Science and Technology of Advanced Materials research: Multifunctional Polymeric Nanoparticles as Carriers of Biomolecules wins the STAM 2017 Altmetrics Award
TSUKUBA, Japan (PRWEB UK) 12 January 2018 -- Source: Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, Center for Public Affairs and Communications
(Tsukuba, 12 January 2018) Worldwide social media interest in comprehensive review of nanomedical applications of biocompatible polymers leads to STAM 2017 Altmetrics Award.
“It is an honour to receive the STAM Altmetrics Award 2017,” says Kazuhiko Ishihara, a professor at the School of Engineering of The University of Tokyo. “The award is special and encouraging because it highlights the keen interest shown in this field by non-specialists.”
Kazuhiko Ishihara et al, Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, 17, 300-312, (2016).
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14686996.2016.1190257
Ishihara conducts research on materials science and engineering of biomedical materials based on polymer chemistry. The goal of the research is the development of biocompatible materials for living cells applications, so Ishihara and colleagues are developing different approaches to prevent rejection of such materials by living systems. “Several polymeric materials have been designed for medical devices applications,” says Ishihara. “These materials have supported the lives of patients. Fortunately, I had opportunity to play a significant role in this field of research.”
Notably, the design of the polymers is inspired by nature, and specifically, living cell membranes. So researchers focus on developing methods to synthesize polymers with the same chemical structure as cell membrane components. The resulting polymers are functionalized to be biocompatible even if they are implanted into living cells for long durations of time.
“The article that received the STAM Altmetrics Award 2017 is a review of nanomedical applications of these biocompatible polymers,” says Ishihara. The review is based on Ishihara’s experience as the principle investigator of the national research project, “Nanomedicine Molecular Science” from 2011 to 2015. “Over 40 professors from a wide range of backgrounds, including medical doctors, participated in the project,” says Ishihara. “Our goal was to clarify medically important chemical reactions both inside and at the surfaces of living cells.”
The project was very fruitful, yielding new insights into cellular environments. “When we finished the project, we decided to compile our findings in the form of a focus issue of STAM,” explains Ishihara. “A total of 18 papers were published in the focus issue and every article offers unique perspectives into new biomedical and nanomedicine science based on the materials science.”
Reference
Kazuhiko Ishihara1,2, Weixin Chen1, Yihua Liu2, Yuriko Tsukamoto1 and Yuuki Inoue1 (2016) Cytocompatible and multifunctional polymeric nanoparticles for transportation of bioactive molecules into and within cells, Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, 17:1, 300-312,
1 Department of Materials engineering, School of engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
2 Department of Bioengineering, School of engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
DOI: 10.1080/14686996.2016.1190257
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14686996.2016.1190257
About NIMS and STAM
NIMS and Empa have jointed efforts to develop a flagship journal that provides highly-quality information on recent developments in materials science within an open access platform. The collaboration will strengthen the position of STAM in Europe.
Center for Public Affairs and Communications, Science and Technology of Advanced Materials, +81 9065213797, [email protected]
Share this article