The Bio2Brain consortium successfully hired 16 early-stage researcher (ESR) candidates, 14 ESRs were enrolled in a doctoral programme. 13 ESRs started their work in October 2021 and beginning of November 2021. All of them were enrolled in a PhD programme. 3 new ESRs joined the network in the beginning of 2024, replacing 3 former ESRs who decided to leave the consortium. The consortium was able to form a strong network with exceptional collaboration opportunities for young scientists. Laboratory rotations to scientific and industrial partners were a key element to promote interdisciplinary and intersectoral exchange, knowledge transfer and workplace mobility within Bio2Brain. Each ESR spent significant time with at least two other partners. In sum, 37 secondments were conducted and the ESRs highly benefitted from their time in other labs, both scientifically and personally.
In addition, the Bio2Brain network offered scientific as well as soft skill training during the course of the project. In sum, 3 summer and 3 winter schools were organised, each hosted by different partners of the consortium. In total, 21 workshops were conducted, covering scientific trainings such as spray drying and synthesis and characterisation of nanomaterials and soft-skill trainings such as time management and scientific writing.
Furthermore, the Bio2Brain ESRs attended a couple of conferences presenting their work and first results. Most importantly, the Bio2Brain consortium hosted a special session at the NANOTEXNOLOGY conference 2024 in Thessaloniki, the International Conference on Nanoscience & Nanotechnologies. 4 PIs supported the 11 ESRs who showcased the latest advancements in their specific projects and collaborative research efforts, ranging from particle-based formulations for intranasal delivery of biopharmaceuticals to advanced imaging techniques for understanding the mechanisms of release and transport of biopharmaceuticals, as well as the rational design of a panel of antibodies. The presentations were very well received by the audience. The subsequent discussions were intensive and lively, which indicated a high level of interest in the topics presented. Additionally, research outcomes and secondment reports were regularly shared on the B2B website and LinkedIn channel. So far, 7 peer-reviewed publications were published and many more submitted.
From the scientific perspective the following achievements have already been made during the project duration:
Various production methods related to delivery systems, including nanoparticles, microparticles, and nanogels, have been developed. Polymeric nanogels as drug carriers were obtained using high dilution radical polymerisation. Particle formulations using the spray-drying method have been implemented. Chitosan and hyaluronic acid have been successfully modified to achieve modified chitosan polymers. Various model drugs have been effectively studied concerning their loading and release from the chosen drug carrier. The final results indicate that the engineered nanobodies exhibit high thermal stability and solubility, facilitating their potential use in therapeutic applications. This underscores the importance of optimizing binding properties for enhanced drug delivery and patient safety. Future studies will focus on in vivo testing to evaluate the safety profiles of these engineered antibodies.
In order to control the safe transport of antibodies in the Regio olfactoria, permeation studies were performed to find out more about the kinetics of the transport. Mathematical sub-models are being integrated following a process system approach with the intent to be solved in order to calculate the drug transfer rate to the mucosa interface. A Safe-by-Design approach was performed by means of data-based modelling.
Toxicity and the precise processes occurring in the brain were identified as potential shared fields of interest in the final project meeting.
