Projeto Portugal 2030

Sumário

The BreastInTreat project aims to strongly impact the field of breast cancer therapy by developing innovative electroactive supports tailored to the specific needs of patients. Recognizing the limitations of conventional therapeutics in addressing the challenges posed by this disease, our research adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating advanced materials science, bioreactor technology, and animal experiments. To surmount these challenges, our research will integrate stimuli-responsive materials and advanced bioreactor, and in the end in vivo studies. The main objective of the BreastInTreat project is to develop a novel therapy for breast cancer treatment based on a biomimetic versatile 3D platform, including biophysical and biochemical stimuli. This platform will consist of an injectable biodegradable hydrogel loaded with therapeutically biochemical factors and piezoelectric biodegradable microspheres (biophysical cues). To achieve the main goal of the project, several sub-objectives are delineated: -Development of Active Microspheres: We will develop a diverse range of piezoelectric microspheres with varying physicochemical properties and biodegradability to incorporate into our biomimetic platform. Additionally, anti-HER2 functionalization will complement the physical stimulus as biochemical cues, enhancing their effectiveness in interacting with breast cancer cells and promoting therapeutic responses. -Development of Acoustic Bioreactor: We will develop an acoustic bioreactor for dynamic cell culture to apply the necessary experimental conditions, including frequency, mechanical and/or electrical loading, to ensure the correct stimulation of cells. With this, we foresee significant advancements in research, clinical applications, and technology transfer potential, with a patent application. -Understanding Cellular Response: Our research aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of how both cancerous and healthy breast cells perceive and respond to external electrical and mechanical stimuli. Through rigorous experimentation, we will analyze key cellular functions such as migration, proliferation, and cell cycle regulation within active microenvironments under external physical stimulation. -In Vivo Evaluation: We will assess the efficacy of our electroactive platform in in vivo conditions, conducting experiments to evaluate its effectiveness in treating breast cancer. Through these experiments, we aim to demonstrate the suitability of our platform for both monitoring breast cancer conditions and restoring normal cellular function. This innovative methodology not only serves the objectives of the current project but also lays the foundation for future endeavors in cancer therapies, presenting lucrative market opportunities for all collaborators involved. At the end of project, new knowledge will be generated, resulting in a wealth of data that will be integrated into machine learning aided strategies, which are increasingly being applied in the field, but lack still suitable amounts of data and a larger variety of relevant experimental conditions. This integration will aid in the identification of patterns and optimization of treatment protocols. Although this approach carries inherent challenges, the potential clinical and technological benefits clearly outweigh the risks. We have implemented comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation strategies to ensure responsible research and maximize the project's success.