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Toxicology-testing platform integrating immunocompetent in vitro/ex vivo modules with real-time sensing and machine learning based in silico models for life cycle assessment and SSbD

Project description

Developing a reliable toxicology-testing platform

For newly developed chemicals and materials, potential toxicity should be monitored along the full life cycle, in line with the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles. To facilitate the extensive testing and further in silico analyses, the EU-funded TOXBOX project aims to develop a device with a flexible microfluidic instrument architecture as a plug-and-play testing platform. The device will undergo interlaboratory validation and provide reliable toxicity data in relevant conditions, complemented by data bridging and in silico models.

Objective

Safe and Sustainable by Design approach requires an entire life cycle monitoring of toxicity of chemicals. However, current testing systems cannot mimic the exposure conditions related to each step and are not compatible with downstream in silico analyses. New sets of instrumentation that enables modular testing capacities with integrated data bridging and progressive in silico model development systems are needed. TOXBOX will provide a device based on a prototype developed in a H2020 project, PANBioRA, with a flexible microfluidic and instrument architecture to provide a plug and play testing platform to ease accessibility and interlaboratory validation. The system will incorporate the following tests, with modifications for each step of life cycle: automated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity tests, connected barrier/metabolic tissue couples with cytokine and real-time electro-chemical read-outs, flow cycle modules with environment mimicking conditions, a testing module based on zebrafish embryo with mechanical stimuli. The system will be validated using metallic 2D structures and nanoparticles, biocides, and known endocrine disruptors. Custom made functional polypeptides (novel biocides) will be used to cover the design phase. Progressive in silico models for long term effects will be iteratively developed and used to predict each new group to be tested until good predictability is achieved with new chemical formulations (comprehensive risk assessment). A data management platform that enables interfacing with the available databases will be developed. After interlaboratory validation of the device by 4 partners, a standardization folder will be prepared, to make the device available for testing with accessibility at all stages of material life cycle assessment to different stakeholders. TOXBOX aspires to bring forth an instrument that will provide reliable toxicity data in relevant conditions for each chemical and enable reliable in silico model development.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL4-2023-RESILIENCE-01

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Coordinator

STEINBEIS 2I GMBH
Net EU contribution
€ 665 000,00
Address
LEUSCHNERSTRASSE 43
70176 Stuttgart
Germany
Region
Baden-Württemberg Stuttgart Stuttgart, Stadtkreis
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
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Total cost
€ 665 000,00

Participants (14)

Partners (2)