Science2 Business Programme

Blood-Brain Nexus: Chip-based diagnostic platform for translating interactive bloodborne factors and neural dynamics into neurotherapeutics

The Blood-Brain Nexus project was conceived to address the critical gap in understanding how systemic factors influence neural network function at a large-scale level. The core ambition of the project was to develop an innovative chip-based diagnostic platform that enables non-invasive, high-resolution monitoring of neuronal activity in response to bloodborne factors. This platform integrates state-of-the-art high-density biosensing technology with AI-driven analytical pipelines, offering a scalable and precise method for decoding the complex interplay between systemic milieu and neural dynamics.

Lowering asymmetric dimethylarginine levels as a possible therapeutic strategy in pulmonary arterial hypertension

The initial goal of the study was to study the therapeutic potential of lowering Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in pulmonary artery hypertension in a pig model using our recently developed unique device for extracorporeal lowering of ADMA levels (patent EP19188652.2), where we immobilized recombinant dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) enzyme on agarose beads.

Validation of the biocompatibility of a cell transplantation device for the treatment of diabetes

A mechanism for coating the encapsulation devices was developed, and meshes were employed to maintain the Heparin-starPEG hydrogel coating in place. Growth factor concentrations were identified, and transplantation conditions were established, with particular attention given to optimizing sterilization before transplantation. Encapsulation devices were transplanted into rats, and after one and four weeks, they were explanted for biocompatibility evaluation. Encapsulation and transplantation of insulin-producing hiPSC-derived islets into diabetic rats are performed, with regular blood glucose measurements and intra-peritoneal glucose tolerance tests scheduled at one, two-, and three-months post-transplantation.

Cell transplantation as a novel therapy for endocrine disorders

Use of steroid-producing cells encapsulated in immune-isolating biomaterials to treat Adrenal insufficiency, a life-threatening condition marked by the inability to produce adrenal steroids. Using two cell sources; pig-derived adrenal cells via xenotransplantation and human induced steroid-producing cells (hiSCs) from pluripotent stem cells were analysed.

Both cell types can secrete adrenal hormones in response to stimulation, and their encapsulation has been tested to assess efficacy and safety. This innovative approach offers potential advancements in Adrenal insufficiency treatment by addressing the current limitations of hormone replacement therapies.

Development of a multi-organ-on-a-chip microfluidic system for ischemia/reperfusion injury

The multi-organ-on-a-chip microfluidic system developed in the project mimics and simplifies the complex micromilieu of acute myocardial infarction in patients by incorporating different cardiac cell types: CMs, ECs, cardiac fibroblasts, and Mφ. It can, at least partially, recreate functions of the heart and immune system with tissue barrier properties and multi-organ interactions in vitro.

Neutrophil extracellular traps as possible therapeutic target in post COVID syndrome

The initial goal of the study was to measure Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in patients with post COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), correlate them with the extent of fatigue and test removal of NETs as a novel treatment option for PCS. However, because of the general interest of Santersus, the company producing the specific column for removal of NETS (NucleoCapture), in exploring new potential therapeutic applications of their product, we decided in the first step to investigate, whether there is a rationale for combining the NucleoCapture column with already existing apheresis systems

Development of smart sensors for continuous monitoring of blood gases and key laboratory parameters for extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

The main objective of this joint project is to generate proof-of-concept evidence demonstrating the capability of miniaturized sensors to measure vital laboratory parameters within the ECMO circuit at the bedside. Our goal is to develop a fully functional prototype and progress the sensor platform towards a medical product in clinical use in collaboration with potential business partners.

Novel blood-based biomarker panels for the diagnosis and staging of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease

The grant allowed us to test scientific approaches that are critical to initiating a commercial effort. We focused on creating diagnostic panels for staging NAFLD and our results are currently very promising and we are optimistic for potential commercialization.

Tele-Taste: Development of a taste test for clinical practice

Within the context of the project on Teletaste the following studies were performed:

• Dresden: Development of a short version of a taste test including stimuli for astringency and spiciness
• Dresden: Assessment of patients with smell and taste loss plus healthy controls; validation and assessment of test-retest reliability
• Jerusalem: Assessment of healthy controls in a supervised and a non-supervised test situation, at the laboratory or at the homes of participants.

Detailed and extensive contacts with Corowell– this company would like to further develop the product and utilize it for taste screening in patients.

Validation of Hes3 and TPM4 as novel biomarkers in neurology and neuro-oncology

We wanted to develop new tools and test the hypothesis that targeting the Hes3 Signaling Axis is a fundamentally new approach that will lead to new therapies for degenerative disease and cancer. The work was tailored to explore the Intellectual Property landscape (an essential step for commercialization as well as for developing a therapy, both of which require investor support), early preclinical and clinical analyses to test our hypothesis, and the generation of new genetic models that will hugely help our R&D develop beyond the transCelerator project.

Cells in Matrix

This Project plans to develop an Engineered Micro Pancreas (EMP) based on organ-derived 3D cell culture and human sourced insulin producing cells as a novel model and tool for accelerating and cost reduction of diabetes drug research and testing.

Bioactive adhesion prophylaxis in abdominal surgery

EIO Biomedical Ltd. has developed the Extrinsic System Concentrate (ESC) product to minimise adhesions after surgical procedures. Currently, the product has a shelf life of only four weeks. Various storage and freezing methods were tested to ensure a minimum shelf life of three to six months. For each of these conditions, different time points were examined and the product was tested for its effectiveness. Elementary components of the validation processes were investigations into stability, sterility and purity, as well as the activity level of coagulation factors in ESC.