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Analysis Center

Mineko Kengaku (Professor / PI / Center Director)

Since its inception, iCeMS has focused on developing technologies for the observation, mechanistic understanding, transformation, and manipulation of cell-material interfaces. Establishment of our Analysis Center was a milestone of the 10-year history of iCeMS, allowing access of its cutting-edge technologies and equipment to researchers for further advancement and deepening of cell-material science studies. The Center consists of the Materials Analysis Unit, with atomic/molecular characterization equipment, the Bioanalysis Unit, which has facilities for the observation and analysis of biological molecules and cells, and the Shared Equipment Support Unit supporting experimental research across the iCeMS and management and operation of the iCeMS Analysis Center, regardless of research field. The Center also provides workshops and hands-on training to cultivate and educate the scientific community worldwide, from young scientists in the making to full-fledged specialists stepping into a new field of study.

Analysis Center

Bioanalysis Unit

Takahiro Fujiwara (Program-Specific Associate Professor)

Microscopes

The Bioanalysis Unit offers eight confocal microscopes for long-term observation of live cells at 37°C and 5% CO₂ atmosphere. These include one high-speed spinning disk multi-point confocal microscope and four microscopes with super-resolution capabilities (based on STED, detector array, and frequency domain processing), and one of them is equipped with a multiphoton excitation laser for 3D observation. These advanced microscopes support the observation and analysis of a broad spectrum of cell dynamics and functions, ranging from subcellular molecular complexes to multicellular organization.

Molecular/Cellular Analysis

The Bioanalysis Unit also offers a flow cytometer and cell sorter for optical characterization and selective isolation of dispersed cells, as well as a capillary DNA sequencer and a capillary immunoblotting system. The cell sorter is equipped with four lasers, and is capable of single-cell sorting using multi-well plates, thus allowing research activities that require high-throughput identification and sampling of cells with various cytological properties. The capillary immunoblotting system is expected to provide more quantitatively accurate results by reducing experimental time without the use of gels nor membranes, and by reducing errors due to differences in experimenter technique.

Materials Analysis Unit

Masakazu Higuchi (Program-Specific Associate Professor)

Analysis

The Materials Analysis Unit provides support for the measurement and analysis of various physical properties, including nanoscopic morphology/state analysis (TEM, SEM), the analysis of electronic states and local structures around the specific element in a substance (XAS), and precision quantitative measurement of specific elements in the materials (ICP).

Evaluation

The Unit also provides measurement and analysis support necessary for the quantitative determination of materials contained in reaction systems (GC-MS), partial structural analysis for organic molecules (FT-IR), absorption tests for porous materials (e.g. BET specific surface area analysis and pore size distribution analysis), and characterization of chemical response properties.

Preparation

The sample preparation for electron microscopy and ICP, and handling of hazardous substances using a fume hood are also available.

Shared Equipment Support Unit

Takayuki Homma (Program-Specific Associate Professor)

The Shared Equipment Support Unit provides comprehensive support to researchers who are boldly pursuing interdisciplinary research, including management of shared equipment and laboratories in the iCeMS, introduction of appropriate equipment, design of how to use a new shared equipment and systems, management of equipment reservation systems, budget management including calculation of equipment usage fees and acquisition of external funding, training in safe equipment and laboratory usage, consultation on equipment for PIs moving in and out of the iCeMS, and administrative procedures for animal experiment facilities.