Project description
Boosting the biological capacity of organ-on-a-chip intestinal models
Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) is an emerging technological platform that simulates the intricate structure and function of human organs in a controlled laboratory setting. With the potential of accommodating biological 3D cell co-cultures, it enables researchers to study cellular behaviour in a physiological context and predict clinical results. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BioElectroCrypt project aims to enhance the biological capacity of bioelectronic intestine-on-a-chip models by incorporating tissue structures, cell types and microbes necessary for robust intestinal function. To do so, it will integrate molecular assays, imaging techniques and electrical measurements to illuminate the interactions between cells, parasites and biomaterials. Ultimately, it will boost OOC capabilities for studying gut physiology, disease mechanisms and drug responses.
Objective
Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology represents an important tool in the field of molecular biology, offering a platform that mimics the complex structure and function of human organs in a controlled laboratory setting. These systems have the potential to host biologically complex 3D cell co-cultures, allowing researchers to study cellular behavior in a more physiologically relevant environment compared to traditional 2D models. Due to their ability to closely mimic human physiology, these systems are rapidly gaining popularity, as they exhibit high predictive power for clinical outcomes and may one day replace the use of animal models. The central aim of the proposed project is to increase the biological complexity of bioelectronic intestine-on-a-chip models by incorporating the tissue structures, cell types, and microbes essential for healthy gut function. The first objective is to 3D print a conductive polymer scaffold that recapitulates the 3D structure of colonic crypts and the microporous architecture of the extracellular matrix. This scaffold will be integrated into the E-transmembrane, a device developed by the Owens group at the University of Cambridge, and validated using a cell line model of the intestinal epithelium. The second objective involves replacing the cell lines with dissociated primary intestinal organoids on the 3D scaffold to achieve the epithelial cellular diversity of the gut and form a stem cell niche at the base of the crypts. Finally, human whipworm will be introduced into the model to further understand parasitic infections in the gut. Through the combination of molecular assays, imaging techniques, and electrical measurements, insights will be gained into the complex interactions between cells, parasites, and biomaterials within the OOC system. Overall, this project aims to advance the capabilities of OOC technology for studying gut physiology, disease mechanisms, and drug responses in a more physiologically relevant context.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology
- engineering and technology other engineering and technologies microtechnology organ on a chip
- engineering and technology industrial biotechnology biomaterials
You need to log in or register to use this function
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.