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Gladiator

GLADIATOR: A paradigm shift in Oncology Research via externally controllable molecular communications for "bio-nano-machine diagnostics"

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    Funding

    European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme under Grant Agreement No. 828837

    Duration

    48months

    Vertical alignment / Department

    Future Health / Mobile Ecosystem and Pervasive Sensing (MEPS)

    Project Website

    Overview

    Next-generation theranostics of brain pathologies with autonomous externally controllable nanonetworks: a transdisciplinary approach with bio-nanodevice interfaces. Five vibrant academic centers and one blooming SME from across Europe have joined forces with a leading Japan-based University in order to develop a vanguard and comprehensive theranostic (therapeutic + diagnostic) solution for brain malignancies by bridging life sciences, bio–nanotechnology, engineering and information communication technologies (ICT). Currently, highly complex malignancies such as brain tumors, have a very grim prognosis, despite recent progress in their treatment and management. 

    GLADIATOR envisions to establish a radical long-term vision leading to a drastic change in cancer monitoring and therapy. It will usher a paradigm shift in Oncology, with the introduction of “bio-nano-machine diagnostics”, and stimulate the implementation of the “Internet of Nano-bio-things”, leading to technological and clinical developments with high socioeconomic impact. Specifically, GLADIATOR will provide, for the first time, a working prototype of a complete, autonomous and clinically applicable, nanonetwork-based, theranostic system based on the conceptual framework of Externally Controllable Molecular Communications (ECMC). 

    Molecular Communications is the emerging discipline of exploring the transmission of encoded messages via molecular channels in solutions, cells or entire living organisms. Such systems can even form networks of bio-nano-machines which, when externally controlled, can be interrogated to extract information on the status of the cancer but also manipulated to affect its progression. It is expected that the project’s results will substantially improve patient prognosis and prolong survival by minimising recurrences and reducing drug toxicity. Improved health, extended life expectancy and productivity, reduced sick-leaves, shorter hospitalisations, reduced return visits, less personnel and caregiver involvement will also have a positive effect on the already overstrained Health Care Systems. Moreover, the innovative biological and nanotechnology-based innovations, development methods, computational and analytical tools advanced through GLADIATOR, are expected to have significant economic impact since they can enter into significant market segments as indicated by global market projections and underlying drivers. 

    Key Objectives

    Brain pathologies are highly complex disorders. Despite recent progress, their prognosis is grim, defining a high societal challenge. Bridging life sciences, bio-nanotechnology, engineering and ICT, GLADIATOR promises a vanguard and comprehensive theranostic (therapeutic+diagnostic) solution for brain malignancies. GLADIATOR will provide, for the first time, a working prototype of a complete, autonomous and clinically applicable, nanonetwork-based, molecular communications system based on the conceptual framework of Externally Controllable Molecular Communications (ECMC). Using Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) tumors, the most detrimental of brain pathologies, as a proof-of-concept case, GLADIATOR will implement a platform of cell-based and electronic components, consisting of:

    1. Implantable autologous cell organoids, consisting of engineered induced neural stem cells (iNSCs), which will release specifically designed exosomal vesicles, acting as bio-nano-machines, delivering reprogramming (therapeutic) miRNAs and building nano-networks. Interfering with the underlying biological environment, they will provide a revolutionary intervention both killing the tumor cells but also reducing their aggressiveness and recurrence.
    2. A hybrid bio-electronic interface, consisting of coupled external and implantable devices, which will enable communication channels with fluorescent bio-nano-machines, released by the modified cancer cells, via micro-optoelectronic sensors.
    3. vA wireless ECMC network integrating the cellular, sub-cellular and electronic components. This system will autonomously monitor the spatiotemporal tumor evolution and recurrence and generate, on demand, appropriate reprogramming interventions, by increasing iNSC renewal and multiplication via external radiofrequency stimulation.

    GLADIATOR establishes the feasibility baseline and innovation potential towards a far-reaching transformation in the investigation and management of complex malignancies and potentially other major central nervous system pathologies. It also promotes the emerging supra-disciplines of “bio-nano-machine diagnostics” and a profound shift towards “nano-network therapeutics” which lay the grounds for future autonomous, closed-loop, externally controllable, micro- or nano- scale devices for disease management.