lecce.tecnomedpuglia

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key mediators of intercellular communication and hold promise for diagnostics and therapeutics, especially in neurodegenerative disorders. The VIBRANT project aims to overcome current limitations in EV analysis by developing a novel microfluidic lab-on-chip platform enabling real-time observation of EV production and dynamics. By integrating MEMS technology, advanced 3D fabrication, and surface functionalization, the device allows multi-cell trapping and biomarker detection. A core focus is understanding how microgravity influences EV characteristics, with implications for space health and terrestrial medicine. Using drop tower experiments and a custom-built random positioning machine (RPM), we simulate microgravity to assess changes in EV behavior and identify neurodegenerative biomarkers. AI-powered data analytics will support pattern recognition and biomarker correlation. VIBRANT addresses fundamental EV biology questions and enhances microfluidic platforms for biomedical and space research.

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