ECM stiffness-guided 3D platform for regenerative compound screening
A miniaturized 3D high-throughput screening platform using human iPSC-derived cells in tunable hydrogels to model neural microenvironment for compound testing. Enables assessment of regenerative responses in Parkinson's disease by controlling ECM stiffness.
Overview
The ECM stiffness-guided 3D platform provides a novel approach to screening regenerative compounds using a physiologically relevant model of the neural microenvironment. By leveraging human iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons, astrocytes, and microglia embedded in tunable hydrogels, this platform mimics the biomechanical features of the brain's extracellular matrix (ECM). This innovative setup allows for the effective assessment of compounds that can restore homeostasis and promote regeneration, particularly in the context of Parkinson's disease (PD). The platform's integration with automated live-cell imaging and quantitative assays offers robust insights into cellular responses, making it a powerful tool for CNS drug discovery.
Technical specifications
- Utilizes human iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons, astrocytes, and microglia for a realistic neural microenvironment.
- Features tunable hydrogels to control ECM stiffness, simulating conditions from healthy brain tissue to disease states.
- Automated live-cell imaging quantifies neuronal survival, neurite complexity, morphology, and regenerative responses.
- Incorporates fluorescence assays and plate reader quantification for autophagy/lysosomal function and cytoskeletal organization.
- Secondary assays measure ECM remodeling, enhancing the understanding of compound effects under different stiffness conditions.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 3, indicating that it is in the early stages of experimental proof of concept. The platform's development is planned in three phases, including engineering tunable hydrogels, optimizing workflows for automation, and screening the ChemBridge CNS-MPO library.
About University of Minho
The University of Minho is a comprehensive public research university spanning campuses in Braga and Guimarães, serving a large student community in one of Portugal’s most industrialized regions. Industry engagement is enabled by co‑located campus labs, proximity to the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory in Braga, and a science and technology park in Guimarães that hosts startups and R&D units. Clinical translation is organized through an academic clinical center that links the university with the regional hospital network to support regulated trials and real‑world studies. Research is supported by competitive European and national funding, including the European Commission and Portugal’s Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). TecMinho, the university’s technology transfer interface, provides IP management, licensing, and venture support for industry partners.
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