Research Interests:

We aim to construct artificial organs by integrating organ-on-a-chip and organoid technologies, dedicated to advancing physiologically relevant model platforms for human organ systems. This is achieved by incorporating multiple cell types, inter-tissue interfaces, and dynamic microenvironments. These platforms are utilized to recapitulate human physiological and pathological processes, providing open and scenario-based tools for research in life sciences, drug evaluation, regenerative medicine, and specialized applications. Based on this overarching goal, our research focuses on two primary directions: Development of modular multiorgan-on-chips platforms: We aim to design modular organ-on-a-chip systems and integrate them into multiorgan-on-chips platforms that replicate in vivo physiological conditions. By leveraging biomimetic fluidic designs, we seek to establish a universal fluidic model tailored to the multiorgan platforms. This research emphasizes addressing key technical challenges in the multiorgan platforms, including fluid flow control, substance exchange, parameter regulation, and real-time monitoring and feedback. These advancements will facilitate scalable coculture of multiple organs, providing comprehensive support for studies on the functional simulation of human organ systems. Functional simulation of human organ systems: We focus on reconstructing human circulatory systems and physiological environments in vitro, with an emphasis on optimizing the functionality of multiorgan-on-chips platforms. These platforms are designed to replicate the sophisticated biological interactions among organs, reconstitute human physiological structures, environments, inter-organ interactions, and systemic functions, and collect relevant biochemical and physical parameters, all while maintaining accurate organ proportions and functional integrity. Additionally, we aim to improve the survival time of multiorgan platforms to facilitate long-term dynamic tracking studies. These efforts aim to elucidate the fundamental principles of systemic function regulation, offering critical insights into human physiological and pathological processes.

Awards and Honors:

Professional Activities:

Research Grants:

Selected Publications:

Zhou H, Jung W, Farhana TI, Fujimoto K, Kim T, Yokokawa R. Durability of Aligned Microtubules Dependent on Persistence Length Determines Phase Transition and Pattern Formation in Collective Motion. ACS Nano. 2022; 16(9): 14765–14778. Zhou H, Isozaki N, Fujimoto K, Yokokawa R. Growth rate-dependent flexural rigidity of microtubules influences pattern formation in collective motion. J Nanobiotechnol. 2021;19(1):218. Zhou H, Kaneko T, Isozaki N, Yokokawa R. Design of Mechanical and Electrical Properties for Multidirectional Control of Microtubules. In: Inaba H, ed. Microtubules: Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology. Springer US; 2022:105-119. Zhou H, Jung W, Farhana TI, Fujimoto K, Kim T, Yokokawa R. Pattern of collective motion is regulated by the persistence length of microtubules. Biophysical Journal. 2022;121(3):116a. Hotta H, Zhou H, Fujimoto K, Farhana TI, Yokokawa R. Evaluation of the flexural rigidity of microtubules with a multilayer perceptron model. Biophysical Journal. 2022;121(3):113a. Zhou H, Isozaki N, Ukita K, Hawkins TL, Ross JL, Yokokawa R. Flexural Rigidity of Microtubules Measured by Gold Stripe-Patterned Substrate. In: 2020 IEEE 15th International Conference on Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular System (NEMS). ; 2020:325-328. Zhou H, Isozaki N, Hawkins TL, Ross JL, Yokokawa R. Flexural Rigidity of Microtubules Measured with Nanometer-Level Localization Precision. Biophysical Journal. 2019;116(3):408a. Zhou H, Song Y, Pan X, Li D. Airborne particles detection and sizing at single particle level by a novel electrical current pulse sensor. Measurement. 2016;92:58-62.