In recent years, development of materials with excellent biocompatibility has been desired with the development of medical technology. Our laboratory focused on the biocompatibility of diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin film and has developed medical-friendly medical devices. In this exhibition, we will introduce the possibility of DLC as a biocompatible material and the result of various medical device development in our laboratory.

Ultrafine microfluidic reactors have been developed for fine chemical synthesis of ligand-protected sub-nanocluster materials. Microscopically uniform reaction field for chemical reaction under microfluidic mixing enables us to yield sub-nanoclusters size selectively. We advertise advantages of ultrafine reactors and application of sub-nanoclusters for catalysis.

Sub-nanoclusters composed of several to tens of atoms are promising functional units for future materials science, because of their tunable functionality by size-parameters (number of atoms) in addition to chemical compositions. We have developed a large-scale synthesis system, nanojima^®, based on a dry synthesis method toward a goal of sub-nanocluster materials sciences. We advertise features of nanojima method and recent progress of sub-nanocluster materials science.

We develop new fabrication technologies for nano-precision free-form optics and their molds by using multi-axis numerical control ultraprecision machines. High-speed surface finishing of optical crystals, such as Si, Ge, ZnSe, CaF₂, etc. has been realized by ductile machining technology. Recently, we also succeeded in fabricating ultra-thin Si-HDPE hybrid lenses for future IR devises.

We develop new technologies for nano-scale processing and surface property control of materials in order to improve the functional capability and added value of industrial products. We deal with super hard alloys, ceramics, semiconductors, glass, diamond, CFRP, and so on. Recently, we have succeeded in generation of silicon nanostructures by laser irradiation on waste silicon sludge to produce high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Non-woven fabric with oil-water separation function is demonstrated.

We demonstrate newly developed recyclable plastic film utilizing the biomimetic coating process. (1) Newly developed anti-fouling coating showed easy removal characteristics against water-based solution. In addition, it was found that the coating preserves the beer foam (bubble) for long time. (2) Oleophobic coating that shows anti-adhesive characteristics for whipped cream will be also demonstrated.

By using microfabrication and microfluidic technologies, we are developing novel functional microdevices integrated with nanoscale materials such as hydrogels, colloidal crystals, CNT and graphene. Our functional devices could be applied to in vitro tissue reconstruction for regenerative medicine, biochemical sensors for healthcare and environment monitoring, hydrogel microactuators, and reflective displays.