New research project in Regensburg: Revolution in biomedicine!

New research project in Regensburg: Revolution in biomedicine!

A new biomedical research project called “T-Sense-3D” has started on the campus of University of Regensburg started his work. This project is largely driven by the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Microsystems and Solid State Technologies (EMFT) supports and receives funding from the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) amounting to around 1.5 million euros. The aim of the project is the integral metabolic monitoring of 3D cell cultures, which are becoming increasingly important in biomedical research.

The project represents a significant step in the development of new methods for the high-precision measurement of minimal temperature changes in living tissue models. Temperature changes are considered indicators of cellular metabolic activity. 3D tissue models make it possible to depict human organs more realistically than traditional 2D cell layers, which often do not reflect actual biological conditions. The approach is supplemented by the lack of suitable analytical methods for recording reactions to active ingredients or pollutants. Custom-made polymer sensors and modern measuring electronics are used for this.

Objectives and technical requirements

A central concern of the “T-Sense-3D” project is to set new standards in toxicity and effectiveness testing. The integration of the “Cell-based Sensors” department at Fraunhofer EMFT into the research work ensures that the University of Regensburg is not formally a project partner, but is closely involved in the processes. In addition, master’s and doctoral theses from the university are incorporated into the project.

Most of the sensors developed as part of the project are based on the direct growth of cells and tissues on physical signal transducers. This requires comprehensive skills in biological model systems, measurement technology and data analysis. Particular attention is paid to the interface between cells and sensors, which is fundamentally analyzed and adapted to specific needs in order to enable non-invasive and label-free readout procedures.

Collaboration and Technological Advances

The “T-Sense-3D” project is supported by close collaboration with three technology-oriented companies: FEW Chemicals GmbH, ibidi GmbH and nanoAnalytics GmbH. These collaborations aim to make the process usable for industrial drug testing. The potential of the method could fundamentally change the work with 3D tissue models in experimental biomedicine and thus contribute to the reduction of animal experiments, as is aimed at in the spirit of the 3R concept (Replace, Reduce, Refine Animal Experiments).

Additionally, advanced materials such as sulfated hydrogels and silicone scaffolds are used to provide cells with a natural environment. Research in 3D cell cultures is crucial because previous 2D cell cultures are often not transferable to actual tissues. The Dresden researchers led by Carsten Werner are working on tailor-made gels for artificial tissue, while Peggy Stock from Leipzig University Hospital has established silicone structures that offer a large surface area for colonization and mimic the growth of cells.

Overall, the “T-Sense-3D” project shows the scientists’ commitment to developing innovative solutions to the challenges of modern biomedicine while at the same time taking the ethical aspects of research into account. By creating more realistic models of human physiology, science could significantly reduce the use of animal testing in the future, reflecting the needs of an advanced research landscape.