Projects
EIC Accelerator 190195672
Laser bioprinting device and in vivo applications
The use of laser bioprinting in biotech and regenerative medicine can help resolve clinical conditions that are either currently untreatable and result in loss of life or serious deterioration of quality of life. PhosPrint created an innovative dual beam laser bioprinting device and process which comprises novel surgical protocols for on-site laser bioprinting of autologous urothelial cells. The approach is employed to create a neobladder in cancer patients after the removal of their affected organ. PhosPrint’s brand-new approach overcomes the gold standard of cystoplasty that causes severe side effects since it uses unsafe intestinal epithelium to recreate the bladder
Light based multisensing device for screening of pathogens and nutrients in bioreactors (ΗORIZON-CL4-2022-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-03)
Website: www.libraproject.eu/
The bioreactor industry is currently flourishing with a global market valued estimated at 2.3 B€ in 2020 and predicted to exceed 6.6 B€ euro by 2030, growing at a rate of 10.7% CAGR. Despite this impressive growth, there are challenges which can significantly impede the further advancement of bioreactors: Bioproducts can be sustainable and competitive only if reliable and contamination-free production is ensured. Currently, there is no catholic solution to this issue. To this end, LIBRA project introduces a benchtop smart multi-sensing system for the in-line automatable screening of cultivation processes in bioreactors. The LIBRA sensing technology lies in the use of light based integrated on-chip, real time sensors. A novel integration procedure of the photonic platforms together with disposable microfluidic modules and biofunctionalization units will result in a modular system with interchangeable components enabling the screening of nutrients and pathogens in bioreactor samples, according to the end users need. Furthermore, the LIBRA system will be able to be attached and integrated to various bioreactor systems regardless of their form factors, spanning from stirred tank bioreactors to single use bioreactors (SUB). To achieve this, LIBRA will rely on a highly multi-disciplinary consortium comprising expertise and specialization in several fields spanning photonics, surface functionalization, microfluidics, advanced packaging and assembly, artificial intelligence and bioreactor manufacturers. The exploitable results of LIBRA are expected to disrupt the current PIC-based sensing landscape, as estimated by the two business cases stemming from the project: the market revenues one year after the end of this project are expected to be €7.8 million growing to almost €59 million in 2032, and plethora of new IP and new business opportunities for the partners involved in the joint venture of LIBRA.
Tumor-LN-oC: Tumor Lymph node on Chip (H2020 NMBP-23-2020)
Website: https://tumor-ln-oc.eu/
The lymphatic system and lymph nodes (LNs) are an integral part of our adaptive immune system and many tumors exploit lymphatic vessels to spread and colonize downstream LNs. Tumor-LN-oC aims to offer a comprehensive solution for a robust, automated tumor-lymph node-on-chip platform that will connect primary surgically removed human tumors and LN tissue from the same cancer patient. This will allow us to study the interaction of primary tumors with lymph nodes, identify their chemical signature, and offer personalized treatment relying on molecular characterization of lymph node metastasizing cells. The project will significantly advance the fields of microfluidics, cell biology, cancer biology, physics, and computer programming and software development.
UroPrint: Urinary bladder bioprinting for fully autologous transplantation
(H2020-FETOPEN-2018-2020)
Website: https://www.uroprint.eu/
The vision of the UroPrint consortium is to laser print fully functional immunocompatible urothelial tissue ex vivo and in vivo for bladder augmentation and replacement. This vision is enabled by combining and advancing a number of achievements in the fields of optics and laser technologies, materials, engineering and micro-instrumentation, and experimental surgery.
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