VESSELS-ON-CHIP
Using vessels-on-chips, it is possible to mimick the interaction of endothelial cells in different disease models, using chemical and mechanical stimulation. Endothelial cells can be subjected to stimuli like hypoxia or patient derived blood plasma, but also to an altering flow and perfusion. Here at AST, we work both with micro- and macrovascular models, giving a wide range of possibilities in read-outs.
Modeling of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension on a chip
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease of the small pulmonary arteries for which no cure is available yet. The goal of this project is to model aspects of PAH on a chip allowing for further investigating the disease mechanism and ultimately offering a platform for drug testing. The current approach focusses on mimicking PAH-specific endothelial dysfunction in a three-dimensional hydrogel-based vessel-on-chip using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived vascular cells.
Funding
PHAEDRA-IMPACT consortium
A phantom coming to life? Creating an endothelial lined phantom model for giant cell arteritis.
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammation of large blood vessels, mainly affecting those over 50. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications. Ultrasound is commonly used, but improvements in diagnostic value are needed. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using microbubbles may improve the diagnosis.
The aim is to create a clinically relevant model (phantom) that contains blood vessels lined with endothelial cells to test the additional value of CEUS with labelled biomarkers. This research may eventually improve the diagnosis and treatment of GCA.
Collaboration between ZGT, and University of Twente.
Funding
Pioneers in Health Care