Objective
The CellStretch project will tackle fundamental questions regarding cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms by leveraging cutting-edge Dielectric Elastomer Actuator (DEA) technology. The development and implementation of a dynamic cell stretching platform using transparent, bio-compatible DEAs is proposed. Novel manufacturing methods of the platform, including the integration of highly stretchable and compliant electrodes, enable the precise control of an applied strain. Attached cells can thereby be mechanically modulated at a well-defined level and rate of stimulation. As the proposed device is transparent, the impact on the cells can be observed using standard optical microscopy protocols in real time.
Typically, physiological studies on the cellular and tissue levels are performed in vitro with full control of the experimental environment. A rigid petri dish however, precludes addressing the mechanical degree of freedom. DEAs can transform the static environment of current in-vitro experiments into a dynamically strain-controlled setup. This is not only ideally suited to study the mechanosensitive response of cells, but is also a closer in-vitro approximation to the cells native in-vivo biological environment.
The cell stretcher will be used to conduct experiments of mechanical perturbations on cardiomyocytes. Measurements will focus on the impulse propagation velocity and voltage-sensitive die imaging of cell cultures, as a function of externally applied mechanical strain. Such experiments are currently hampered by inadequate apparatus, lacking in speed, flexibility and throughput.
The cell stretchers developed promise to enable a host of new experiments on living cells. Studies on cardiomyocytes will demonstrate the strengths of this technology and will be sued to tackle fundamental physiological questions related to arrhythmia mechanisms. In the long term, this can lead to improved treatment for cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death in the EU.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences neurobiology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine cardiology cardiovascular diseases cardiac arrhythmia
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology cell metabolism
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2015
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1015 LAUSANNE
Switzerland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.