In the "T-Sense-3D" project, highly precise temperature measurements will be deployed for monitoring cellular metabolism and its changes. Temperature is considered the most comprehensive parameter for observing cellular metabolism, as only living, metabolically active cells produce heat. Any external influence on the cells leads to changes in metabolism and, consequently, changes in temperature, which are usually only a few degrees Celsius. New analytical methods are necessary for such precise temperature measurement.
Precise Temperature Measurement with Novel Materials
As part of the project, novel materials made from tailored polymer chains and nanoparticle additives are being researched for implementation. These materials change their electrical resistance by several orders of magnitude within a very small temperature window. Measuring the electrical resistance thus allows for highly precise temperature measurement. In the course of the project, these temperature sensors will be integrated into cell culture vessels using mass production methods (roll-to-roll) to enable high-throughput drug testing. To establish this form of temperature measurement on 3D tissue models in the market, the research of customized measurement electronics and software is also part of the project, as well as demonstrating the functionality of the entire system in biological model studies.
New Paths for Biomedical Research
By solving an ambitious challenge in the field of material science, the three-year project aims to close a frequently lamented technological gap: the quantitative investigation of 3D tissue models in real-time and with medium throughput. This will open new avenues not only in drug development but across all of biomedicine.
The project consortium consists of the companies FEW Chemicals GmbH, ibidi GmbH, and nanoAnalytics GmbH, the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Microsystems and Solid-State Technologies EMFT, and the Technical University of Munich.