WP1. Standardization and benchmarking – overview
Rodent astrocytes as the main cell type were studied for Ca2+ transients (dynamic fluorescent microscopy) induced by ALS IgGs. Same effects were studied in neurons in culture with voltage sensitive dyes
Main results:
- A protocol for automated data acquisition has been designed.
- A software pilot to analyze multiple recordings of Ca2+ transients from neurons in culture is designed and results obtained
- Image segmentation analysis for automated data acquisitions from cells in culture has been accomplished.
- By using fractal analysis and AI approach subcellular characterization of inflammatory markers on astrocytes in culture was accomplished by SEM, supplemented by AFM.
- Autoantibody complementary analysis and testing in clinical environment was performed (autoimmune diseases vs. ALS).
Main training and transfer of knowledge activities thus related to Ca2+ imaging and signal analysis, voltage imaging and machine learning for automated fluorescent signal analysis.
WP2. Pilot platform design – overview
A design and fabrication of a microfluidic chip was performed.
Main results:
- Pilot microfluidic chips were positively tested for flow and solution exchange as well as regarding cell (astroglia) growth and fluorescence-probes' response to stimuli.
- Multiple recordings of Ca2+ transients from neurons in culture were accomplished analyzed by original software and results obtained.
- A preliminary study of synaptic activity was accomplished with voltage sensitive dyes.
- Testing procedures for automated data acquisitions using data samples from Belgrade.
- The optics-on-chip design accomplished includes mobile phone - type micro-camera light aquisition system.
- The lab-on-a-chip brand NIMOCHIP was nationally protected. A patent application is pending.
Main training and transfer of knowledge was in microfluidic biochip fabrication and functional characterization. Software design for data acquisition and analysis.
WP3. Dissemination, communication and networking – overview
• A conference with representatives of 3 RISE projects was organized at ELVESYS.
• Two Training School were organized at UEF as planned
• Three Workshop were organized at YEDITEPE as planned
• Several press releases in the project (1 in Slovenia, 3 in Serbia)
• There were 3 TV appearances of the coordinator.
• A project website was setup at FBUB and a page for the project was designed at the ELVESYS site.
• The project results were presented at about 30 different scientific meetings.
• A showcase session for the project was organized at the Turkish national Neuroscience meeting.
• Two poster presentation on the project results were awarded.
• At a regional Biophysics conference FBUB personnel took part at a pitch event with a talk presenting the project
• In Sept 2018 and 2019 FBUB personnel with seconded staff from ARGENIT and LANOTEC, resp. took part at Researchers Night in Belgrade presenting the project to the general public.
• Two videos were made and posted as YouTube on the project site and FBUB site.
• 8 open access publications with project results were published. Two received press releases in institutional newsletters (both in USA)
• FBUB staff took part in the finals of several accelerator and competition programs (in RS/UK, EU, BE, LV, CN).
• Two national and one EU project were awarded based on knowledge gained in AUTOIGG.
• The innovation NIMOCHIP was preseted in 2023 a the International Technology and Innovation Fair in Belgrade.
WP4. Project management and sustainability – overview
- Kick-off, Mid Term, and 2 Annual meetings were organized in person, and 3 online Annual meetings.
- Management bodies formed were Supervisory board, Secondments Committee, and R & I Council-
- Ethics advisor nominated.
- 2 Amendments have been introduced: 1) new partner at Northwestern University (NWU) substituting partly hosting units from UCHIC, and 2) suspension (>9 months) and overall extension (18 months) of action due to the pandemic.
