Project description
Living tissue manufacturing using symbiotic materials
The EU-funded PRISM-LT project will use a hybrid living materials concept to create a flexible platform for living tissue manufacturing. The innovative bio-ink will contain stem cells integrated into a supporting matrix with engineered helper bacteria or yeast cells. The bioprinting process will produce a 3D patterned structure where stem cells could be induced to differentiate into different lineages. The directed stimulation of differentiating stem cells will force them to produce lineage-specific metabolites for sensing by the designer helper cells. The helper cells within the platform will then enhance localised lineage commitment to sustain differentiation stability. The project aims to implement this strategy for the development of two symbiotic materials designed for biomedical and food applications, respectively.
Objective
The PRISM-LT aims at creating a flexible platform for next generation living tissue manufacturing based on Hybrid Living Materials.
We plan to design a novel bio-ink where stem cells are integrated in a support matrix enriched with engineered helper cells (either bacteria or yeasts, depending on the application and requirements). Tuning the operational parameters of the bioprinting process, we will cast down the material controlling the mechanical properties of each “voxel”, to get to a 3D patterned structure where stem cells are locally induced to initiate their differentiation towards different lineages. As far as stem cells proliferate, the helpers remain in a quiescent state. However, when the stem cells get stimulated by the local (printed) mechanics and enter a differentiation pathway, they start secreting a pool of lineage-specific metabolites. The helper cells are designed to sense these early markers of differentiation, and to respond by producing in-situ the corresponding growth factors, providing the relevant chemical guidance. Helper cells within the platform amplify the initial lineage commitment in each area and dynamically sustain differentiation on a longer term.
During the project we will implement this strategy and develop two independent symbiotic materials, targeting biomedical and food applications, respectively.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC GrantsCoordinator
33100 Udine
Italy
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.