SYNMAT FOR ORGANOIDS · High-throughput and reproducible development of intestinal organoids by microfluidics encapsulation in synthetic niches for intestinal bowel disease research

High-throughput and reproducible development of intestinal organoids by microfluidics encapsulation in synthetic niches for intestinal bowel disease research

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, represents a major and growing global health challenge. Current treatments primarily target inflammation and symptom management but rarely address the underlying tissue damage or support long-term mucosal healing. Consequently, many patients experience recurrent disease flares, progressive tissue degeneration, and serious complications, leading to a diminished quality of life. Moreover, conventional therapies often cause systemic side effects and may lose efficacy over time. The absence of effective regenerative strategies highlights a crucial gap in IBD management. There is an urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches that not only control inflammation but also actively promote intestinal tissue repair and regeneration. Given the chronic nature of IBD and its increasing prevalence worldwide, developing regenerative solutions would significantly alleviate patient suffering, enhance long-term disease remission, and reduce the economic burden. This project aims to develop an innovative regenerative medicine approach for IBD through the encapsulation of intestinal mesenchymal cells (IMCs) derived from human intestinal organoids within fully synthetic degradable microgels. These engineered systems will provide a cell-instructive environment that supports IMC viability and regenerative function, offering a clinically translatable alternative to animal-derived matrices such as Matrigel. Specific Objectives 1. Engineering of Degradable Synthetic Microgels. 2. Encapsulation and Functional Support of Intestinal Mesenchymal Cells. 3. Evaluation of Regenerative Capacity Using Human Intestinal Organoids. Conclusions: This project will establish a novel regenerative therapy that goes beyond conventional anti-inflammatory treatments by addressing the root cause of intestinal damage in IBD. Through the integration of synthetic biomaterials and patient-derived cells, the proposed system aims to restore intestinal structure and function by combining material engineering, stem cell biology, and organoid technology. This research will provide a versatile and clinically relevant platform for personalized regenerative medicine in IBD. Ultimately, the outcomes are expected to pave the way for next-generation injectable therapies that promote durable mucosal healing and improve the long-term quality of life of patients suffering from chronic intestinal inflammation.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз