Project Image:
Title of the project:
PTube Chip
Project name:
PTube Chip
Summary:
The aim of this collaborative project is to develop a novel, organ-like in vitro model of the proximal tubule in a microfluidically perfusable chip in multiwell plate format, manufactured in 3D printing, for use in drug development and testing.
Start:
01.08.2020
End:
31.07.2023
Project leader:
Dr. Hanna Hartmann
Project funding:
- BMBF
Funding reference number:
01QE2011B
Description:
Renal toxicity is one of the most frequently described adverse events reported during the development of new drugs. In studies on nephrotoxicity, the proximal tubule is of particular interest because the relevant processes take place primarily at this site of the kidney.
Data from available preclinical mouse models cannot be accurately transferred to humans due to significant species differences in expression, substrate specificity, tissue distribution and the presence of clinically relevant drug transporters. In addition, the pharmaceutical industry is committed to the 3Rs concept (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of Animal Testing, Directive 2010/63/EC) and is looking for alternatives to animal testing for testing new drugs.
Using 3D bio-printing of cells of human origin, together with a suitable extracellular matrix in a microfluidic chip, an in vitro model is developed that mimics the situation in the human body. For this purpose, in addition to an advanced print head, novel gel materials and microfluidic chip devices will be developed and evaluated.
Project partners:
- ibidi GmbH, 82166 Gräfelfing, Deutschland
- Cellink, 41346 Gothenburg, Schweden