human pluripotent stem cell sat Keio University. Representatively, I invented the “metabolic purification method of cardiomyocytes” and the “transplantation method of cardiomyocyte balls”; these are the core technologies of Heart Seed Inc., a Keio University-derived venture company. Especially, the metabolic purification method has become the golden standard method for cardiomyocyte purification, which is adopted by Professor Wolfram-Hubertus Zimmermann for the human clinical study of engineered heart muscle. Heart regenerative medicine is wonderful because the heart cannot be regenerated naturally. However, in turn, it holds many evolutionarily established obstacles to reaching more effective therapy. As a new direction, I noted that pluripotent stem cell-derived tissue stem cells can make it free from such obstacles, because such tissue holds the potential to be regenerated naturally. Furthermore, tissue stem cells do not change their property along with aging, not like cardiomyocytes. I would like to develop a new paradigm of “pluripotent stem cell-derived tissue stem cell therapy.”

Next-Gen L-PGA Biopolymer: Low Cost Production & Stepwise Go To Market

Research Overview

γ-Polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a natural polymer found in natto. Commercially available forms are usually mixed “DL” types, which reduce material strength and consistency. We focus on the pure L form (γ-L-PGA),which forms orderly chains and enables stronger, more reliable materials. Using italic, we developed a low-cost, high-rate method to produce ultra-high molecular weight γ-L-PGA (>20 MDa). Our process achieves ~1 g/L/h—about 12.5times faster than conventional methods—while reducing medium costs to one-seventh. To further lower costs, we are designing energy-efficient bioreactors where engineered filamentous cells are immobilized for continuous production with minimal polymer damage. The resulting γ-L-PGA supports applications in high-strength hydrogels, salt-resistant superabsorbent polymers, and biodegradable plastics. Its biocompatibility also opens medical uses such as wound dressings and tissue adhesives. Compared to common polyacrylates, γ-L-PGA superabsorbents show up to fourfold higher absorbency, less salt fade, and full biodegradability, promoting sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.

Short Biography

Shu Ishikawa is a microbiologist and biotechnologist whose research bridges fundamental cell biology and applied bioprocess design. Over two decades he has investigated transcription, cell division, replication‑initiation control, cell differentiation, and bioproduction, using italic as both model and production host. Early in his career he first identified in italic a cell‑wall hydrolase essential for daughter‑cell separation and created the first filamentous italic cells. He developed GeF‑seq and mainly applied ChAP‑chip and ChAP-seq to map genome‑wide protein–DNA binding in living cells. Building on these tools, he elucidated RNA polymerase dynamics; replication‑initiation control; mechanisms suppressing differentiation; and the coupling of chromosome replication and cell division.

Ishikawa now designs engineered GRAS italic strains and cultivation concepts for continuous processing, currently focusing on stereoregular, ultra‑high molecular weight γ‑L‑PGA for high‑strength hydrogels, salt‑resistant superabsorbents(SAPs), and biodegradable plastics; related methods are patent‑pending. The program is co‑led with Onuma Chumsakul, PhD (Project Assistant Professor, Kobe University), an applied microbiologist who applies these basic insights to build production‑ready italic strains. A co‑developer of GeF‑seq and inventor on five patents—three jointly with Ishikawa’s team—she leads filamentous‑cell applications and the L‑PGA research outcomes advancing the Next‑Gen platform from lab to pilot scale. The team welcomes discussions with prospective application partners in hygiene (SAP), medical materials, cosmetics, and packaging/films.

Bladeless Bioreactor for Cell Culture

Research Overview

We are developing a novel impeller-free mixing device inspired by fluid dynamics. Conventional mixers rely on impellers, but their complex geometries present challenges: they are difficult to clean, pose contamination risks, and generate high shear forces that can damage fragile materials such as stem cells. Our approach instead uses steady rotation of the container to achieve rapid, uniform, and gentle mixing. This technology overcomes the limitations of impellers and offers a simpler, safer alternative.

In parallel, we conduct advanced numerical simulations to analyze the internal flow with high accuracy. Leveraging recent advances in computational methods and supercomputers such as Fugaku, we can now predict complex flow fields that were previously inaccessible. We have also developed our own simulation program to model mixing behavior with precision. By combining this simulation technology with our innovative mixer, we aim to enable simulation-driven development, reducing the need for prototypes and paving the way for next-generation mixing systems that are efficient, scalable, and well-suited for sensitive applications in biotechnology and beyond.

Short Biography

I am a specialist in computational fluid dynamics(CFD) and mixing devices. After completing my master’s degree in the Thermal Fluid Dynamics Group at Osaka University, I joined Kao Corporation, where I was assigned to a department primarily focused on numerical simulations. My main responsibilities were analyzing fluid flows inside mixing vessels and pipelines to improve productivity and optimize production conditions.

To further deepen my expertise in CFD, I pursued a doctoral degree in the Fluid Dynamics Group at Osaka University while continuing my work at Kao. During this time, I developed my own fluid simulator and proposed a novel impeller-free mixing device with the goal of applying these technologies to cell culture. Driven by the potential impact of this research, I left Kao to establish a new company, and I currently work as are searcher in the Fluid Dynamics Group at Osaka University.

I also strongly felt the need to conduct cell culture experiments myself, since knowledge of cell culture is essential for developing both the mixer and the simulator. Therefore, I joined a consortium led by a start-up company focusing on cultivated meat, where I am actively engaged in practical cell culture research. Through these combined efforts, I aim to bridge advanced fluid dynamics with emerging biotechnological applications.

Development and Commercialization of a Topology Optimization Platform for Thermal-Fluid Systems to Innovate Industrial Design

Research Overview

Our project pioneers a thermal-fluid topology optimization platform that revolutionizes industrial design. In today’s manufacturing, heat management has become the ultimate bottleneck: from EV batteries and aerospace systems to data centers and quantum devices, industries worldwide struggle with cooling efficiency, high energy demand, and reliance on expert intuition. Traditional simulation-driven design is slow, costly, and limited by the “curse of dimensionality,” often taking weeks to generate suboptimal solutions.

We overcome this with our multifidelity topology optimization technology, developed at The University of Osaka and validated in multiple industrial collaborations. By intelligently combining high-precision and simplified models, our platform reduces design cycles from20–30 days to just 3–5 days.

Our solution provides manufacturers with rapid, expert-independent, and production-ready designs, seamlessly exportable to CAD/CAE environments. The economic and social impact is profound: lower development costs, shorter time-to-market, reduced CO2 emissions, and enabling products once constrained by heat—such as ultra-fast EV chargers and liquid-cooled data centers. Positioned against early competitors, our speed, design freedom, and manufacturing adaptability establish a global competitive edge.

This platform is not just software—it is a new design paradigm for the energy-efficient, electrified future.

Short Biography

Kentaro Yaji, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor at The University of Osaka and a leading researcher in topology optimization for thermal-fluid systems. With over 15years of pioneering contributions, he has published more than 65 peer-reviewed papers across top international journals, and authored key textbooks. His expertise bridges computational science, mechanical engineering, and AI-driven design, positioning him at the global forefront of generative engineering for energy-efficient systems.

Dr. Yaji earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Kyoto University in 2016 and subsequently advanced his research at The University of Osaka. From 2021 to 2022, he was a visiting scholar at the Oden Institute, University of Texas at Austin, where he collaborated with leading experts on digital twin and multifidelity design. His groundbreaking work on multifidelity topology optimization has demonstrated practical success in collaboration with industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to energy and electronics, achieving dramatic reductions in design time and significant gains in cooling efficiency.

Beyond academia, Dr. Yaji actively drives technology transfer and startup incubation. As project leader of this initiative, he is committed to transforming his research into a global deep-tech venture, building a next-generation design platform that redefines how industries innovate.

Short Biography

Gwendolin Mah is the Head of International Programmes at MedTech Actuator, where she leads cross-border initiatives that connect innovators, clinicians, and researchers with global opportunities to accelerate healthtech breakthroughs. With a career spanning healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creative industries, Gwendolin brings a unique perspective to building impactful international collaborations.

She has designed and delivered market access programs across Asia-Pacific and Europe, supporting startups and researchers in navigating complex healthcare systems, securing strategic partnerships, and advancing their innovations toward commercialization. Her work has included close collaborations with national universities, hospitals, and government agencies, bridging ecosystems between Japan, Singapore, Australia, and Spain.

Beyond program leadership, Gwendolinactively contributes to the ecosystem through panel discussions, mentoring, and advisory roles. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing, which strengthens her ability to amplify the visibility and reach of innovators.

Driven by a deep belief in making the world a better place, Gwendolin is especially passionate about advancing health equity. She continues to champion global networks that empower early-stage healthtech ventures to create meaningful, accessible impact on the international stage.