Project description DEENESFRITPL Development of a novel organ-on-chip model for the nervous system Innovative in vitro models, so-called organs-on-chips, recapitulate the structure and function of human organs and are important for basic scientific research and the preclinical development of novel therapeutics. Cell connectivity and the crosstalk between different components of organ systems are essential for understanding complex conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases. The EU-funded CONNECT project is developing the next-level in vitro models for the nervous system. The project represents an interdisciplinary effort involving nanofabrication, microfluidics, stem cell technology, tissue engineering and advanced imaging. As proof-of-principle, CONNECT aims to demonstrate the efficacy of this system model in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Novel micro-engineered in vitro models have been developed to mimic key functions of human organs. These so-called organ-on-chips (OoC) recapitulate the structure and function of human organs, and are particularly important for scientific research that is underlying our knowledge base of diseases and for the pre-clinical development of novel therapeutics. However, the application of these models has its limitations as they do not mimic the complexity and functioning of complete organ systems. Connectivity between cells and the linkage between different components of organ systems is essential in studying complex conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases form a major challenge for the scientific community and are associated with a heavy burden on society and the global healthcare systems. To effectively grasp the complexity of neurodegenerative disorders, the CONNECT consortium develops the next level in vitro model systems for the nervous system and puts it firmly on the map. The project acts at the convergence of a multitude of disciplines including nanofabrication, microfluidics, stem cell technology, tissue engineering and advanced imaging. The successful completion of this high risk-high gain project will enable for the first time to study a complete organ system and deliver a viable paradigm for future technology to study connectivity in the nervous system. The proposed work in this project offers a unique opportunity to culture individual nervous system components and connect them in a single “smart” microfluidic chip (CONNECT platform), forming an elementary three compartment model from the central nervous system (CNS) to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). As Proof-of-Principle, CONNECT will demonstrate the feasibility of this system model in Parkinson’s Disease. This provides CONNECT with novel insights, thereby paving the way for future development of therapeutic strategies. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologynatural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsmicrofluidicsmedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologytissue engineeringmedical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologyparkinson Keywords Brain Organoid Neurodegenerative Diseases Parkinson's Disease Neuroelectric Interface Microfluidics PNS ENS CNS Midbrain iPSCs Stem Cells Neuronal Tissue Engineering Organs-on-Chip Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.2. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Future and Emerging Technologies (FET) Main Programme H2020-EU.1.2.2. - FET Proactive Topic(s) FETPROACT-01-2018 - FET Proactive: emerging paradigms and communities Call for proposal H2020-FETPROACT-2018-2020 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-FETPROACT-2018-01 Funding Scheme RIA - Research and Innovation action Coordinator TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT EINDHOVEN Net EU contribution € 1 675 000,00 Address GROENE LOPER 3 5612 AE Eindhoven Netherlands See on map Region Zuid-Nederland Noord-Brabant Zuidoost-Noord-Brabant Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 675 000,00 Participants (6) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITE DU LUXEMBOURG Luxembourg Net EU contribution € 1 247 005,00 Address 2 PLACE DE L'UNIVERSITE 4365 ESCH-SUR-ALZETTE See on map Region Luxembourg Luxembourg Luxembourg Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 247 005,00 THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD United Kingdom Net EU contribution € 1 010 307,50 Address FIRTH COURT WESTERN BANK S10 2TN Sheffield See on map Region Yorkshire and the Humber South Yorkshire Sheffield Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 1 010 307,50 AALTO KORKEAKOULUSAATIO SR Finland Net EU contribution € 903 680,00 Address OTAKAARI 1 02150 Espoo See on map Region Manner-Suomi Helsinki-Uusimaa Helsinki-Uusimaa Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 903 680,00 KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN Belgium Net EU contribution € 953 125,00 Address OUDE MARKT 13 3000 Leuven See on map Region Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 953 125,00 ERASMUS UNIVERSITAIR MEDISCH CENTRUM ROTTERDAM Netherlands Net EU contribution € 842 500,00 Address DR MOLEWATERPLEIN 40 3015 GD Rotterdam See on map Region West-Nederland Zuid-Holland Groot-Rijnmond Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 842 500,00 FFUND BV Netherlands Net EU contribution € 176 250,00 Address HOLLANDSE KADE 32 1391 JM Abcoude See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region West-Nederland Utrecht Utrecht Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 176 250,00