Project resources and funding
Project Resources
Funding
This project is generously funded by the European Innovation Council under the Pathfinder program.
Grant number: 101047177
Opto-Electronic Neural Connectoid Model Implemented for Neurodegenerative Disease
OpenMIND is funded by the
HORIZON-EIC-2021-PATHFINDEROPEN-01
Project 101047177 - Start date November 1, 2022
HORIZON-EIC-2021-PATHFINDEROPEN-01
Project 101047177 - Start date November 1, 2022
The OpenMIND project will move disease modelling to a new level and replace animal models, by creating a new concept we call connectoids. We will develop an ex-vivo-type in vitro human opto-electronic multi-regional brainorganoid disease model in which connectoids are formed by precise spatial arrangement of brain organoids connected via hydrogel tracts that promote axonal pathfinding, functional connection, and signalling.
By developing 1) light controllable sub-type specific neurons within regionalized brain organoids, and 2) electrodes and waveguides that can penetrate the organoids able to monitor neurotransmitter signalling inside and between the organoids, we will for the first time be able to sense how a particular brain region responds to a certain therapy and watch in real time how signals are transmitted to other brain regions. Our model will not only have health benefit, but will relieve a heavy economic burden on society, and open up for new possibilities for technological and economic development.
By developing 1) light controllable sub-type specific neurons within regionalized brain organoids, and 2) electrodes and waveguides that can penetrate the organoids able to monitor neurotransmitter signalling inside and between the organoids, we will for the first time be able to sense how a particular brain region responds to a certain therapy and watch in real time how signals are transmitted to other brain regions. Our model will not only have health benefit, but will relieve a heavy economic burden on society, and open up for new possibilities for technological and economic development.
Background
A major challenge facing Europe is its ageing population and associated increase in diagnosed cases of neurodegenerative diseases (NDD). Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with tremor and loss of motor functions due to progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the brain. This can lead to memory loss and dementia, which is associated with short- and long-term injuries and disabilities with emotional, financial, and social burdens for patients, families, and society.
The exact causes and mechanisms underlying PD are still unknown and existing treatments focus on alleviating symptoms and increasing quality of life, but do not halt or reverse disease progression. Although animal models give unique possibilities to study physiological and behavioural mechanisms, drug development fails due to lack of translation to humans. Alternative non-animal NDD models is needed both in terms of better translation, but also to replace expensive and problematic animal experiments.
Beneficiaries
News
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CELLINK |
BIO X was used to 3D bioprint human neural tissues with functional connectivity (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2023.12.009) |
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DTU |
Giorgio Scordo from the DTU team presents the OpenMIND projects in a talk at ISM - Institute of Structure of Matter ( https://www.linkedin.com/posts/giorgio-scordo-6999a05a_additivemanufacturing-3dabrprinting-activity-7172223656532525057-D7y7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop) |
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DTU |
Giorgio Scordo from the DTU team presents the µPSL techonolgy used in OpenMIND in a talk at ITS-Biotecnologie, Turin, Italy ( https://www.instagram.com/p/C9454WWI8Kj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link ) |
Events
Kick-off meeting
Denmark, Nov. 28-29, 2022
Welcome and overview of OpenMIND project
6th month meeting
Sweden, Apr. 20-21, 2023
International meeting with the OpenMIND consortium and the European Innovation Council
14th month meeting
Spain, Jun. 6-7, 2024
Third face to face meeting with the OpenMIND consortium
19TH MONTH MEETING
Denmark, Nov 14-15, 2024
Fourth face to face meeting with the OpenMIND consortium
Publication
| Dynamo | DTU | Dynamo magazine -https://issuu.com/dtudk/docs/dynamo_74/18 |
Master thesis offers
3D embedded printing
This thesis aims at characterizing tridimensional (3D) printed polymers inside a non-Newtonian liquid via a pressure-assisted microsyringe (PAM). Will be tested on non-conductive and conductive polymers and their mechanical and electrical properties will be investigated. The candidate will optimize the polymer blend composition and printing process.
Candidate background: Material Eng. Biomedical Eng., Synthetic Chemistry, Mechanical Eng.
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