Project description
Innovative chip-based device for the screening of Parkinson's disease medications
There is a growing interest in developing and investing in organ-on-a-chip devices from basic researchers and biotech and pharmaceutical companies. The lab-on-a-chip devices offer highly accessible systems for testing hypothesis-driven research ideas and screening of potential therapeutic compounds. Importantly, chip-based devices allow ultra-low-cost test solutions for medications. The goal of the EU-funded NMJ project is to develop a neuromuscular-junction-on-a-chip device tailored as α-synuclein-induced Parkinson's disease model. The objective is to introduce this chip-based device for testing Parkinson's disease medications proposed by Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline. The French microfluidic innovation centre Elvesys in Paris will provide expert support to the project.
Objective
While Europe is still missing publishing researchers working on brain-a-chip devices, scientists and pharmaceutical companies growing interests in investing in organ-on-a-chip devices urges because these lab-on-a-chip devices offer highly accessible systems for proof-reading and testing hypothesis-driven research. Chips allow ultra low-cost test benches for medication and offer flexibility to healthcare. This biotechnology set the first milestone for bio-prosthesis and in situ implants.
In the scope of this H2020 MSCA Fellowship, I propose to elaborate a neuromuscular-junction-on-a-chip, induce Parkinson with the well known α-synuclein and proactively test medication proposed by Novartis and Glaxosmithkline on the chip.
The proposed schematic is designed to bring closer academia and industry, research and innovation, from design to market. Elvesys, microfluidic center innovation in Paris is the beneficiary of this H2020 MSCA Fellowship. Elvesys team is creating a microfluidic valley in France, with the vision focus on Regenerative Medicine. During this project, I am aiming at improving Europe's stance as a leading organisation in bioengineering and an attractive destination for research.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsmicrofluidics
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugs
- engineering and technologyother engineering and technologiesmicrotechnologylab on a chip
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicineneurologyparkinson
- medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologyimplants
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
MSCA-IF-EF-SE - Society and Enterprise panelCoordinator
75011 Paris
France
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.