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Unprecedented photolithographic structuring of novel light-sensitive poly(amino acid) materials– a paradigm shift in delivering biocompatible devices

Project description

Amino acid photopolymerisation and lithographic structuring for biocompatible medical implants

Photolithography has revolutionised microelectronics, enabling the creation of high-performing miniature devices. It could also prove invaluable in the development of implantable medical devices and drug discovery using appropriate biocompatible materials. To address this, the EIC-funded POLINA project will integrate a novel light-sensitive poly(amino acid) platform with emerging photolithographic patterning techniques to develop technology suitable for medical devices and next-generation green electronics. The viability of this innovative technology will be demonstrated in three specific examples related to lung diseases: micropatterned cell-surface models, spheroid arrays for lung disease modelling and drug testing, and tracheal implants.

Objective

Photolitography, which produces geometrical structures through light-induced polymerisation of monomers with high accuracy, precision and spatial resolution, was a key innovation enabler in the drive for high-performance miniature electronics, which had an unprecedented impact on every aspect of our modern life. Geometrically well-defined microstructures could also be a game changer in the medical device industry, especially in the development of implantable devices with better tissue compatibility, as well as in the discovery of new drugs and treatments.
Current gold standard materials and biomaterial extrusion processing cannot generate the structural resolution to kick-start this new era. The groundbreaking approach of POLINA is to combine a radically new, light-sensitive poly(amino acid) material platform with established and emerging photolithographic patterning techniques to deliver a revolutionary technology that can be exploited for medical devices and next-generation green electronics. Exploring this uncharted territory will be possible through an ambitious multidisciplinary approach delivering breakthroughs in photopolymerisation of amino acids and their lithographic structuring for novel materials with unique biological properties.
The high innovation potential of this technology to overcome current limitations will be demonstrated in three selected examples related to lung diseases, i.e. micropatterned cell surface models, spheroid arrays for lung disease modelling and drug testing as well as tracheal implants. Our intersectoral team of 5 academic groups and 2 SMEs brings together unique scientific expertise in photo and polymer chemistry, biomaterials science, lithographic processing, tissue engineering, clinical expertise and innovation management. Through POLINA we will pave the way to revolutionise bioprinting, for safer, smarter and affordable medical devices and in the long term a new approach in (bio)electronics.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2023-PATHFINDEROPEN-01

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Coordinator

ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS IN IRELAND
Net EU contribution
€ 1 186 812,50
Address
ST STEPHEN GREER 123
D02 YN77 DUBLIN 2
Ireland
Region
Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost
€ 1 186 812,50

Participants (6)

Partners (1)