Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ISBIOMECH (Intelligent Device and Computational Software to Control Mechanical Stress and Deformation for Biological Testing)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-06-01 bis 2024-11-30
In nature, all biological materials, from the cellular to the tissue level, are constantly exposed to mechanical stress and strain. These mechanical cues arise from both the active behaviour of biological materials and the properties of the surrounding substrate. Mechanics play a crucial role in various biological processes, influencing outcomes such as tissue healing or cancer progression, among others. Consequently, research aimed at understanding these deterministic processes requires a robust platform capable of replicating mechanically dynamic environments. Such a system would greatly enhance in-vitro testing of therapies and facilitate drug discovery by incorporating the critical influence of mechanical forces, which is a factor of increasing importance for pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. However, no commercially available device currently addressed this need. Existing methods were limited to basic scientific approaches that lack the capability to accurately evaluate biomechanical effects. This gap significantly impeded the translation of mechanobiology research into industrial and technological applications.
In ISBIOMECH, we addressed the urgent need for innovative in-vitro testing platforms that enable the precise application of defined mechanical stimuli, paving the way for quantitative experimental analysis and advancing both scientific and industrial progress. We introduced an innovative intelligent system designed to control the mechanical environment of cellular and tissue materials, with the aim of commercialising it as advanced laboratory equipment for mechanobiology research and testing pathological treatments. This groundbreaking device, accompanied by dedicated software, will be the first commercially available solution to enable robust and reproducible in-vitro testing of mechanically influenced biological processes. The system leverages magneto-responsive substrates, providing non-invasive, multidimensional, and real-time control over complex deformation modes in cellular and tissue materials. By doing so, ISBIOMECH bridges the gap between fundamental mechanobiology research and industrial-technological applications, fostering knowledge transfer and collaboration. With its capacity to replicate complex and dynamic deformation states, the system has the potential to transform mechanobiological research. It opens new experimental avenues for understanding critical processes involved in conditions such as traumatic brain injury, pathological skin scarring, and fibrotic heart remodelling during myocardial infarction.
In ISBIOMECH, we addressed the urgent need for innovative in-vitro testing platforms that enable the precise application of defined mechanical stimuli, paving the way for quantitative experimental analysis and advancing both scientific and industrial progress. We introduced an innovative intelligent system designed to control the mechanical environment of cellular and tissue materials, with the aim of commercialising it as advanced laboratory equipment for mechanobiology research and testing pathological treatments. This groundbreaking device, accompanied by dedicated software, will be the first commercially available solution to enable robust and reproducible in-vitro testing of mechanically influenced biological processes. The system leverages magneto-responsive substrates, providing non-invasive, multidimensional, and real-time control over complex deformation modes in cellular and tissue materials. By doing so, ISBIOMECH bridges the gap between fundamental mechanobiology research and industrial-technological applications, fostering knowledge transfer and collaboration. With its capacity to replicate complex and dynamic deformation states, the system has the potential to transform mechanobiological research. It opens new experimental avenues for understanding critical processes involved in conditions such as traumatic brain injury, pathological skin scarring, and fibrotic heart remodelling during myocardial infarction.
We have addressed all the relevant objectives planned in ISBIOMECH, laying a strong foundation for the innovation potential and commercialization of the ISBIOMECH system.
The main achievements have been the creation of the spin-off 60Nd S.L (https://www.60nd.bio/(öffnet in neuem Fenster)). and the development of a first functional prototype for in-vitro mechanical testing, called NeoMag, for commercialisation. Our product is composed of three main parts: the software, the hardware system and the consumables (magneto-active cellular substrates). For the software, a machine learning-based optimization model was developed using extensive experimental datasets, allowing for the translation of user-defined input conditions into precise system configuration parameters. This advancement significantly reduced operational times while enabling the desired spatial strain gradients on the magneto-responsive substrates. We developed a ready-for-commercialisation hardware system integrating magnetic sources, the software and a versatile holding system for different magneto-responsive substrates. In addition, we have advanced the production of magneto-active consumables for their commercialisation (although this aspect needs further efforts for optimisation).
Early validation experiments have been conducted in our laboratory facilities and conducted with external end-users. Furthermore, significant progress was made in knowledge transfer activities, including filing a patent for the system design, and identifying a viable business model. These achievements ensure a good position for commercial exploitation and future applications in mechanobiology research and therapeutic testing.
The main achievements have been the creation of the spin-off 60Nd S.L (https://www.60nd.bio/(öffnet in neuem Fenster)). and the development of a first functional prototype for in-vitro mechanical testing, called NeoMag, for commercialisation. Our product is composed of three main parts: the software, the hardware system and the consumables (magneto-active cellular substrates). For the software, a machine learning-based optimization model was developed using extensive experimental datasets, allowing for the translation of user-defined input conditions into precise system configuration parameters. This advancement significantly reduced operational times while enabling the desired spatial strain gradients on the magneto-responsive substrates. We developed a ready-for-commercialisation hardware system integrating magnetic sources, the software and a versatile holding system for different magneto-responsive substrates. In addition, we have advanced the production of magneto-active consumables for their commercialisation (although this aspect needs further efforts for optimisation).
Early validation experiments have been conducted in our laboratory facilities and conducted with external end-users. Furthermore, significant progress was made in knowledge transfer activities, including filing a patent for the system design, and identifying a viable business model. These achievements ensure a good position for commercial exploitation and future applications in mechanobiology research and therapeutic testing.
The mechanical environment plays a crucial role in determining biological processes like tumor progression or wound healing. In the fields of mechanobiology and mechanomedicine, it is essential to have a platform capable of replicating mechanically variable environments. However, current limitations hinder the study of biological processes influenced by mechanical stimuli, making it challenging to translate findings from basic research to biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.
The NeoMag platform, developed during the ISBIOMECH project execution, overcomes the limitations of existing alternatives and provides several competitive advantages: 1) Non-invasive operation: The system does not require direct contact with the biological material under study, preserving sample integrity. 2) Advanced replication of complex biological problems: Using a soft cellular substrate and precise control of mechanical environments, the platform can generate dynamic and variable deformation patterns, mimicking diverse biological scenarios. 3) Compatibility with conventional imaging systems: The technology can be implemented in most laboratories or biomedical industries without requiring significant adaptations. 4) Integration with other instrumentation: NeoMag can seamlessly connect with devices like nanoindenters for enhanced functionality. 5) Versatility: The platform adapts to both 2D biological systems (e.g. substrates for cell cultures) and 3D systems (e.g. organoids, cells in hydrogels, and tissue fragments), making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Overall, NeoMag represents a revolutionary tool for mechanobiology research and its translation into industrial and clinical settings. During ISBIOMECH, we created the spin-off 60Nd S.L. to commercialize the system. The NeoMag platform will offer significant benefits in the development of drugs and therapies by addressing the often-overlooked mechanical effects on biological systems. By anticipating potential failures related to mechanical factors, it will enable a reduction in development time, costs, and risks, ensuring a more efficient and reliable process. Moreover, this approach enhances the quality and efficacy of drugs and therapies by incorporating critical mechanical considerations early in development. For research groups, NeoMag opens new avenues for exploration, allowing for the initiation of innovative research lines and novel approaches to studying complex biological processes.
The NeoMag platform, developed during the ISBIOMECH project execution, overcomes the limitations of existing alternatives and provides several competitive advantages: 1) Non-invasive operation: The system does not require direct contact with the biological material under study, preserving sample integrity. 2) Advanced replication of complex biological problems: Using a soft cellular substrate and precise control of mechanical environments, the platform can generate dynamic and variable deformation patterns, mimicking diverse biological scenarios. 3) Compatibility with conventional imaging systems: The technology can be implemented in most laboratories or biomedical industries without requiring significant adaptations. 4) Integration with other instrumentation: NeoMag can seamlessly connect with devices like nanoindenters for enhanced functionality. 5) Versatility: The platform adapts to both 2D biological systems (e.g. substrates for cell cultures) and 3D systems (e.g. organoids, cells in hydrogels, and tissue fragments), making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Overall, NeoMag represents a revolutionary tool for mechanobiology research and its translation into industrial and clinical settings. During ISBIOMECH, we created the spin-off 60Nd S.L. to commercialize the system. The NeoMag platform will offer significant benefits in the development of drugs and therapies by addressing the often-overlooked mechanical effects on biological systems. By anticipating potential failures related to mechanical factors, it will enable a reduction in development time, costs, and risks, ensuring a more efficient and reliable process. Moreover, this approach enhances the quality and efficacy of drugs and therapies by incorporating critical mechanical considerations early in development. For research groups, NeoMag opens new avenues for exploration, allowing for the initiation of innovative research lines and novel approaches to studying complex biological processes.