Personalized Osteoporosis Drug Testing Platform: Integrated Biomimetic Perfusion Model and Biosensors

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Shumin Pang
• Subject Area: Biomaterials ; Biomedical Systems Technology ; Biological Process Engineering ; Engineering Design, Machine Elements, Product Development ; Orthopaedics, Traumatology, Reconstructive Surgery ; Primary Shaping and Reshaping Technology, Additive Manufacturing
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 548103956

Traditional animal models and 2D drug screening models for osteoporosis fall short in accurately reflecting the human body's response to drugs. Despite advancements in in vitro drug testing models, an ideal tool for osteoporosis drug testing is missing. To address this gap, this project aims to revolutionize osteoporosis drug testing through the development of an advanced and effective platform. The fabrication of the platform will integrate cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D bioprinting of biomimetic osteoporosis models and the manufacturing of advanced bioreactors with integrated biosensors. In simple terms, this study will integrate bone porosity data from different degrees of osteoporosis and employ 3D bioprinting technology to generate biomimetic osteoporosis models. The goal is to restore not only the structure but also the chemical/biological composition of osteoporotic bone. The designed perfusion bioreactor system will mimic the dynamic environment within the human body, providing a comprehensive understanding of drug reactions compared to static systems. Additionally, the system will incorporate biosensors for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of experimental conditions. After validating with known osteoporosis drugs, the platform will be ready for testing with unknown osteoporosis drugs. Overall, the objective of this project is to develop an efficient and practical osteoporosis drug testing platform to address critical gaps in osteoporosis research, enhance the understanding of individual patient responses, and improve the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatment. This platform represents a more ethical and cost-effective alternative in drug development, potentially reducing reliance on animal testing. Additionally, the platform offers significant insights into osteoporosis treatment and holds the potential to enhance healthcare outcomes, which is crucial for global health, particularly in regions with a high prevalence of osteoporosis.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: United Kingdom
• Participating Institution: University of Oxford ; Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Building; Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery
• Host: Professorin Molly Stevens, Ph.D.