Researchers from IBEC and ICFO demonstrate the ability of atomic sensors to non-destructively monitor, measure and optimize nuclear spin hyperpolarization of some clinically relevant molecules in real-time. These features, reported in PNAS, could enhance and reduce costs of quality controls used in clinical magnetic resonance imaging.
A team of researchers led by IBEC and ICFO has developed and validated a novel photoelectrochemical electron spectroscopy technique to probe charge separation dynamics, a crucial step for photosynthesis, in photosynthetic complexes.
A study led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has studied the migratory movement of groups of cells using light control. The results show that there is no leader cell that directs the collective movement, as previously thought, but that all cells participate in the process. These findings are relevant to the design of treatments to stop tumour invasion or accelerate wound healing, physiological processes closely linked to cell migration.
The demand for engineered skin tissues has surged for both in vitro and in vivo applications, and one of the key points to succeed is to choose an appropriate scaffold … Read more
A team of researchers led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has developed light-activated derivatives of the anti-epileptic drug carbamazepine to treat neuropathic pain. These compounds, which show analgesic effects when activated by light, can inhibit nerve signals locally and on demand. Photopharmacological treatments offer precise action at the site of application, thus reducing systemic side effects.
A new technique developed at the Institute for Bioengineering for Catalonia (IBEC) makes it possible to classify the quality of embryos faster and twice as accurately as expert embryologists. The technology, called “METAPHOR”, uses imaging and artificial intelligence to analyse the metabolism of embryos and oocytes. METAPHOR promises to drastically reduce the time and treatment cycles needed to achieve pregnancy through in vitro fertilisation, minimising the emotional and financial burden on patients.
These are asembloids, micrometric organoids formed by the union of kidney organoids with vascular organoids in 3D. These small culture systems are useful for disease modelling and drug screening. The study, led by IBEC, describes an approach that has not been tried before.
An IBEC-led study has demonstrated the ability of colorectal cancer stem cells to change their mechanical properties, facilitating the successful metastatic process. They did this using tumour organoids derived from patient cells. These findings could contribute to the development of new strategies to treat and prevent metastasis in colorectal cancer.
The innovative device contains a 3D bioprinted channel with structures that mimic intestinal villi and reproduce the compartments of the intestinal mucosa. For the first time, electrodes have been incorporated into the system to monitor the formation of the intestinal barrier in real time. The device is highly versatile and has potential applications in disease modelling and drug screening.
This is a molecule that is directly linked to the expression of the cellular prion protein found on the surface of nerve cells. The study, led by the IBEC, opens the door to the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease in asymptomatic stages in blood samples, favouring its diagnosis and treatment.