A new front opens in the battle against cancer: artificial cells. These laboratory-engineered cells are ready to become powerful weapons to target and treat tumors in a precise and targeted way. Leading this revolution is a team of researchers from Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (Cibio) of the University of Trento, led by professor Martin Hanczyc.
Two European projects for a cancer-free future
Thanks to two European grants obtained under the program Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder OpenProfessor Hanczyc’s team will be able to carry out two ambitious research projects:
Bio-HhOST (Bio-hybrid Hierarchical organoid-synthetic tissue): this project aims to build “hybrid” tissues made up of artificial cells and natural tumor cells. The artificial cells, in this case, will have the task of modifying the fate of tumor cells, blocking their growth and inducing their death.OMICSENS: the objective of this project is the creation of the first integrated nano-photonic biomolecular sensor. A revolutionary tool for the early diagnosis and prognosis of lung cancer, in particular “non-small cell lung cancer”, an aggressive and difficult to treat tumor. The sensor, based on a microchip, will analyze a sample of the patient’s blood, tissue or extracellular vesicles, identifying the presence of tumor cells quickly and precisely.
An excellent team for ambitious challenges
The two projects, which see the participation of other leading European universities and companies in their respective fields, will be conducted by a team of highly qualified researchers:
Bio-HhOST: Silvia Holler (post doc research fellow), Luca Tiberi (head of the brain disorders and cancer laboratory) and Vito D’Agostino (head of the biotechnology and nanomedicine laboratory).OMICSENS: an interdisciplinary team with expertise in biology, bioengineering, microfluidics, mathematics, computer programming, composed of researchers from the University of Trento, Cardiff University, the University of Applied Sciences of Zurich and the MIC company in Paris.
Towards a cancer-free future
The two projects represent a fundamental step forward in the fight against cancer. Artificial cells and the new technologies developed open new avenues for earlier diagnoses, more effective therapies with fewer side effects, and a future finally free from cancer.
In addition to the information contained in the article, it is important to note that the research is still in development and that the final results may not be as hoped. However, the commitment and dedication of Professor Hanczyc’s researchers offers real hope for a cancer-free future.