VIBRANT

Workpackages

WP 1: Components syntheses (IPC-UH, UH[JT], CAN)

WP 2: Assembly of Nanoconstructs (IPC-UH [SF], CAN)

WP 3: Physico-chemical characterization Nanoconstructs (IPC-HH, K.U.LEUVEN, CAN)

WP 4: in vitro screening of Nanoconstructs on cell lines and primary cells (CAN, K.U.Leuven, ULB)

1. General toxicity classification (CAN).
2. Biological characterization on primary cells (CAN, ULB, K.U.Leuven).

• Cell-affinity screening.
• Subcellular distribution.
• Specificity.

3. Evaluation of MR detectability in vitro (ULB, K.U.Leuven).
4. Quantification of cell numbers by MRI (K.U.Leuven).
5. Utilization of nanoconstructs for cell typing (K.U.Leuven).

WP 5: Effects of nanoconstructs on islet transplants in the Anterior Chamber Model (KI, HRI-NN)

WP 6: Visualization of b-cell mass in vivo in animal models by using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (K.U.Leuven; ULB, KI).

WP 7: Drug-loaded Nanoconstructs for the treatment of diabetes and therapeutic effects on β-cell mass and function (UniHB, HRI-NN)

1. Potential of drug-loaded nanoconstructs as β-cell specific therapeutic delivery systems
2. Reversal of diabetes by nanoconstructs in diabetic animal models
       Visualization of nanoconstructs in the pancreas in vivo.
        Targeting of β-cell survival and function in vivo.
               1. Targets for β-cell protection
               2. Protection from the progression of diabetes in vivo

WP 8: Independent ex vivo cross validation by OPT/SPIM (UMU, CRG)

1. (UMU)
   Ex vivo Evaluation of adhesion/incorporation of nanoconstructs into β-cells
   Cross validation of MR images by OPT
2. 8.2 (CRG)
   Development of 3D “image-tiling” software for OTP scanning
   Optimization of objective lens
   Addition of multi-spectral capabilities to OPT
   Integration of SPIM into the OPT instrument

WP 9: Quality control, intellectual property protection and dissemination (CAN)

This workpackage includes all activities for the identification, consolidation, management and application of the knowledge generated in the project. Its objectives are to ensure quality and consolidation of project results, to secure project knowledge and adequate intellectual property protection as well as to implement the successful dissemination and the effective exploitation of the project results.
To this end, activities in this WP will continuously follow-up the project progress and control the quality of its output as well as its scientific and technological relevance. Project knowledge will be identified, evaluated and categorized. IP protection methods will be evaluated for each item and the most suitable solution will be organised and implemented, if possible, already in the course of the project.
During the entire life cycle of VIBRANT, special attention will be paid on the generation, exchange and implementation of Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) with regard to experimental protocols in WP 4 to WP 8, in order to ensure quality, validity, comparability and reproducibility of the biological data, materials, cells and specimens.
Target groups for the dissemination of the project results will be identified and a suitable dissemination strategy will be designed, including appropriate activities for the individual target groups (e.g. website, newsletter, trade fair participation, brochures). The corresponding dissemination material will be developed and produced. Scientific dissemination activities will of course focus on publications and conference papers by all partners.
Furthermore, the project knowledge generated will be evaluated with regard to possible applications and further use. Apart from commercial applications, this may include use in further research activities and for the training of young scientists, depending on the nature of the IP in question.
For project results which are identified as being relevant for commercial exploitation a suitable exploitation strategy will be developed, appropriate partners will be identified and the required activities will be initiated in the context of this WP.
With regard to the ultimate result of VIBRANT, the β-cell specific, functionally optimized nanoconstructs and a corresponding defined methodology, the application in clinical trials in non human primates and humans to evaluate in vivo pancreatic β-cell function and survival as well as further clinical developement will be planned and prepared in the context of the WP in cooperation with suitable partners from the Industrial Advisory Board.

WP 10: Management (CAN)

WP 10 covers all those aspects of project management and control, which will ensure that the project successfully achieves its stated objectives on time and within budget. This includes in particular the following: Scientific, administrative, financial and decision-making management.