Objective
"The demand for human platelets (plts) for medical research and clinical applications is massive. The primary goal of SilkFUSION is to engineer groundbreaking 3D nanotechnologies for large-scale production of blood plts for human transfusion from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Our hypothesis is that plt production ex-vivo can be optimized by providing megakaryocytes (Mks) with the correct physical and biochemical environment.
To prove this, we will develop a unique technological platform by engineering non-thrombogenic silk-fibroin biomaterial with proteins, that were proven to promote a 55-fold gain in plt production, to create a three-dimensional ex-vivo bone marrow model that will enhance plt release from Mks derived from hPSCs. Our platform will include (i) novel applications to study pathogenetic mechanisms in patients with inherited platelet production disorders using genetically modified hPSCs; (ii) screening technology for predicting therapeutic efficacy of drugs for thrombocytopenic patients. The development of this technology will exploit an extremely innovative approach using silk-fibroin as a bio-ink for 3D printing a ""live chip"" containing viable Mks for reproducible drug testing.
Our long-term vision is to foster the production of plts in-vitro for clinical transfusions in humans at a scale and cost that will address current supply challenges regarding (i) immunologically matched products to alloimmunised patients; (ii) “supercharged” platelets with recombinant FVIIa generating plts specifically suited for patients with acute haemorrhage resulting from trauma, surgery and wounded in conflict zones. The successful development and distribution of the SilkFUSION platforms will also offer researchers and clinicians specialized precision instruments and bio-ink kits for determining the safety and efficacy of drugs, reducing costs of ineffective therapies while promoting affordable functional strategies for the development of novel molecules."
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
27100 Pavia
Italy
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Participants (5)
CB2 1TN Cambridge
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94805 Villejuif
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20816 Brugherio
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
413 46 Goteborg
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
08019 Barcelona
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