The strategic research concept of Dr.Sode’ s research lab is to discove, design and create novel molecules based on biomolecular engineering to be applied for the development of innovative biosensing technologies dedicated to the healthcare management, and novel bioprocesses based on synthetic biology approaches. Representative achievements were about the Biomolecular Engineering of enzymes for glucose monitoring for both 2nd generation and 3rd generation electrochemical biosensing systems. Currently, Sode’s lab is focusing the development of 1. Novel in situ, real-time, multi parameters biosensing systems, 2. Innovative POCT sensing systems for biomarker, 3. Novel biosensing systems for mental health care and for diabetes care, and ultimately 4. Autonomous biosensing actuators realizing smart drug delivery systems. These research topics are all based on the original and unique concept to create Biomolecules to be dedicated for the creation of Biomedical devices, being benefitted for the improvement of human health and quality of life.

Bio:

Dr. Koji SODE received B.S. in chemical engineering, M.S. in electrochemistry and PhD in engineering at Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech.). During his graduate student period, he engaged as a research fellow at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zürich ( ETH-Z), Biotechnology Institute. He started his academic appointment as Research Associate (Assistant Prof.) at Tokyo Institute of Technology, following at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo. In 1990, he was promoted as an Associated Professor, at the Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. In 2000, he was promoted as full Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Life Science.

During his career at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, he served as Team leader of Life Science Research Group at the Institute of Global Research Innovation, Chair of the Department of Industrial Technology and Innovation, the Chair of Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Director of Center for the Intellectual Properties and Innovations, and University Research Administration Center. He has been engaged in the variety of research projects with many pronounced international industrial partners, especially in the field of the development of novel biodevices for medical application. He also launched a start-up company, Ultizyme International Ltd., and serving as the science and technology advisor. He is the author of more than 290 peer reviewed papers and holds numerous international patents relating on biosensing technologies.

Dr. Benhabbour’s research focuses on the development of novel delivery platforms and polymer-based devices that can treat or prevent a disease. Her work combines the elegance of polymer chemistry with the versatility of engineering and formulation development to design and fabricate efficient and translational delivery systems for HIV prevention and cancer treatment. The current limitations in drug delivery such as rapid drug release and limited efficacy are opportunities for breakthrough science that will impact human health. In particular, the greatest impact of Dr. Benhabbour’s technologies for HIV prevention could be in women in sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately 10,000 women are infected with HIV every day.

Our lab focuses on the development of translatable immunotherapy delivery platforms. We use a multidisciplinary approach to engineer biomaterials-based and technology-driven localized immunotherapy strategies. Our primary focus is cancer, although we have interests in treating esophageal disorders, infectious diseases and substance abuse.

Our laboratory is focused upon using engineering and chemical analysis to study oxidative stress in cultured cells and intact tissue. Oxidative stress is present in almost all human pathologies and our lab is focused on its role in the development and treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative processes.

Dr. Dayton’s research involves developing new technologies for imaging blood flow, microvasculature, and molecular markers using ultrasound and microbubble contrast agents. Several of Dr. Dayton’s recent contributions to the field include techniques to improve the sensitivity and consistency of ultrasound imaging through optimization of contrast agent size distribution, the demonstration of high-resolution, high- SNR ultra broadband imaging, and techniques for real-time molecular imaging. An additional area of interest is ultrasound-mediated therapeutics with micro and nanoparticles. Dr. Dayton’s primary interest is in developing and applying tools for non-invasive assessment of angiogenesis progression and tumor response to therapy. Dr. Dayton’s lab is part of the UNC-NCSU Ultrasound Research Consortium

Yevgeny joined the BME department in 2017. Research in his lab focuses on exploiting cutting-edge chemical, biomaterial and nanomedicine technologies to understand physiological responses during disease and regeneration and fulfill critical unmet needs in the clinic. His group will use chemical prodrug therapy, controlled drug delivery and nanomedicine to enable new forms of cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy as well as treatment of infection and other diseases.

Dr. Brown joined the department in August 2015. Her research centers on developing novel microgel-based materials for a variety of biomedical applications including augmentation of hemostasis, enhanced wound healing, evaluation and modulation of cellular mechanotransduction and development of biosynthetic constructs for regenerative medicine. Current projects include development of microgel-based platelet-like particles (PLPs) and other microgel assemblies for augmentation of hemostasis and regenerative medicine. Additionally, she is exploring the use of microgel-based assemblies with finely controlled elastic and viscoelastic properties for investigating and controlling cellular mechanotransduction responses.