The reconstructed 3D cell tissue is subjected to a PET scan. Credit score: Verena Pichler
A consortium of Austrian analysis teams from the College of Vienna, MedUni Vienna and Technikum Wien, along with firm accomplice DOC Medikus GmbH, has developed an progressive bioanalytical take a look at system for radiopharmaceutical drug candidates for most cancers prognosis and remedy.
It doesn’t require any animal testing in any respect and allows automated, quick and extremely exact analyses. The brand new methodology was introduced within the Journal of Nuclear Medication.
New medication and diagnostic strategies needs to be protected and ideally accessible rapidly—however the preclinical take a look at section specifically usually slows down speedy progress as a result of excessive stage of sources required.
The event of radioactive marker substances (“radiotracers”) specifically, which make physiological and pathological processes within the physique seen and can be utilized in most cancers diagnostics, for instance, requires time-consuming and cost-intensive assessments which have usually been primarily based on animal experiments up to now.
Nevertheless, these aren’t solely ethically controversial, however usually present outcomes that aren’t transferable to the human physique.
An interdisciplinary analysis group from the College of Vienna, the College of Utilized Sciences Technikum Wien, MedUni Vienna and DOC Medikus GmbH has developed an progressive resolution: a bioanalytical take a look at system that makes use of human cells on a silk matrix to check lively elements beneath lifelike circumstances—sooner, extra exactly and with out animal testing.
Concepts in movement
The already patented course of combines chromatographic ideas (separation of drugs primarily based on their interactions with a stationary and a cell section) with a dynamic 3D cell tradition.
On the coronary heart of the method is a stationary section manufactured from biocompatible silk fibroin sponges, which act as a man-made scaffold to immobilize human cells in a three-dimensional construction.
A particular pump system repeatedly provides the cells with vitamins, simulating lifelike circumstances in human tissue, whereas the radiopharmaceutical brokers are utilized and noticed in real-time utilizing imaging methods (µPET/CT, positron emission tomography/computed tomography). This allows a parallel analysis of radiotracer binding and mobile biochemical processes.
First writer Verena Pichler from the Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences on the College of Vienna explains, “With our method, we are not only creating an alternative to animal testing, but can also make the development of new radioactive marker substances much more efficient. Our aim is to raise diagnostics and therapy to a new level and improve ethical standards at the same time.”
Assembling the system is especially user-friendly. Credit score: Verena Schwingenschlögl-Maisetschläger
Common monitoring of the novel cell system allows exact evaluation of medication and their mode of Motion. Credit score: Verena Schwingenschlögl-Maisetschläger
Relevance for apply
The brand new system allows a exact analysis of the binding properties of radioactive marker substances to be examined, their goal accuracy and doable unintended effects. Using silk fibroin gives appreciable benefits because of its radiation stability and its confirmed software in cell tradition.
The introduction of frits (sieve-like partitions) between the sponges reduces cell migration and improves the reproducibility of outcomes. Vital elements such because the distribution of the radiation dose and the availability of vitamins to the cells can thus be exactly managed. Specific consideration was paid to the automation and standardization of the processes in an effort to make the processing of the radioactive substances protected and environment friendly.
The brand new methodology complies with the suggestions of the 3R precept (“reduce, refine, replace”) and the FDA’s Important Path Initiative. It has the potential to considerably scale back animal testing, speed up the event of radiopharmaceuticals and reduce radiation publicity for personnel.
This groundbreaking know-how may set new requirements in preclinical radiopharmacy—for extra sustainable and environment friendly drug improvement.
Extra info:
Verena Pichler, et al. Bioanalytical Hybrid System Merging 3D Cell Tradition and Chromatographic Precision for Unprecedented Preclinical Insights in Molecular Imaging, Journal of Nuclear Medication (2025). DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.124.269133. jnm.snmjournals.org/content material/ea … 19/jnumed.124.269133
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Silk sponges as a substitute of animal testing: How a 3D cell tradition system may advance most cancers diagnostics (2025, March 21)
retrieved 21 March 2025
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