Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWSRecent Scientific Survey: Preclinical Models and Alternative Research Approaches |
Precise Microphysiology
Essential for Realistic Cell Environments
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Bioassays for Cell and Tissue Culture
Bioassays are biological test systems that examine the effects of chemical substances or physical stimuli on living organisms. To perform such bioassays safely and reproducibly under laboratory conditions – in vitro – cells and tissues are cultured in specialized test systems. These are also referred to as cell-based or tissue-based assays and allow the evaluation of cytotoxicity, metabolic activity, and tissue-specific changes. As a result, these assays provide physiologically relevant data that go beyond traditional biochemical tests. Standardized protocols and well-trained personnel are essential to ensure the reproducibility and reliability of bioassays.
Application of radiopharmaceutical substances in multi-organ-on-a-chip systems for preclinical pharmacokinetic studies.
Filling a microfluidic culture system for tissue sections to examine mechanisms relevant to metastasis in tumor sections.
Our Services
- Consultation and custom selection of complex cell models and human ex vivo tissues for bioassays
- Development of tailored assays, adapted to specific models or microfluidic platforms
- Technology transfer to client laboratories (industrial and academic)
- Optimization and customization of protocols to meet client requirements
- Training of personnel in assay implementation
Applications
Test Systems for Radiodiagnostics and Radiopharmacy
Multi-organ-on-a-chip systems enable the precise study of radiopharmaceutical substances under controlled, physiologically relevant conditions. They allow analysis of binding specificity, distribution, metabolism, and clearance in human and murine models. Through dynamic perfusion and defined tissue environments, different biodistribution scenarios can be reproduced realistically. High-resolution measurement techniques, such as autoradiography or PET/SPECT, provide quantitative data for pharmacokinetic evaluation. These systems form the basis for reducing and replacing animal experiments in radiopharmaceutical research.
Microsystems for Studying Metastasis
Specialized microfluidic models allow the analysis of key metastatic processes, including migration, invasion, and dissemination. By replicating relevant microenvironments – such as vascular barriers or ECM structures – and using human tissues, cellular mechanisms can be studied under physiologically realistic conditions. Live imaging and quantitative tracking methods enable detailed analysis of single-cell movement patterns. The use of human cells or tissues provides translationally valuable insights for tumor biology and drug development.