Nao Kawata

Mr. Nao Kawata

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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11 July 2026 in Nanomaterials
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SDShiqin Dai
Shiqin Dai
NKNao Kawata
Nao Kawata
ANAhmed Nabil
Ahmed Nabil
Mitsuhiro EbaraMitsuhiro Ebara
Mitsuhiro Ebara
Macrophage polarization toward the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype underlies an effective strategy for potentiating antitumor immune responses. Electrical stimulation has emerged as a potent modulator of immune cell polarization. However, conventional electrode-mediated electrical stimulation has limited penetration into deep tissues and relies on external power supplies. Here, we report on ultrasound (US)-responsive piezoelectric nanofibers, constructed by embedding manganese–titanium metal–organic frameworks (MT-MOF) within a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) matrix (MT-MOF/PAN). As a non-centrosymmetric bimetallic framework, MT-MOF generates a heterogeneous charge distribution under mechanical deformation, thereby enhancing the composite’s piezoelectric output. Furthermore, interfacial coupling between MT-MOF and the PAN nanofibers provides an additional contribution to this enhancement. Under US stimulation, MT-MOF/PAN nanofibers generates a peak voltage of 0.24 V, substantially exceeding the output of pure PAN nanofibers. In RAW-Blue cells, US-activated MT-MOF/PAN nanofibers significantly activate the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway and promote the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), whereas neither US nor nanofibers alone produce this effect. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that piezoelectric stimulation induces a transient intracellular Ca2+ influx, as visualized by Fluo-4 acetoxymethyl ester (Fluo-4 AM) imaging, whereas US alone or nanofibers alone produce no significant effects. These findings establish MT-MOF/PAN nanofibers as a wireless, electrode-free platform for antitumor immunotherapy.