InSphero participates in nanosecurity project

InSphero develops 3D cell culture models for drug development to investigate the impact of active ingredients on the human body.

The startup from the Greater Zurich Area is now to participate in the project “The Physiologically Anchored Tools for Realistic nanOmateriaL hazard aSsessment” (PATROLS), announced a statement.

The aim of PATROLS is to develop testing methods for engineered nanomaterials to avoid their adverse effects on humans and the environment. InSphero will provide a 3D cell culture model to analyze the impact of engineered nanomaterials.

Participating in the project are 24 partners from Europe, the USA and Asia who hail from the fields of science and the economy. Government representatives are also participating in PATROLS, which is being coordinated by Shareen Doak from the University of Swansea.

The participants want to test the impact of engineered nanomaterials on 3D cell culture models of human lungs, gastrointestinal tract and liver. They will also analyze the effect of ecologically relevant systems.

In addition, they intend to develop computational models to determine dose modelling and hazard prediction. Existing test methods are “inadequate” and “unrealistic”, according to the statement.

“PATROLS is an important project with great potential for improving safety testing,” commented Wolfgang Moritz, Head of External Collaborations and IP at InSphero, in the statement. “We are looking forward to working with the extraordinary team of scientists and nanosafety experts Professor Doak and her team have assembled.”

InSphero is a spin-off from the University of Zurich (UZH) and the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH).