Project acronym 2-NanoSi
Project Ratiometric FRET Based Nanosensors for Trypsin Related Human Recessive Diseases
Researcher (PI) Emilio Jose Palomares Gil
Host Institution (HI) FUNDACIO PRIVADA INSTITUT CATALA D'INVESTIGACIO QUIMICA
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2014-PoC
Summary The project aims to create a demo system for cost effective, non-invasive device for rapid detection of cystic fibrosis in
humans.
The detection of human recessive diseases has been dominated by the use of fluorescent biomarkers, based on organic
dyes, helping researchers to study and analyse gene expression, cell cycle, and enzymatic activity. Among several
proteolytic enzymes, trypsin has attracted much attention, as it is a target in the study of various important human recessive
diseases including, for example, cystic fibrosis (CF).
We present herein two colour encoded silica nanospheres (2nanoSi) for the fluorescence quantitative ratiometric
determination of cystic in humans. Current detection technologies for cystic fibrosis diagnosis are slow, costly and suffer
from false positives. The 2nanoSi proved to be a fast (minutes), a single-step and with two times higher sensitivity than the
state-of-the-art biomarkers based sensors for cystic fibrosis, allowing the quantification of trypsin concentrations in a wide
range (25-350 μg/L). Moreover, our approach can be used from the 4th day of life when the trypsin concentration is already
the same as in adults. Furthermore, as trypsin is directly related to the development of cystic fibrosis (CF), different human
phenotypes, i.e. normal (160-340 μg/L), CF homozygotic (0-90 μg/L), and CF heterozygotic (91-349 μg/L), respectively, can
be determined using our 2nanoSi nanospheres. We anticipate the 2nanoSi system to be a starting point for non-invasive,
easy-to-use and cost effective ratiometric fluorescence biomarker for recessive genetic diseases alike human cystic fibrosis.
Summary
The project aims to create a demo system for cost effective, non-invasive device for rapid detection of cystic fibrosis in
humans.
The detection of human recessive diseases has been dominated by the use of fluorescent biomarkers, based on organic
dyes, helping researchers to study and analyse gene expression, cell cycle, and enzymatic activity. Among several
proteolytic enzymes, trypsin has attracted much attention, as it is a target in the study of various important human recessive
diseases including, for example, cystic fibrosis (CF).
We present herein two colour encoded silica nanospheres (2nanoSi) for the fluorescence quantitative ratiometric
determination of cystic in humans. Current detection technologies for cystic fibrosis diagnosis are slow, costly and suffer
from false positives. The 2nanoSi proved to be a fast (minutes), a single-step and with two times higher sensitivity than the
state-of-the-art biomarkers based sensors for cystic fibrosis, allowing the quantification of trypsin concentrations in a wide
range (25-350 μg/L). Moreover, our approach can be used from the 4th day of life when the trypsin concentration is already
the same as in adults. Furthermore, as trypsin is directly related to the development of cystic fibrosis (CF), different human
phenotypes, i.e. normal (160-340 μg/L), CF homozygotic (0-90 μg/L), and CF heterozygotic (91-349 μg/L), respectively, can
be determined using our 2nanoSi nanospheres. We anticipate the 2nanoSi system to be a starting point for non-invasive,
easy-to-use and cost effective ratiometric fluorescence biomarker for recessive genetic diseases alike human cystic fibrosis.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-04-01, End date: 2016-09-30
Project acronym 2D-Ink
Project Ink-Jet printed supercapacitors based on 2D nanomaterials.
Researcher (PI) Valeria Nicolosi
Host Institution (HI) THE PROVOST, FELLOWS, FOUNDATION SCHOLARS & THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY & UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2014-PoC
Summary This proposal will determine the technical-economic viability of scaling-up ultra-thin, ink-jet printed films based on liquid-phase exfoliated single atomic layers of a range of nanomaterials. The PI has developed methods to produce in liquid nanosheets of a range of layered materials such as graphene, transition metal oxides, etc. These 2D-materials have immediate and far-reaching potential in several high-impact technological applications such as microelectronics, composites and energy harvesting and storage. 2DNanoCaps (ERC ref: 278516) has demonstrated that lab-scale ultra-thin graphene-based supercapacitor electrodes result in unusually high-power and extremely long device life-time (100% capacitance retention for 5000 charge-discharge cycles at the high power scan rate of 10,000 mV/s). This performance is an order of magnitude better than similar systems produced with conventional methods which cause materials restacking and aggregation. A following ERC PoC grant (2D-USD, Project-Number 620189) is currently focussed on up-scaling the production of thin-films deposition methods based on ultrasonic spray for the production of large-area electrodes for supercapacitors applications. In this proposal we want to explore the new concept of manufacturing conductive, robust, thin, easily assembled electrode and solid electrolytes to realize highly-flexible and all-solid-state supercapacitors by ink-jet printing. This opportunity is particularly relevant to the electronics and portable-device industry and offers the possibility to solve flammability issues, maintaining light weight, flexibility, transparency and portability. In order to do so it will be imperative to develop ink-jet printing methods and techniques. We believe our combination of unique materials and cost-effective, robust and production-scalable process of ultra- thin ink-jet printing will enable us to compete for significant global market opportunities in the energy-storage space.
Summary
This proposal will determine the technical-economic viability of scaling-up ultra-thin, ink-jet printed films based on liquid-phase exfoliated single atomic layers of a range of nanomaterials. The PI has developed methods to produce in liquid nanosheets of a range of layered materials such as graphene, transition metal oxides, etc. These 2D-materials have immediate and far-reaching potential in several high-impact technological applications such as microelectronics, composites and energy harvesting and storage. 2DNanoCaps (ERC ref: 278516) has demonstrated that lab-scale ultra-thin graphene-based supercapacitor electrodes result in unusually high-power and extremely long device life-time (100% capacitance retention for 5000 charge-discharge cycles at the high power scan rate of 10,000 mV/s). This performance is an order of magnitude better than similar systems produced with conventional methods which cause materials restacking and aggregation. A following ERC PoC grant (2D-USD, Project-Number 620189) is currently focussed on up-scaling the production of thin-films deposition methods based on ultrasonic spray for the production of large-area electrodes for supercapacitors applications. In this proposal we want to explore the new concept of manufacturing conductive, robust, thin, easily assembled electrode and solid electrolytes to realize highly-flexible and all-solid-state supercapacitors by ink-jet printing. This opportunity is particularly relevant to the electronics and portable-device industry and offers the possibility to solve flammability issues, maintaining light weight, flexibility, transparency and portability. In order to do so it will be imperative to develop ink-jet printing methods and techniques. We believe our combination of unique materials and cost-effective, robust and production-scalable process of ultra- thin ink-jet printing will enable us to compete for significant global market opportunities in the energy-storage space.
Max ERC Funding
149 774 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-04-01, End date: 2016-09-30
Project acronym A CACTUS
Project Antibody-free method for Counting All Circulating TUmour cellS while maintaining them alive and intact
Researcher (PI) Giacinto Scoles
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI UDINE
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2014-PoC
Summary The problem: Cancer metastases are responsible for 90% of cancer-associated deaths. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) that enter the blood stream on their way to potential metastatic sites are of obvious interest to evaluate correctly patient treatment and therefore influence outcome. CTCs have been identified in bladder, gastric, prostate, lung, breast and colon cancer. The only FDA approved CTCs detection system is Veridex’ CellSearch, which detects only epithelial cancer cells using antibody labelling. Recent evidence showed that non-epithelial cancer cells, which are not detected by CellSearch, are of critical importance in cancer progression.
The idea: Our CTC detection method is based, instead of on antibody labelling, on metabolic features of cancer cells, thus providing potential for detecting both epithelial and mesenchymal cancer cells. Cancer cells induce environmental changes; e.g. in aerobic conditions most cancer cells display a high rate of glycolysis with lactate production in the cytosol, known as the Warburg effect. By separating cells into micro-droplets of pico-liter volume using micro-fluidic water-in-oil emulsions and by characterising the microenvironment surrounding them, CTCs are detected by probing for environmental changes using pH sensitive dyes or enzymatic lactate assays. Our inexpensive diagnostic method provides a way to count and isolate CTCs without any labelling while maintaining cells alive and intact for further studies.
The project: “A CACTUS” is meant to assess the feasibility of commercialising the developed method for counting and sorting CTCs and develop a proper commercialisation strategy. The final goal of this project is to develop a proposition package consisting of technical proof of concept, the business proposition and strategy and an IP portfolio and strategy. This information will be presented in an attractive business plan that will be proposed to potential investors.
Summary
The problem: Cancer metastases are responsible for 90% of cancer-associated deaths. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) that enter the blood stream on their way to potential metastatic sites are of obvious interest to evaluate correctly patient treatment and therefore influence outcome. CTCs have been identified in bladder, gastric, prostate, lung, breast and colon cancer. The only FDA approved CTCs detection system is Veridex’ CellSearch, which detects only epithelial cancer cells using antibody labelling. Recent evidence showed that non-epithelial cancer cells, which are not detected by CellSearch, are of critical importance in cancer progression.
The idea: Our CTC detection method is based, instead of on antibody labelling, on metabolic features of cancer cells, thus providing potential for detecting both epithelial and mesenchymal cancer cells. Cancer cells induce environmental changes; e.g. in aerobic conditions most cancer cells display a high rate of glycolysis with lactate production in the cytosol, known as the Warburg effect. By separating cells into micro-droplets of pico-liter volume using micro-fluidic water-in-oil emulsions and by characterising the microenvironment surrounding them, CTCs are detected by probing for environmental changes using pH sensitive dyes or enzymatic lactate assays. Our inexpensive diagnostic method provides a way to count and isolate CTCs without any labelling while maintaining cells alive and intact for further studies.
The project: “A CACTUS” is meant to assess the feasibility of commercialising the developed method for counting and sorting CTCs and develop a proper commercialisation strategy. The final goal of this project is to develop a proposition package consisting of technical proof of concept, the business proposition and strategy and an IP portfolio and strategy. This information will be presented in an attractive business plan that will be proposed to potential investors.
Max ERC Funding
149 875 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-04-01, End date: 2016-09-30
Project acronym ACOFORS
Project Launching Acoustic Force Spectroscopy - unlocking the potential of biomolecular bungee jumping
Researcher (PI) Gijs Jan Lodewijk Wuite
Host Institution (HI) STICHTING VU
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2014-PoC
Summary ACOFORS has been designed with the ultimate goal of preparing commercialisation of Acoustic Force Spectroscopy (AFS). AFS is a completely new and powerful technique for determining biomolecular mechanics and structure of single molecules such as DNA and proteins. These studies are performed on a large scale by biologists and within pharmaceutical companies for e.g. drug discovery and development. Current technologies for force spectroscopy (FS) represent a $50+ million market, but are expensive, require high levels of specialism and are laborious. AFS, invented in the laboratory of Prof. Wuite, is much simpler to use, can be operated in high-throughput mode and can become available at relative low cost. As such, AFS vastly expands the possibilities of FS and makes it available to a much wider community. This makes AFS a very attractive technology for science and business, both from the perspective of the user and of the seller.
In ACOFORS, a team of scientists and business developers will transform the current prototype in a marketable product, strengthen the intellectual property position, build a solid business case based on an extensive market analysis and take steps towards licensing the technology to industry.
Summary
ACOFORS has been designed with the ultimate goal of preparing commercialisation of Acoustic Force Spectroscopy (AFS). AFS is a completely new and powerful technique for determining biomolecular mechanics and structure of single molecules such as DNA and proteins. These studies are performed on a large scale by biologists and within pharmaceutical companies for e.g. drug discovery and development. Current technologies for force spectroscopy (FS) represent a $50+ million market, but are expensive, require high levels of specialism and are laborious. AFS, invented in the laboratory of Prof. Wuite, is much simpler to use, can be operated in high-throughput mode and can become available at relative low cost. As such, AFS vastly expands the possibilities of FS and makes it available to a much wider community. This makes AFS a very attractive technology for science and business, both from the perspective of the user and of the seller.
In ACOFORS, a team of scientists and business developers will transform the current prototype in a marketable product, strengthen the intellectual property position, build a solid business case based on an extensive market analysis and take steps towards licensing the technology to industry.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-07-01, End date: 2016-06-30
Project acronym ADAPTIVE
Project Industrial implementation of adaptive computational methods for turbulent flow and fluid-structure interaction
Researcher (PI) Johan Kjell Robert Hoffman
Host Institution (HI) KUNGLIGA TEKNISKA HOEGSKOLAN
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2014-PoC
Summary The ERC StG project UNICON (Project ID 202984) was completed in July 2013. The goal of UNICON was to develop new adaptive finite element methods for computer simulation of fluid-structure interaction, in particular for problems involving turbulent flow. Simulation of turbulent flow is an outstanding computational challenge, where the UNICON project made significant progress beyond the state of the art. The scientific results of the UNICON project include a new theoretical and methodological framework, and a computer implementation of the methods as open source software, published as part of the FEniCS project, co-founded by the PI (Hoffman) in 2003. FEniCS is today a world leading open source software for computer simulation based on differential equations, with an estimated 50 000 downloads per year, and the PI today leads the PRACE Tier-0 project FEniCS-HPC, in which algorithms and software are developed for the most powerful supercomputers in Europe. Compared to competing simulation software, free as well as commercial, UNICON computational technology has proven to exhibit unique features with respect to accuracy and efficiency.
The idea of this ERC PoC project is to commercialize the UNICON simulation technology. In particular, ADAPTIVE targets civil (non-military) industry, with a focus on subsonic fluid dynamics. The strategy is to deliver services and products tailored to each customer, from deliverance of a simulation result, to education and support for integration of the simulation tools in the workflow of a customer.
Summary
The ERC StG project UNICON (Project ID 202984) was completed in July 2013. The goal of UNICON was to develop new adaptive finite element methods for computer simulation of fluid-structure interaction, in particular for problems involving turbulent flow. Simulation of turbulent flow is an outstanding computational challenge, where the UNICON project made significant progress beyond the state of the art. The scientific results of the UNICON project include a new theoretical and methodological framework, and a computer implementation of the methods as open source software, published as part of the FEniCS project, co-founded by the PI (Hoffman) in 2003. FEniCS is today a world leading open source software for computer simulation based on differential equations, with an estimated 50 000 downloads per year, and the PI today leads the PRACE Tier-0 project FEniCS-HPC, in which algorithms and software are developed for the most powerful supercomputers in Europe. Compared to competing simulation software, free as well as commercial, UNICON computational technology has proven to exhibit unique features with respect to accuracy and efficiency.
The idea of this ERC PoC project is to commercialize the UNICON simulation technology. In particular, ADAPTIVE targets civil (non-military) industry, with a focus on subsonic fluid dynamics. The strategy is to deliver services and products tailored to each customer, from deliverance of a simulation result, to education and support for integration of the simulation tools in the workflow of a customer.
Max ERC Funding
146 897 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-04-01, End date: 2016-09-30
Project acronym aNtHESIS
Project Novel heart regeneration strategies
Researcher (PI) Eldad Tzahor
Host Institution (HI) WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2014-PoC
Summary Heart disease and particularly myocardial infarction, i.e. heart attack, is the leading cause of death in the Western world today. The diminished regenerative potential of the heart begins shortly after birth, when most CardioMyocytes (CMs) cease to proliferate and make a transition from hyperplastic to hypertrophic growth. The Tzahor lab has been intensively exploring novel molecules, compounds as well as the molecular mechanisms that facilitate CM cell division in the adult heart of mammals as a strategy for eliciting heart regeneration. These efforts, had led to the identification of novel compounds which significantly increased the proliferation of adult CMs. Drawing upon these findings, the aim of the aNtHESIS project is two-fold. First, to (i) validate the pre-clinical application of our two novel compounds by conducting comprehensive in-vitro and in-vivo tests in mice as well as by carrying out experiments using human CMs. The second aim is (ii) to establish the business feasibility of our cardiac regenerative therapy concept by taking the necessary steps towards the commercialization of our novel compounds, focusing on the creation of strategic alliances with key private sector companies.
Summary
Heart disease and particularly myocardial infarction, i.e. heart attack, is the leading cause of death in the Western world today. The diminished regenerative potential of the heart begins shortly after birth, when most CardioMyocytes (CMs) cease to proliferate and make a transition from hyperplastic to hypertrophic growth. The Tzahor lab has been intensively exploring novel molecules, compounds as well as the molecular mechanisms that facilitate CM cell division in the adult heart of mammals as a strategy for eliciting heart regeneration. These efforts, had led to the identification of novel compounds which significantly increased the proliferation of adult CMs. Drawing upon these findings, the aim of the aNtHESIS project is two-fold. First, to (i) validate the pre-clinical application of our two novel compounds by conducting comprehensive in-vitro and in-vivo tests in mice as well as by carrying out experiments using human CMs. The second aim is (ii) to establish the business feasibility of our cardiac regenerative therapy concept by taking the necessary steps towards the commercialization of our novel compounds, focusing on the creation of strategic alliances with key private sector companies.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-01-01, End date: 2017-06-30
Project acronym APPROAcH
Project APPROAcH: Antimicrobial and Save 3D-Printable Polymers for Oral Health
Researcher (PI) Andreas Herrmann
Host Institution (HI) RIJKSUNIVERSITEIT GRONINGEN
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2014-PoC
Summary A major problem in dental care restorations is bacterial infiltration. Bacteria between the tooth and the restoration is a potential cause of postoperative sensitivity, pulp inflammation, and necrosis. In orthodontics, the formation of biofilms during treatment bears the risk of enamel decalcification, cavity formation, and gingival inflammation due to the fact that colonized bacteria are extremely hard to remove in presence of orthodontic appliances. Another related problem is that the current fabrication of dental restorations and braces is labor intensive, requiring highly skilled technicians. Recently, steps have been taken to change the traditional workflow and introduce 3D printing (3DP) technology in this field. 3DP enables a more patient specific way of working, increasing the quality of dental care on the one hand and reducing the costs on the other hand. To address both problems, a highly innovative 3DP antimicrobial polymer system for applications in dentistry and orthodontics will be developed in this proposal. Since the materials will be in contact to or incorporated into the body, attention needs to be paid to render these systems non-toxic and biocompatible. Second, the commercial, IPR and business opportunities of these novel materials will be investigated.
Summary
A major problem in dental care restorations is bacterial infiltration. Bacteria between the tooth and the restoration is a potential cause of postoperative sensitivity, pulp inflammation, and necrosis. In orthodontics, the formation of biofilms during treatment bears the risk of enamel decalcification, cavity formation, and gingival inflammation due to the fact that colonized bacteria are extremely hard to remove in presence of orthodontic appliances. Another related problem is that the current fabrication of dental restorations and braces is labor intensive, requiring highly skilled technicians. Recently, steps have been taken to change the traditional workflow and introduce 3D printing (3DP) technology in this field. 3DP enables a more patient specific way of working, increasing the quality of dental care on the one hand and reducing the costs on the other hand. To address both problems, a highly innovative 3DP antimicrobial polymer system for applications in dentistry and orthodontics will be developed in this proposal. Since the materials will be in contact to or incorporated into the body, attention needs to be paid to render these systems non-toxic and biocompatible. Second, the commercial, IPR and business opportunities of these novel materials will be investigated.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-04-01, End date: 2017-09-30
Project acronym BALaNCE
Project BreAking the Link betweeN myo10 and CancEr
Researcher (PI) Mari Johanna Ivaska
Host Institution (HI) TURUN YLIOPISTO
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2014-PoC
Summary Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer form and the leading cause of death among women while pancreatic cancer is the fourth commonest cause of cancer-related mortality across the world and very difficult to treat due to its aggressive nature and the relative lack of curative options. A major impediment in the identification of new therapeutic targets lies in our limited understanding of the exact mechanisms taking place within the tumor microenvironment that are responsible for the development of cancer, progression and metastasis. Based on our recent experiments, we have found that high expression of an actin-binding protein correlates with poor clinical prognosis in breast and pancreatic cancer patients. Drawing upon our recent findings, the target of the PoC project is two-fold. First, to (i) validate the clinical application of our novel therapeutic concept by conducting a series of in-vitro and in-vivo tests on a set of 22 Myo10 inhibitory lead-compounds (i.e. “hits”) which were identified via High-Throughput Screening (HTS). Second, to (ii) take the necessary steps towards the definition of the best business path in view of the strong pre-commercialization potential.
Summary
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer form and the leading cause of death among women while pancreatic cancer is the fourth commonest cause of cancer-related mortality across the world and very difficult to treat due to its aggressive nature and the relative lack of curative options. A major impediment in the identification of new therapeutic targets lies in our limited understanding of the exact mechanisms taking place within the tumor microenvironment that are responsible for the development of cancer, progression and metastasis. Based on our recent experiments, we have found that high expression of an actin-binding protein correlates with poor clinical prognosis in breast and pancreatic cancer patients. Drawing upon our recent findings, the target of the PoC project is two-fold. First, to (i) validate the clinical application of our novel therapeutic concept by conducting a series of in-vitro and in-vivo tests on a set of 22 Myo10 inhibitory lead-compounds (i.e. “hits”) which were identified via High-Throughput Screening (HTS). Second, to (ii) take the necessary steps towards the definition of the best business path in view of the strong pre-commercialization potential.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-05-01, End date: 2016-10-31
Project acronym BeadDiagnosis
Project Prognosis and Diagnosis of Protein Misfolding Diseases by Seeded Aggregation in Microspheres
Researcher (PI) Florian Hollfelder
Host Institution (HI) THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARSOF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2014-PoC
Summary There is currently no early detection system for neurological protein misfolding disorders (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases) that would satisfy the demands for rapid, quantitative, flexible, and reproducible assays to study amyloidogenesis in biological samples. We will explore the potential of aggregation assays in microdroplets that are formed in microfluidic devices. We have found that the readout of this assay reflects the disease progression, when samples of Drosophila fruit fly brains and mouse brain and serum are analysed. We will use this PoC project explore the utility of this technology to report on aggregation of amyloid precursors in human biological samples, to test whether the potential of this technology extends to patients diagnosis and prognosis. Such data would resolve the question whether our early diagnosis system is immediately useful in a medical context and strengthen the case for venture capital funding.
Summary
There is currently no early detection system for neurological protein misfolding disorders (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases) that would satisfy the demands for rapid, quantitative, flexible, and reproducible assays to study amyloidogenesis in biological samples. We will explore the potential of aggregation assays in microdroplets that are formed in microfluidic devices. We have found that the readout of this assay reflects the disease progression, when samples of Drosophila fruit fly brains and mouse brain and serum are analysed. We will use this PoC project explore the utility of this technology to report on aggregation of amyloid precursors in human biological samples, to test whether the potential of this technology extends to patients diagnosis and prognosis. Such data would resolve the question whether our early diagnosis system is immediately useful in a medical context and strengthen the case for venture capital funding.
Max ERC Funding
149 972 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-08-01, End date: 2017-01-31
Project acronym BioStealth
Project Explore the potentialities of biostealth coatings for tissue engineering and reconstructive medicine
Researcher (PI) Pascal Jonkheijm
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT TWENTE
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2014-PoC
Summary BioStealth production of implant coatings provides an exciting business opportunity. BioStealth offers unique advantages of societal and economic importance, such as public health and sick leave.
Biocompatible materials, i.e. materials with proper cell response upon implantation, are attractive for restoring body function. Conventional implant coating methods lack in quality and therefore the majority, if not all, bio-coatings fail in proper interaction with host tissue, either caused by absence of biological triggers, biofouling or unwanted chemistry. This lack of proper interaction occurs fast upon implantation and disturbs specific cell interaction, eventually causing infections. Mostly, patients need rehospitalization which increase health care costs.
BioStealth produces easy and cheap implant coatings by dipping or spraying lipids. BioStealth lipid coatings are air-stable and suitable for in-vivo use. BioStealth can be applied to FDA approved implant materials without changing the mechanical properties, which is key for tissue engineering and reconstructive medicine. BioStealth coatings have a tunable composition which makes them an ideal coating to improve interactions with cells. These factors greatly enhance application potential.
Non-fouling lipids were suggested before, but as hydrogels are used for preconditioning implants, air-stability, fast procedures, tunable capability and the range of materials that can be coated and used in-vivo is very limited. In BioStealth innovative, robust conditioning of implants with plasma is used for lipid attachment, creating a breakthrough in integration of implants with tissue.
A business case will be developed for BioStealth, covering different markets and routes for market introduction. Results of market analysis and financing needs will be combined with science-based technology comparison and used for discussions with potential industry partners. Several companies have already expressed interest in BioStealth.
Summary
BioStealth production of implant coatings provides an exciting business opportunity. BioStealth offers unique advantages of societal and economic importance, such as public health and sick leave.
Biocompatible materials, i.e. materials with proper cell response upon implantation, are attractive for restoring body function. Conventional implant coating methods lack in quality and therefore the majority, if not all, bio-coatings fail in proper interaction with host tissue, either caused by absence of biological triggers, biofouling or unwanted chemistry. This lack of proper interaction occurs fast upon implantation and disturbs specific cell interaction, eventually causing infections. Mostly, patients need rehospitalization which increase health care costs.
BioStealth produces easy and cheap implant coatings by dipping or spraying lipids. BioStealth lipid coatings are air-stable and suitable for in-vivo use. BioStealth can be applied to FDA approved implant materials without changing the mechanical properties, which is key for tissue engineering and reconstructive medicine. BioStealth coatings have a tunable composition which makes them an ideal coating to improve interactions with cells. These factors greatly enhance application potential.
Non-fouling lipids were suggested before, but as hydrogels are used for preconditioning implants, air-stability, fast procedures, tunable capability and the range of materials that can be coated and used in-vivo is very limited. In BioStealth innovative, robust conditioning of implants with plasma is used for lipid attachment, creating a breakthrough in integration of implants with tissue.
A business case will be developed for BioStealth, covering different markets and routes for market introduction. Results of market analysis and financing needs will be combined with science-based technology comparison and used for discussions with potential industry partners. Several companies have already expressed interest in BioStealth.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2015-02-01, End date: 2016-07-31
