The newly developed platform aims to create high-fidelity 4D models of the human spinal cord using advanced bioprinting techniques and patient-derived cells.
Developed with funding from an ERC Consolidator Grant, the SPINECRAFT platform creates state-of-the-art 4D human spinal cord structures that reflect the structure and function of a real spinal cord.
This ambitious approach represents a paradigm shift in central nervous system (CNS) research. SPINECRAFT sets new standards in tissue engineering, opens the door to breakthroughs in neurodegenerative disease modeling and regenerative therapy, and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in neuroscience.
“We finally have the tools to ask questions that were previously inaccessible and get closer to real treatments for patients,” said Zaida Álvarez Pinto, principal investigator at the Catalan Institute of Biotechnology (IBEC), which received the ERC grant.
Limitations of current central nervous system models
Current laboratory models of the CNS struggle to reproduce its extraordinary complexity, limiting progress in understanding neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
Traditional 2D cultures, 3D organoids, and animal models fail to capture the complex structure and dynamic function of the CNS, slowing progress in neuroscience.
SPINECRAFT aims to change this. Researchers will create high-fidelity models featuring human neural and vascular cells by combining advanced imaging, computational modeling, bioprinting, and innovative bioinks.
This platform not only enables detailed studies of spinal cord biology, but also allows for the integration of patient-derived cells to recreate disease-specific environments, such as those found in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Opening the way to new spinal cord treatments
Professor Alvarez explained: “This recognition marks a pivotal moment for our research and the field of spinal cord regeneration.
“We look forward to using SPINECRAFT to generate high-fidelity human models that will allow us to study disease mechanisms at unprecedented resolution and pave the way for new therapeutic strategies.”
Mr. Álvarez is one of 11.3% of candidates across Europe who were selected from 3,121 proposals received in this recruitment.
The disruptive originality of this project enabled us to secure an additional 800,000 euros from the public offering, beyond the standard 2 million euros, to be devoted to the acquisition of specialized equipment for multicellular bioprinting and advanced functional analysis.
This strategic investment places IBEC at the forefront of 4D human spinal cord modeling and accelerates the transformative potential of SPINECRAFT.
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