معرفی
Shoji Takeuchi is a Professor and Principal Investigator at the Department of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo. He also serves as Director of the Center for International Research on Integrative Biomedical Systems (CIBiS) at the Institute of Industrial Science (IIS). His interdisciplinary work bridges mechanical engineering, informatics, and biological sciences to create innovative biohybrid systems that integrate biological functionality with micro/nano engineering.
Takeuchi received his B.E., M.E., and Dr. Eng. degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Tokyo in 1995, 1997, and 2000, respectively. His educational background in mechanical engineering provided the foundation for his transition into bio-integrated systems research.
His laboratory investigates eight main research areas: Biohybrid Robotics (using skeletal muscle tissue for robot movement), Biohybrid Sensors (ultra-sensitive chemical sensors using cellular receptors), 3D Tissue Construction (including cultured meat development), Artificial Cells/Cell Membrane systems, Implantable Devices, Neural Networks, MEMS/Microfluidic Devices, and Design/Art applications. The research focuses on creating hybrid systems by fusing mechanical components with biomaterials such as biological cells and molecular machines to overcome limitations of purely artificial micromachines.
His publications reveal a consistent progression from microfluidic technologies toward increasingly sophisticated integration of biological components with engineered systems. Early work focused on fundamental microfabrication techniques, evolving to complex tissue constructs and functional biohybrid robots. His research spans fundamental biophysics of cell membranes to applied medical devices, demonstrating a clear trajectory toward creating practical biohybrid technologies with real-world applications.
- MEXT Young Scientists' Prize (2008)
- JSPS prize (2010)
- ACS Analytical Chemistry Young Innovator Awards (2015)
With over 160 peer-reviewed publications and more than 70 patents filed, Takeuchi leads an active research group mentoring numerous students across multiple disciplines. His laboratory welcomes students from engineering backgrounds to the Department of Mechano-Informatics and students with scientific backgrounds to the Department of Life Sciences. The group has received significant recognition, with Assoc. Prof. Yuya Morimoto winning The Young Scientists' Award of The Commendation for Science and Technology by the Minister of Education in 2021 and Morimoto being awarded Pioneer of New Research Fields Award in 2020.
Takeuchi directs the Biohybrid Systems Laboratory at the University of Tokyo, which has gained international recognition with research featured in major media outlets including The Guardian, ABC NEWS, and CNN. The lab's work on cultured meat was highlighted in NIKKEI Asia, and their skin robot research was featured in Matter magazine. The laboratory maintains strong global partnerships and actively participates in international research collaborations, positioning itself at the forefront of biohybrid technology development.
