Project acronym ASTAOMEGA
Project IMPLEMENTATION OF A SUSTAINABLE AND COMPETITIVE SYSTEM TO SIMULTANEOUSLY PRODUCE ASTAXANTHIN AND OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS IN MICROALGAE FOR ACQUACULTURE AND HUMAN NUTRITION
Researcher (PI) Matteo BALLOTTARI
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI VERONA
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2018-PoC
Summary This project aims at developing an innovative and commercially competitive production platform for high value products as Astaxanthin and Omega-3, to be used for human nutrition or aquaculture.
Astaxanthin is a pigment primary produced by microalgae: this carotenoid has a strong antioxidant power and it is used in different fields as healthcare, food/feed supplementation and as pigmenting agent in aquaculture. However, cultivation of the main microalgae species producing Astaxanthin is costly due to low biomass productivity or low Astaxanthin content, causing an extremely high price of this molecule on the market.
Marine microalgae are also the primary producers of Omega-3, very long chain fatty acids, essential components of high quality diets for humans, being related to cardiovascular wellness, and proper visual and cognitive development. However, due to the high cost of microalgae cultivation, the market of Omega-3 is mostly based on fish or krill oils, with high costs and environment impacts associated.
New sources of Astaxanthin and Omega-3 must thus be implemented: based on the results obtained in ERC-Stg-SOLENALGAE, an innovative, low cost and high productive strategy can be proposed for simultaneous Astaxanthin and Omega-3 production in the robust and fast growing marine microalgae species Nannochloropsis gaditana.
The main objectives of the ASTAOMEGA project will be:
1. To validate to a demonstration stage the ASTAOMEGA system
2. The assessment of the market size and market requirements, through extensive market analysis
3. The identification of the best suitable commercial route to be undertaken to take the ASTAOMEGA system to the market, as inception of a spin-off company and/or the licensing agreements on the IPR exploitation with the interested end-users (see LOIs).
The ASTAOMEGA team is confident that the outcomes of this project are poised to exert a beneficial impact on the European microalgae industry and nutraceuticals market
Summary
This project aims at developing an innovative and commercially competitive production platform for high value products as Astaxanthin and Omega-3, to be used for human nutrition or aquaculture.
Astaxanthin is a pigment primary produced by microalgae: this carotenoid has a strong antioxidant power and it is used in different fields as healthcare, food/feed supplementation and as pigmenting agent in aquaculture. However, cultivation of the main microalgae species producing Astaxanthin is costly due to low biomass productivity or low Astaxanthin content, causing an extremely high price of this molecule on the market.
Marine microalgae are also the primary producers of Omega-3, very long chain fatty acids, essential components of high quality diets for humans, being related to cardiovascular wellness, and proper visual and cognitive development. However, due to the high cost of microalgae cultivation, the market of Omega-3 is mostly based on fish or krill oils, with high costs and environment impacts associated.
New sources of Astaxanthin and Omega-3 must thus be implemented: based on the results obtained in ERC-Stg-SOLENALGAE, an innovative, low cost and high productive strategy can be proposed for simultaneous Astaxanthin and Omega-3 production in the robust and fast growing marine microalgae species Nannochloropsis gaditana.
The main objectives of the ASTAOMEGA project will be:
1. To validate to a demonstration stage the ASTAOMEGA system
2. The assessment of the market size and market requirements, through extensive market analysis
3. The identification of the best suitable commercial route to be undertaken to take the ASTAOMEGA system to the market, as inception of a spin-off company and/or the licensing agreements on the IPR exploitation with the interested end-users (see LOIs).
The ASTAOMEGA team is confident that the outcomes of this project are poised to exert a beneficial impact on the European microalgae industry and nutraceuticals market
Max ERC Funding
149 955 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-09-01, End date: 2020-02-29
Project acronym AstroMetrix
Project Precision tracking with tools from Astrophysics
Researcher (PI) Heino Falcke
Host Institution (HI) STICHTING KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2015-PoC
Summary In our ERC-funded project we have used interferometric techniques from radio astronomy to precisely localize bunches of cosmic ray particles rushing through our Earth atmosphere at light speed. Here we want to use this technique to provide precise and robust tracking of tracking of vehicles, such as robotic lawnmowers, ships and planes. Localizing vehicles as precisely as possible has become an ever more important aspect of modern day life, as is evident from the success of GPS. However, under certain circumstances GPS will not work well, either because the vehicle is indoors or the accuracy of GPS-systems is not sufficient. To achieve the feat of catching particles at light speed in our ERC project, we combined the knowledge from radio astronomy, particle physics and modern digital data processing. We developed solar-powered smart receivers linked over large areas into a single interferometer and developed software tools that allow us to do radio interferometric measurements in the presence of distorting signals. In the past, radio astronomical techniques were too compute- and power-intensive for commercial applications; however, the game changers are now powerful mobile phone processors developed for the consumer market. As a result we can in principle robustly localize radio sources to within a fraction of a wavelength – i.e., anywhere from millimetres to metres depending on the radio frequency. The concept is scalable, can be used to measure accurate locations over distances from metres to thousands of kilometres, and can be employed on earth or from space. The earth-based applications has a potential economic and social impact for instance via the tracking of objects (parcels or people) indoors, while the space-based application will allow for continuous tracking of ships and planes. The main goal of this proposal is to prepare for the launch of a start-up country that can commercialize this knowledge.
Summary
In our ERC-funded project we have used interferometric techniques from radio astronomy to precisely localize bunches of cosmic ray particles rushing through our Earth atmosphere at light speed. Here we want to use this technique to provide precise and robust tracking of tracking of vehicles, such as robotic lawnmowers, ships and planes. Localizing vehicles as precisely as possible has become an ever more important aspect of modern day life, as is evident from the success of GPS. However, under certain circumstances GPS will not work well, either because the vehicle is indoors or the accuracy of GPS-systems is not sufficient. To achieve the feat of catching particles at light speed in our ERC project, we combined the knowledge from radio astronomy, particle physics and modern digital data processing. We developed solar-powered smart receivers linked over large areas into a single interferometer and developed software tools that allow us to do radio interferometric measurements in the presence of distorting signals. In the past, radio astronomical techniques were too compute- and power-intensive for commercial applications; however, the game changers are now powerful mobile phone processors developed for the consumer market. As a result we can in principle robustly localize radio sources to within a fraction of a wavelength – i.e., anywhere from millimetres to metres depending on the radio frequency. The concept is scalable, can be used to measure accurate locations over distances from metres to thousands of kilometres, and can be employed on earth or from space. The earth-based applications has a potential economic and social impact for instance via the tracking of objects (parcels or people) indoors, while the space-based application will allow for continuous tracking of ships and planes. The main goal of this proposal is to prepare for the launch of a start-up country that can commercialize this knowledge.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2016-02-01, End date: 2017-07-31
Project acronym Atlas
Project Atlas
Researcher (PI) Birte FORSTMANN
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT VAN AMSTERDAM
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2018-PoC
Summary The human subcortex is a highly crowded brain area, which consists of hundreds of unique, small grey matter nuclei constituting approximately ¼ of total human brain volume. Importantly, only approximately 7% of these nuclei are currently accessible in standard human brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) atlases (Forstmann et al., 2016). This low percentage can have several imaging related causes, including the small size of subcortical nuclei as compared to the voxel size, which is particularly relevant when applying 1.5 or 3 Tesla (T) MRI. Additionally, the challenges posed by the large distance of the subcortex from the head coil may be a cause. In light of the vast amount of uncharted brain areas, one can also think of the human subcortex as ‘terra incognita’. The aim of this proposal is to chart ‘terra incognita’ to create a tool to identify and localize new targets for DBS.
Major efforts of my group have already been directed towards resolving at least part of the challenges of imaging the human subcortex through the development of ultra-high field resolution 7T magnetic resonance imaging (UHF-MRI) sequences tailored to image the subcortex. Within our project ‘Atlasing the human subcortex’, collaborations with world-leading companies in DBS technology such as Boston Scientific (http://www.vercise.com/index.cfm) have been established. Here, we aim to extend these efforts by applying for funding for research personnel that will execute the manual segmentations and validation of new potentially more efficient target areas for DBS neurosurgery. These efforts will lead to creating probabilistic atlas maps for DBS surgery with unprecedented detail as well as a 3D app for educational purposes both in the clinical and basic neurosciences. These efforts will ultimately lead to commercial products that have already attracted attention of world-leading DBS companies.
Summary
The human subcortex is a highly crowded brain area, which consists of hundreds of unique, small grey matter nuclei constituting approximately ¼ of total human brain volume. Importantly, only approximately 7% of these nuclei are currently accessible in standard human brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) atlases (Forstmann et al., 2016). This low percentage can have several imaging related causes, including the small size of subcortical nuclei as compared to the voxel size, which is particularly relevant when applying 1.5 or 3 Tesla (T) MRI. Additionally, the challenges posed by the large distance of the subcortex from the head coil may be a cause. In light of the vast amount of uncharted brain areas, one can also think of the human subcortex as ‘terra incognita’. The aim of this proposal is to chart ‘terra incognita’ to create a tool to identify and localize new targets for DBS.
Major efforts of my group have already been directed towards resolving at least part of the challenges of imaging the human subcortex through the development of ultra-high field resolution 7T magnetic resonance imaging (UHF-MRI) sequences tailored to image the subcortex. Within our project ‘Atlasing the human subcortex’, collaborations with world-leading companies in DBS technology such as Boston Scientific (http://www.vercise.com/index.cfm) have been established. Here, we aim to extend these efforts by applying for funding for research personnel that will execute the manual segmentations and validation of new potentially more efficient target areas for DBS neurosurgery. These efforts will lead to creating probabilistic atlas maps for DBS surgery with unprecedented detail as well as a 3D app for educational purposes both in the clinical and basic neurosciences. These efforts will ultimately lead to commercial products that have already attracted attention of world-leading DBS companies.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-03-01, End date: 2020-08-31
Project acronym AUTO NERVE
Project Tracers for targeting nerves in the autonomic nervous system
Researcher (PI) Fijs VAN LEEUWEN
Host Institution (HI) ACADEMISCH ZIEKENHUIS LEIDEN
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2017-PoC
Summary """As a common disease in western men, prostate cancer is a major driver for the billion-euro robotic surgery and laparoscopic devices markets. In the surgical management of prostate cancer patients, next to the tumor resection accuracy, the surgeon’s ability to preserve the nerve-network and prevent erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, is key. As these nerves are not visible by eye, image guided surgery approaches aimed at nerve-sparing demand the clinical availability of nerve-specific fluorescence tracers. Hereby it is expected that the ability to visualize peripheral nerves promotes nerve-sparing opportunities and opens up new commercial-avenues for companies involved in the surgical market. Previously my ILLUMINATING NERVES ERC-StG yielded a sensory-nerve targeted lead-compound that was made suitable for imaging somatic-nerves (MY NERVE ERC-PoC). This tracer, however, does not allow for imaging of the autonomic nerves. For autonomic nerves I have now shown, within the same ERC-StG, that an alternative tracer can be used as an imaging target. The aim of the AUTO NERVE ERC-PoC project is to convert the autonomic-nerve targeted lead-compound into a fluorescence tracer. Systematic fine-tuning of this lead will optimize the structure-activity relation and will improve the chance of future commercialization. Ultimately, the outcome of the three complementary ERC-grants should yield an advancement in clinical care.”"
Summary
"""As a common disease in western men, prostate cancer is a major driver for the billion-euro robotic surgery and laparoscopic devices markets. In the surgical management of prostate cancer patients, next to the tumor resection accuracy, the surgeon’s ability to preserve the nerve-network and prevent erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, is key. As these nerves are not visible by eye, image guided surgery approaches aimed at nerve-sparing demand the clinical availability of nerve-specific fluorescence tracers. Hereby it is expected that the ability to visualize peripheral nerves promotes nerve-sparing opportunities and opens up new commercial-avenues for companies involved in the surgical market. Previously my ILLUMINATING NERVES ERC-StG yielded a sensory-nerve targeted lead-compound that was made suitable for imaging somatic-nerves (MY NERVE ERC-PoC). This tracer, however, does not allow for imaging of the autonomic nerves. For autonomic nerves I have now shown, within the same ERC-StG, that an alternative tracer can be used as an imaging target. The aim of the AUTO NERVE ERC-PoC project is to convert the autonomic-nerve targeted lead-compound into a fluorescence tracer. Systematic fine-tuning of this lead will optimize the structure-activity relation and will improve the chance of future commercialization. Ultimately, the outcome of the three complementary ERC-grants should yield an advancement in clinical care.”"
Max ERC Funding
140 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2018-09-01, End date: 2020-02-29
Project acronym BBBhybrid
Project Advanced in vitro physiological models: Towards real-scale, biomimetic and biohybrid barriers-on-a-chip
Researcher (PI) Gianni CIOFANI
Host Institution (HI) FONDAZIONE ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI TECNOLOGIA
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2018-PoC
Summary This project is focused on the design, the production, the characterization, and the proposal for future commercialization of the first 1:1 scale 3D-printed realistic model of the brain tumor microenvironment with its associated blood neurovasculature. The proposed biomimetic dynamic 3D system, characterized by microcapillary diameter size and fluid flows similar to the in vivo physiological parameters, represents a drastic innovation with respect to other models well-established in the literature and available on the market, since it will allow to reliably reproduce the physiological environment and to accurately estimate the amount of drugs and/or of nanomaterial-associated compounds delivered through a modular length of the system. At the same time, in vitro 3D models are envisioned, allowing more physiologically-relevant information and predictive data to be obtained. All the artificial components will be fabricated through advanced lithography techniques based on two-photon polymerization (2pp), a disrupting mesoscale manufacturing approach which allows the fast fabrication of low-cost structures with nanometer resolution and great levels of reproducibility/accuracy. The proposed platform can be easily adopted in cell biology laboratories as multi-compartmental scaffold for the development of advanced co-culture systems, the primary biomedical applications of which consist in high-throughput screening of brain drugs and in testing of the efficacy of different anticancer therapies in vitro.
Summary
This project is focused on the design, the production, the characterization, and the proposal for future commercialization of the first 1:1 scale 3D-printed realistic model of the brain tumor microenvironment with its associated blood neurovasculature. The proposed biomimetic dynamic 3D system, characterized by microcapillary diameter size and fluid flows similar to the in vivo physiological parameters, represents a drastic innovation with respect to other models well-established in the literature and available on the market, since it will allow to reliably reproduce the physiological environment and to accurately estimate the amount of drugs and/or of nanomaterial-associated compounds delivered through a modular length of the system. At the same time, in vitro 3D models are envisioned, allowing more physiologically-relevant information and predictive data to be obtained. All the artificial components will be fabricated through advanced lithography techniques based on two-photon polymerization (2pp), a disrupting mesoscale manufacturing approach which allows the fast fabrication of low-cost structures with nanometer resolution and great levels of reproducibility/accuracy. The proposed platform can be easily adopted in cell biology laboratories as multi-compartmental scaffold for the development of advanced co-culture systems, the primary biomedical applications of which consist in high-throughput screening of brain drugs and in testing of the efficacy of different anticancer therapies in vitro.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2019-04-01, End date: 2020-09-30
Project acronym BioMechMeniscus
Project A biomechanically driven, patient specific pre-planning and surgical tool to optimize placement of a novel meniscus prosthesis
Researcher (PI) Nicolaas Jacobus Joseph VERDONSCHOT
Host Institution (HI) STICHTING KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2017-PoC
Summary In this BioMechMeniscus project we will develop a workflow for optimal placement of a novel meniscus implant. The medial meniscus implant (named ‘Trammpolin’) has been developed using methods developed during the BioMechTools project such as 1) principle component analyses based on MRI-segmented image to assess the anatomical shape of the meniscus, 2) assessing sensitivity of cartilage stresses and implant strains on size and design-parameters using finite element techniques and 3) utilizing load-predictions from our award-winning musculoskeletal models.
All data shows that the biomechanical behaviour of Trammpolin in the knee will be sensitive to appropriate sizing and positioning within the knee. Therefore, this BioMechMeniscus project focuses on developing a surgeon-friendly platform to pre-plan the size and position and to execute the surgery as accurately as possible.
The software will automatically perform MRI-segmentation of the tibia, femur and meniscus insertion sites. Subsequently, the best meniscus implant size and position (leading to the lowest cartilage stress and acceptable implant strains) is proposed by the program. The surgeon can adapt the proposal and gets feedback about the expected changes in biomechanical performance.
After the pre-plan is accepted a patient-specific arthroscopic surgical guide is 3-D printed which will be used as an aiming device for an external (standard) surgical guide for fixation of the horns.
The project is subdivided in four Tasks and will last for 18 months. An experienced team will supervise a post-doc during the various activities. A project scheme is made and a risk and contingency plan is defined. A detailed competitor and commercial analysis has been made and we are convinced that with the BioMechMeniscus project we have a unique opportunity to bring a novel implant to the market and support it with a distinct pre-planning and surgical assistance tool to optimize clinical performance.
Summary
In this BioMechMeniscus project we will develop a workflow for optimal placement of a novel meniscus implant. The medial meniscus implant (named ‘Trammpolin’) has been developed using methods developed during the BioMechTools project such as 1) principle component analyses based on MRI-segmented image to assess the anatomical shape of the meniscus, 2) assessing sensitivity of cartilage stresses and implant strains on size and design-parameters using finite element techniques and 3) utilizing load-predictions from our award-winning musculoskeletal models.
All data shows that the biomechanical behaviour of Trammpolin in the knee will be sensitive to appropriate sizing and positioning within the knee. Therefore, this BioMechMeniscus project focuses on developing a surgeon-friendly platform to pre-plan the size and position and to execute the surgery as accurately as possible.
The software will automatically perform MRI-segmentation of the tibia, femur and meniscus insertion sites. Subsequently, the best meniscus implant size and position (leading to the lowest cartilage stress and acceptable implant strains) is proposed by the program. The surgeon can adapt the proposal and gets feedback about the expected changes in biomechanical performance.
After the pre-plan is accepted a patient-specific arthroscopic surgical guide is 3-D printed which will be used as an aiming device for an external (standard) surgical guide for fixation of the horns.
The project is subdivided in four Tasks and will last for 18 months. An experienced team will supervise a post-doc during the various activities. A project scheme is made and a risk and contingency plan is defined. A detailed competitor and commercial analysis has been made and we are convinced that with the BioMechMeniscus project we have a unique opportunity to bring a novel implant to the market and support it with a distinct pre-planning and surgical assistance tool to optimize clinical performance.
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2017-11-01, End date: 2019-04-30
Project acronym BioNLight
Project Targeting the biological imaging market with multifunctional fluorescent nanoparticles
Researcher (PI) Lucas BRUNSVELD
Host Institution (HI) TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT EINDHOVEN
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2011-PoC
Summary BioNLight has been designed to investigate the prospective of commercially exploiting our multimodal nanoparticle technology in the biological imaging market. The introduction of this technology will open up an entirely-new window of molecular imaging possibilities, thereby supporting advances in biology, drug discovery & development and diagnostics.
Funded by ERC, Prof. Brunsveld and colleagues have developed modular nanoparticles that exactly address the needs of the molecular imaging field. These nanoparticles of organic nature can be produced in a reproducible one-step method by self-assembly in water. The result is a highly-robust and biocompatible nanoparticle that can be modulated to emit any desirable colour frequency with long-term emission and high photostability. Moreover, they can be functionalised with multiple ligands thanks to great control over surface functionality and can be prepared not only for fluorescent studies, but also for other imaging technologies. In practise this implies that the technology platform can be used to advance a wide range of in-vitro and in-vivo assays and to visualise yet-uncovered processes.
It is the objective of BioNLight to select the most interesting applications for commercialisation and to build up a prospectus that can be used to convince future customers of the practicability and the imaging power of our technology platform. Besides, we aim to construct a sound business model and strategy for commercialisation. This will be done by external validation of the nanoparticles by industry followed by final optimisation, by means of an extensive market study, by building a strong IP position and by setting up a business plan with detailed financial feasibility projections. The ERC Proof of Concept Grant will enable us to take the ERC Starting Grant results to a sound business proposition.
Summary
BioNLight has been designed to investigate the prospective of commercially exploiting our multimodal nanoparticle technology in the biological imaging market. The introduction of this technology will open up an entirely-new window of molecular imaging possibilities, thereby supporting advances in biology, drug discovery & development and diagnostics.
Funded by ERC, Prof. Brunsveld and colleagues have developed modular nanoparticles that exactly address the needs of the molecular imaging field. These nanoparticles of organic nature can be produced in a reproducible one-step method by self-assembly in water. The result is a highly-robust and biocompatible nanoparticle that can be modulated to emit any desirable colour frequency with long-term emission and high photostability. Moreover, they can be functionalised with multiple ligands thanks to great control over surface functionality and can be prepared not only for fluorescent studies, but also for other imaging technologies. In practise this implies that the technology platform can be used to advance a wide range of in-vitro and in-vivo assays and to visualise yet-uncovered processes.
It is the objective of BioNLight to select the most interesting applications for commercialisation and to build up a prospectus that can be used to convince future customers of the practicability and the imaging power of our technology platform. Besides, we aim to construct a sound business model and strategy for commercialisation. This will be done by external validation of the nanoparticles by industry followed by final optimisation, by means of an extensive market study, by building a strong IP position and by setting up a business plan with detailed financial feasibility projections. The ERC Proof of Concept Grant will enable us to take the ERC Starting Grant results to a sound business proposition.
Max ERC Funding
149 990 €
Duration
Start date: 2012-08-01, End date: 2013-07-31
Project acronym BioREAD
Project BioREAD; a Continuous Barrier Quality Monitoring System for Organs-on-Chip
Researcher (PI) Albert Van den Berg
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT TWENTE
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), ERC-2016-PoC, ERC-2016-PoC
Summary Organs-on-chip are expected to play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry for drug development and study of organs and diseases. We propose the development of an electrical detector that enables simple, versatile and continuous quality monitoring of these devices and is essential for commercialization. Combined with recent advances in stem cell technology, Organ-on-Chips can be used to do drug screening on an individual level. Therefore it can serve as instrument for personalized medicine, by determining the effectiveness of selected compounds, as well as possible side-effects to determine safe drug doses on a person-specific level. Moreover, Organs-on-Chip will greatly contribute to a further reduction in the need for animal testing. Besides the pharmaceutical industry, Organs-on-Chip hold great promise for the food and cosmetics industry to test the safety of products.
Organ-on-Chip systems need continuous monitoring of the quality of the cell barrier to guarantee reliable outcomes of the drug development tests. State-of-the-art methods, such as fluorescence and commercially available Trans-Endothelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) measurement apparatus are discontinuous, inaccurate and/or harmful for the cells and therefore unsuitable for pharmaceutical applications. Our innovation overcomes these disadvantages. It enables continuous quality monitoring of the barrier function of the organ, which is essential for the commercialization of Organs-on-Chip. The BIOS-Lab on Chip group holds an excellent record in high-quality TEER measurements, demonstrating direct current (DC) TEER-measurements in a gut-on-a-chip in a top-15 of most cited research papers in the journal Lab-on-Chip in 2015 and has ample experience in the development of a blood-brain barrier on chip. This proposal is part of the ERC-project Vascular Engineering on-chip using differentiated Stem Cells (VESCEL).
Summary
Organs-on-chip are expected to play a crucial role in the pharmaceutical industry for drug development and study of organs and diseases. We propose the development of an electrical detector that enables simple, versatile and continuous quality monitoring of these devices and is essential for commercialization. Combined with recent advances in stem cell technology, Organ-on-Chips can be used to do drug screening on an individual level. Therefore it can serve as instrument for personalized medicine, by determining the effectiveness of selected compounds, as well as possible side-effects to determine safe drug doses on a person-specific level. Moreover, Organs-on-Chip will greatly contribute to a further reduction in the need for animal testing. Besides the pharmaceutical industry, Organs-on-Chip hold great promise for the food and cosmetics industry to test the safety of products.
Organ-on-Chip systems need continuous monitoring of the quality of the cell barrier to guarantee reliable outcomes of the drug development tests. State-of-the-art methods, such as fluorescence and commercially available Trans-Endothelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) measurement apparatus are discontinuous, inaccurate and/or harmful for the cells and therefore unsuitable for pharmaceutical applications. Our innovation overcomes these disadvantages. It enables continuous quality monitoring of the barrier function of the organ, which is essential for the commercialization of Organs-on-Chip. The BIOS-Lab on Chip group holds an excellent record in high-quality TEER measurements, demonstrating direct current (DC) TEER-measurements in a gut-on-a-chip in a top-15 of most cited research papers in the journal Lab-on-Chip in 2015 and has ample experience in the development of a blood-brain barrier on chip. This proposal is part of the ERC-project Vascular Engineering on-chip using differentiated Stem Cells (VESCEL).
Max ERC Funding
150 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2017-01-01, End date: 2018-06-30
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
Project acronym BMP4EAC
Project Targeting BMP4 and BMPR1a for imaging of esophageal adenocarcinoma
Researcher (PI) Kausilia Krishnawatie KRISHNADATH
Host Institution (HI) ACADEMISCH MEDISCH CENTRUM BIJ DE UNIVERSITEIT VAN AMSTERDAM
Call Details Proof of Concept (PoC), PC1, ERC-2013-PoC
Summary Within BMP4EAC we aim to investigate the commercial feasibility of our newly discovered and highly specific antibodies against BMP4 and one of its receptors, BMPR1a, for imaging applications in oncology. BMP4 and BMPR1a are highly expressed in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and other tumors as well as their metastases. The specificity, strong binding capacity, rapid clearance, high tissue penetration level, and flexibility of our antibodies is unprecedented and makes them highly suitable for in vivo imaging applications.
The opportunity: The current methods for evaluation of disease stage consist of diverse modalities, including, CT and PET-CT scans, and ultrasonography. These techniques have major limitations to accurately detect metastasis and are inadequate for monitoring disease response. In the clinical setting we foresee applications of our proprietary technology in the non-invasive diagnosis of tumors and metastases with high expression of BMP4 and/or BMPR1a (e.g. EAC), identification of patients with high chance to respond to BMP4 inhibitors, follow tumor progression during treatment, and facilitated localization of small metastases during surgical treatment. Furthermore, the labeled antibodies can be used to investigate the efficacy of novel therapeutic agents by following tumor progression in animal models in a research setting.
The project and expected outcomes: Within the ERC PoC we will explore the commercial feasibility by in vivo validation experiments as well as by performing essential research for the formulation of a business proposition, strengthening our IP position, and developing a sound business plan. These activities will result in a proposition package that will be used to present the commercial potential to investors and other strategic partners to attract funding after completion of the ERC PoC and potentially even initiate licensing and partnership deals.
Summary
Within BMP4EAC we aim to investigate the commercial feasibility of our newly discovered and highly specific antibodies against BMP4 and one of its receptors, BMPR1a, for imaging applications in oncology. BMP4 and BMPR1a are highly expressed in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and other tumors as well as their metastases. The specificity, strong binding capacity, rapid clearance, high tissue penetration level, and flexibility of our antibodies is unprecedented and makes them highly suitable for in vivo imaging applications.
The opportunity: The current methods for evaluation of disease stage consist of diverse modalities, including, CT and PET-CT scans, and ultrasonography. These techniques have major limitations to accurately detect metastasis and are inadequate for monitoring disease response. In the clinical setting we foresee applications of our proprietary technology in the non-invasive diagnosis of tumors and metastases with high expression of BMP4 and/or BMPR1a (e.g. EAC), identification of patients with high chance to respond to BMP4 inhibitors, follow tumor progression during treatment, and facilitated localization of small metastases during surgical treatment. Furthermore, the labeled antibodies can be used to investigate the efficacy of novel therapeutic agents by following tumor progression in animal models in a research setting.
The project and expected outcomes: Within the ERC PoC we will explore the commercial feasibility by in vivo validation experiments as well as by performing essential research for the formulation of a business proposition, strengthening our IP position, and developing a sound business plan. These activities will result in a proposition package that will be used to present the commercial potential to investors and other strategic partners to attract funding after completion of the ERC PoC and potentially even initiate licensing and partnership deals.
Max ERC Funding
149 840 €
Duration
Start date: 2014-09-01, End date: 2016-02-29
