Project R-5492

Advanced optical imaging of alterations in the mechanobiology of cells induced by nanoparticles using a 3D hydrogel-based model (Research)

Nanotoxicology the study of toxicity, and environmental, health and safety issues of nanomaterials is an important and emerging subfield of nanotechnology. However, increasing concerns and criticism have been expressed in literature about the slow progression, misconceptions and ambiguous formulated conclusions in the field. Especially the multiple shortcomings related to traditional cytotoxicity assays like the in vitro in vivo gap, restriction of the measurements to short-term effects, and lack of investigation of cell function preservation are of concern. Hence, there is need for an in vitro model with improved relevance to the in vivo situation to more adequately assess the possible hazards of nanoparticles (NPs). In this project, the aim is to design a 3D cell-seeded hydrogel-based model for the study of (long(er)-term) alterations in lung cell function and fate, caused by NPs. First, the optimized 3D model is employed to examine the native mechanobiology of the embedded cells in their interaction with the hydrogel, contributing to the fields of cell biology and biomechanics. Subsequently, the effects of different NPs on cells are studied using the developed 3D model, benefitting the field of nanotechnology. In the various steps, advanced optical methods are further developed so that these can be applied to study quantitatively the differences in cell function and fate advancing the domain of biophysics.

01 October 2014 - 30 September 2016