Periodic Reporting for period 2 - EUROoC (Interdisciplinary training network for advancing Organ-on-a-chip technology in Europe)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2020-12-01 al 2023-05-31
Despite the major impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ESR research endeavours progressed according to plan, with minor adjustments necessitated. Notably, results were published concerning the development of heart-on-chip models using human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, & cardiac fibroblasts. Additionally, barrier-on-chip models for the retina, lung, gut, and microvasculature were created. The integration of optical sensors for pO2, pH, and glucose, along with bead-based assays for cytokines, into various OoCs allowed for real-time monitoring of changes in cell metabolism & culture conditions in minute sample volumes and the results were published in several scientific journals. Advanced metabolising OoC models for gut, liver, and white adipose tissue were established.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, EUROoC significantly advanced OoC technology and played a crucial role in strengthening cooperation between academia, industry, and regulatory agencies. It provided a sustainable training program across Europe through workshops and ongoing promotion of training opportunities, even beyond the project's completion. EUROoC also contributed to enhancing the innovation capacity of EU Member States by instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in young researchers, providing them with skills to drive meaningful innovations, thereby contributing to the sustainability of European growth and competitiveness. The developments facilitate the monitoring & analysis of tissue functionality and responses, achieved through the integration of novel sensing elements and pre-validated through in vitro-in vivo correlations.
Particularly noteworthy is the importance of the project for the training of the ESRs involved. The programme successfully provided its ESRs with interdisciplinary skills. In the final stages of their projects, guided by regulatory partners, ESRs addressed aspects of drug metabolism in their investigations. They also gained valuable insights into validation for in vitro & in vivo models. The project successfully trained mobile researchers with key skills, preparing them for future leadership roles in OoC research & innovation. They are now capable of establishing and pre-validating novel OoC platforms that can be easily transferred to end-users.