Researches in Kazoe Laboratory
Our laboratory is promoting researches on fluid science in small spaces and micro/nanofluidics. Fabricating micro- and nanochannels with defined size and geometry, controlling fluids with aL to pL volumes much smaller amount compared with one drop of liquid, and sensing such ultrasmall fluids, we are conducting advanced researches for understanding specific fluid flows in small spaces, development of methodologies for precisely manipulating molecules/particles by number, and creation of devices for ultrasmall analysis and ultraprecise synthesis in the fields of chemistry, biology and medicine.

Currently, we are focusing on researches on nanospaces (10 to 100 nm), which is the minimum space where liquids can be regarded as continuum that treats molecules macroscopically, as follows:
Nanoscale fluid science: This research develops novel particle image velocimetry with super-resolution (nanometer spatial resolution) overcoming the optical diffraction limit, in order to reveal fluid flows and transport phenomena in nanospaces smaller than the light wavelengths. The research aims to construct a fluid model for understanding various nanoscale phenomena such as single-molecule behavior and functional expression in cell in the field of biology, in addition to nanofluidic applications.
Nanofluidics: This research develops novel methodologies for chemical processing of single-molecules by arranging, transporting and reacting one by one, based on our technologies and the principle of statistical mechanics,because utilizing the nanospaces 　decreases the amount of sample to countable molecules level. In addition, the research develops nanofluidic device technologies for single molecule analysis for ultra-dilute samples obtained from an affected area, and ultraprecise chemical synthesis of target molecules.
Micro/nano structural engineering: This research develops functional micro/nanostructures such as hydrophobic/oleophobic surfaces and artificial cellular membranes. The research aims to apply these functions to fluid engineering in small spaces such as drag reduction of fluids and ultrahigh sensitive detections, by integrating these structures into micro- and nanochannels.