The iNanoBIT project aim was to apply nanotechnologies for imaging porcine pancreatic islet cellular transplants and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived beta-cells and subsequent regenerative processes in vivo in small and large animal models.
Our focus is on diabetes, as one of the most challenging and economically important areas of medicine with very high level of importance for society. Specifically, we developed technological tool boxes to support the regenerative medicinal solutions for Type 1 diabetes (T1D), but we expect a much broader overall applicability for cellular/tissue imaging methods enabling follow up of various medical interventions for example osteochondral, hepatic, renal, lung, cardiac or brain cell therapy interventions. This imaging approach offer the potential for earlier detection of rejection or dysfunction of transplanted cells, tissues or organs, which would enable an earlier medical decision on switching to alternative therapeutic options for individual patients.
The project specific areas of development included:
1) novel highly sensitive nanotechnology-based imaging approaches allowing for monitoring of survival, engraftment, proliferation, function and whole-body distribution of the cellular transplants in a preclinical porcine model with excellent translational potential to humans;
2) development and validation of state-of-the-art imaging technologies facilitating the provision of new regenerative therapies to preclinical large animal models and patients;
3) overall contributing to the opening of a new market sector for
i) imaging equipment (SPECT, PET/MR, optoacoustic imaging) in preclinical large animal models and patients,
ii) nano-imaging molecule supplies allowing multimodality imaging of specific cell types with high sensitivity,
iii) validated transplantable in vitro differentiated human beta-cells and porcine xenotransplant islets thus reinforcing the European healthcare supply chain for regenerative medicinal products.
The iNanoBIT project toolbox elements paving the path towards a safe translation of regenerative medicinal cellular and tissue products, currently under preclinical and clinical trials, which is vital for the competitiveness of the European healthcare sector in this fast-growing area. The consortium of 5 SME and 3 Academic partners was coordinated and driven by the industrial partners from the field of nanotechnology, imaging and stem cell technologies, providing an ideal match and unique combination addressing the scope and expected impact of the call and arriving from TRL 3/4 starting points for the key technological elements to TRL6 levels of validated technologies ready for marketing.
