ActiTOX: active organotypic models for nanoparticle toxicological screening
The ActiTOX project aims to develop novel and reliable 3D organotypic models for pre-clinical nanoparticle toxicological screening and drug development. The objective of the project is to increase the relevance of in-vitro studies by providing scalable bi-organ bioreactors that can simulate both the absorption and metabolism of the drug. More specifically, skin, lung and intestinal models will be developed to simulate particle/drug absorption, and liver and fat models will be developed to simulate the subsequent metabolism.
Our approach
To increase the relevance of in-vitro toxicological studies the project will:
· Develop 3D biomimetic scaffolds with chemical and mechanical properties optimized for a particular tissue.
· Develop active and cell-stimulating scaffolds that provide the chemical signalling during the cell differentiation and growth.
· Customizing the bioactive molecules release from scaffolds and establish the protocols for regulated differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells to desired cell lines.
· Develop a bi-organ bioreactor platform with two flow circuits: for particle exposure, and for simulation of vascular flow.
· Reduce the overall cost of the toxicological screening by lowering the consumption of active molecules and combining the absorption and metabolism testing into one device.
Partners
ActiTOX partners are experts in the production of scaffold and drug delivery systems (InoCure s.r.o.), special cell culture media (OrthoSera), bioreactor development (OSPIN GmbH, Vienna Technical University), organotypic models (Fraunhofer IBMT, University of Graz, BIONEER, Institute of Experimental Medicine, BIOFABICS), and in nanoparticle production (Creative Nano).
Partners
ActiTOX partners are experts in the production of scaffold and drug delivery systems (InoCure s.r.o.), special cell culture media (OrthoSera), bioreactor development (OSPIN GmbH, Vienna Technical University), organotypic models (Fraunhofer IBMT, University of Graz, BIONEER, Institute of Experimental Medicine, BIOFABICS), and in nanoparticle production (Creative Nano).
H2020-MSCA-RISE-2019
actiTOX receives funding from the European Union’s H2020 program under Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 823981