Descrizione del progetto
Il tessuto epiteliale ingegnerizzato rafforzerà il campo della robotica bioibrida
Il tessuto epiteliale è insolito rispetto ad altri tessuti per la sua posizione diffusa in tutto il corpo. Non solo non è limitato a un organo specifico, ma riveste anche superfici sia esterne che interne. Il tessuto epiteliale copre tutte le superfici del corpo, riveste le cavità del corpo e gli organi cavi ed è il tessuto principale nelle ghiandole. Associata alle sue varie posizioni è un’enorme diversità di funzioni e ambienti in cui svolge il proprio lavoro. La capacità di creare tessuto di tipo epiteliale per dispositivi bioibridi potrebbe aprire la porta a numerose applicazioni per robot morbidi. Il progetto EpiFold, finanziato dall’UE, sta studiando i processi meccanici che modulano la forma 3D e la meccanica del tessuto epiteliale con l’obiettivo di progettare una nuova generazione di robot bioibridi.
Obiettivo
All surfaces of our body, both internal and external, are covered by thin cellular layers called epithelia. Epithelia are responsible for fundamental physiological functions such as morphogenesis, compartmentalization, filtration, transport, environmental sensing and protection against pathogens. These functions are determined by the three-dimensional (3D) shape and mechanics of epithelia. However, how mechanical processes such as deformation, growth, remodeling and flow combine to enable functional 3D structures is largely unknown. Here we propose technological and conceptual advances to unveil the engineering principles that govern epithelial shape and mechanics in 3D, and to apply these principles towards the design of a new generation of biohybrid devices. By combining micropatterning, microfluidics, optogenetics and mechanical engineering we will implement an experimental platform to (1) sculpt epithelia of controlled geometry, (2) map the stress and strain tensors and luminal pressure, and (3) control these variables from the subcellular to the tissue levels. We will use this technology to engineer the elementary building blocks of epithelial morphogenesis and to reverse-engineer the shape and mechanics of intestinal organoids. We will then apply these engineering principles to build biohybrid devices based on micropatterned 3D epithelia actuated through optogenetic and mechanical control. We expect this project to enable, for the first time, full experimental access to the 3D mechanics of epithelial tissues, and to unveil the mechanical principles by which these tissues adopt and sustain their shape. Finally, our project will set the stage for a new generation of biohybrid optomechanical devices. By harnessing the capability of 3D epithelia to sense and respond to chemical and mechanical stimuli, to self-power and self-repair, and to secrete, filter, digest and transport molecules, these devices will hold unique potential to power functions in soft robots.
Campo scientifico
Programma(i)
Argomento(i)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
ERC-ADG - Advanced GrantIstituzione ospitante
08028 Barcelona
Spagna