Descripción del proyecto
Análisis molecular de la enfermedad a través de un nuevo enfoque de la microscopia
La complejidad y la heterogeneidad de las enfermedades como el cáncer requieren una amplia investigación para determinar su origen celular y bioquímico. En este sentido, los científicos del proyecto financiado con fondos europeos CRIMSON proponen desarrollar una nueva metodología basada en la dispersión Raman coherente (CRS, por sus siglas en inglés) partiendo del estudio de la vibración de las moléculas. En combinación con la inteligencia artificial, este método permitirá obtener imágenes «ex vivo» de muestras gruesas y, en última instancia, dentro del organismo mediante un endoscopio CRS. El sistema CRIMSON facilitará la clasificación de células y tejidos con una sensibilidad bioquímica sin precedentes, allanando el camino para el diseño de tratamientos personalizados.
Objetivo
CRIMSON aims to provide a next-generation bio-photonics imaging device based on vibrational spectroscopy, with the potential to revolutionise the study of the cellular origin of diseases allowing for novel approaches towards personalised therapy. We will employ label-free broadband coherent Raman scattering (CRS) extended to the fingerprint region, in combination with artificial-intelligence spectroscopic data analysis, for fast cell/tissue classification with unprecedented biochemical sensitivity. We will develop a hyperspectral CRS microscope for 3D quantitative imaging of sub-cellular compartments in living cells and organoids. High acquisition speed will enable the observation of intra- and inter-cellular dynamic changes by time-lapse imaging. We will simulate future in-vivo studies and demonstrate the capability to image inside the body, realizing an innovative CRS endoscope and applying it to ex-vivo thick tissue slides. CRIMSON relies on the development of new compact ultrafast lasers, innovative broadband CRS detection schemes and advanced spectral analysis routines.
To validate the CRS platform, we will investigate three open biological questions related to cancer, as paradigmatic examples of the complexity and heterogeneity of cellular diseases. The results will have profound societal impacts, improving patients’ quality of life and reducing public healthcare costs.
CRIMSON brings together a multidisciplinary team of world-leading academic organizations, biomedical end users and innovative SMEs, with vertical integration of all required skills. CRIMSON will bridge the gap between research and product development, increasing the TRL and making CRS a user-friendly, robust and cost-effective mainstream tool for a vast biological research community. Commercial exploitation by the participating SMEs, including a biomedical equipment manufacturer, will create a competitive advantage in the European biophotonics-related market for microscopes and R&D tools.
Ámbito científico
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
Convocatoria de propuestas
Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoriaConvocatoria de subcontratación
H2020-ICT-2020-2
Régimen de financiación
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinador
20133 Milano
Italia