We are currently working with BiomACS on a number of projects at various stages of development. The common thread in all our projects is that we use our screening technology to improve material surfaces for in vitro and in vivo use. Interested in collaborating with us on a project? Please don’t hesitate to contact us!
In this SNN project, BiomACS is collaborating with the UMCG and Medtronic to develop an improved endovascular stent. A stent is used to reinforce weakened arteries, such as those in the abdomen (an aneurysm), in order to restore blood flow and reduce the risk of rupture. Complications can occur during this procedure: for example, a stent may shift and blood may leak (endoleak). BiomACS can modify the stent to stimulate adhesion to the vessel wall in order to reduce complications associated with aneurysms.
Every year, laboratories use billions of petri dishes and 96-well microtiter plates made of polystyrene, a non-biodegradable plastic. In this SNN project, BiomACS, in collaboration with the UMCG, Elbo Technics B.V., and Mediaproducts B.V., aims to replace conventional plastic (polystyrene) with a bioplastic that is fully biodegradable: polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The use of PHA responds to the growing demand in the biomedical and life sciences sectors for disposable products that are both sustainable and reliable. With PHA petri dishes and microtiter plates, researchers can culture cells and bacteria in the same way as with conventional plastic, but in a more environmentally friendly manner.
The Closing the Loop project, in collaboration with the UMCG and Hanze University of Applied Sciences, is a follow-up to the Circular Plastics project. The bioplastic, PHA, is produced by bacteria and is biodegradable. It offers a solution to the pollution caused by conventional plastic that does not break down. In this project, we are investigating how PHA can be used in a circular manner: from production by bacteria to processing, degradation, and recycling as a nutrient for bacteria. In this way, we demonstrate how PHA can be recycled and reused for a sustainable future free of plastic pollution.
In this SNN-EFRO project, BiomACS is collaborating with the UMCG and Bentley to develop an improved endovascular stent graft made of PTFE. A stent is used to reinforce weakened arteries, thereby restoring blood flow and reducing the risk of rupture. Complications can occur during this procedure. BiomACS can modify the stent to stimulate adhesion to the vessel wall, thereby reducing complications. In this project, BiomACS’s screening technology will transition from in vitro screening to in vivo preclinically validated, optimized cardiovascular stents. This project has been successfully completed.
Het project van BiomACS, samen met de partners PolyVation, VDL Wientjes, Elbo Technics, Innovizie, Smartpolymers en het UMCG, ontwikkelt op maat gemaakte oplosbare botfixatiehulpmiddelen om de genezing te bevorderen. Er worden geavanceerde materialen (PLA en PEEK) gebruikt die door middel van een snel productieproces bijvoorbeeld 3D-printen worden verwerkt, zodat ze precies passen bij de breuk van de patiënt. Het idee is dat elke patiënt een perfect passend fixatiehulpmiddel krijgt. Door deze aanpak kunnen patiënten sneller herstellen en krijgen ze een oplossing die speciaal voor hun situatie is ontworpen. This project has been successfully completed.
BiomACS is investigating whether identifying optimal surface properties of breast implants can help reduce the formation of excess scar tissue and other complications. Our hypothesis is that screening and customization of the breast implant leads to better integration of the material with the surrounding tissue. By optimizing the surface properties of implants, BiomACS reduces unwanted cellular reactions that can have negative effects on the body. We are currently looking for the right partners to help us test and develop this new technology.
