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The technology of the CP4C project, based on hydrogels treated with plasma gas, is being developed by the team of researchers at the PlasmaMedLab and the Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group (BBT) of CREB at the UPC. CP4C is one of the University projects that has obtained a grant from Barcelona Deep Tech Node to accelerate its launch on the market.
Participants in the project are the Plasmas for BioMedical Applications laboratory (PlasmaMED Lab), which is part of CREB’s Plasmas for Biomedical Applications division of the Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Group (BBT) at the UPC. The project is based on developing a treatment for osteosarcoma through plasma-treated liquids (PTL). It has been found that PTLs can kill cancer cells due to the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) that they contain. Unlike the side effects produced by chemotherapy, at adequate doses, RONS induce the death of tumour cells without damaging healthy tissues. RONS can be generated in liquids and in hydrogels (PTH) that are injected locally into tumours to achieve controlled release.
Through these hydrogels, in combination with ceramic materials such as calcium phosphates, a composite material is obtained that eliminates cancer cells due to the action of the RONS and promotes bone regeneration.
The solution is therefore a less aggressive, highly efficient innovative therapy to eradicate bone cancer, with the possibility of regenerating the bone tissue that is affected after surgical resection of the tumour. The anti-cancer potential and safety of treatments with PTL/PTH has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Through CP4C, the aim is to advance in the validation of technology in in vitro environments and in relevant in vivo preclinical animal models, following the guidelines of the corresponding regulatory agencies.
Accelerating technological development
Barcelona Deep Tech Node is a partnership to promote technological and innovative projects between Barcelona City Council, through Barcelona Activa, and the University of Barcelona (UB), the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) and the Open University of Catalonia (UOC), in addition to the UPC. Since the start of the initiative, a hundred projects and spin-offs from universities and research centres have participated in events, investment forums or mentoring sessions. ‘Proof of Concept’ grants of 225,000 euros provide access to funding for selected projects, accelerate their technological development and cut the time it takes for them to reach the market. In addition, these grants will enable crucial actions to be designed for science and technology-based projects, such as undertaking market studies, formalising patents or presenting projects to investment forums, among others.
Related Projects
- Microalgae-based wastewater treatment systems have demonstrated the ability to recover nutrients from wastewater and produce valuable biomass for agricultural applications while also recovering energy through the anaerobic digestion of residual biomass. In the Cyan2Bio project, in which the Group of Environmental Engineering and Microbiology (GEMMA) of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) is participating, an additional step will be taken in the valorisation of microalgae biomass to obtain biopolymers suitable for transformation into bioplastics alongside pigments, thereby replacing fossil-based materials.
- Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, and age-related disorders, have been widely studied due to their significant impact on individuals and society. So far, these are incurable and debilitating diseases that lead to progressive degeneration and death of nerve cells, resulting in cognitive and mobility impairments. Tremors, mainly at rest, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), limb rigidity, and issues with gait and balance are typical motor disorders related to Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, due to progressive muscle atrophy, these issues can lead to falls, which in turn result in further complications and risks to quality of life.
- The energy transition is reshaping the foundations of the power grid, driven by the massive deployment of renewable generation based on power electronics and the gradual disconnection of conventional fossil-based generation. In this context, grid operators will require support systems to provide flexibility, as renewable generation is highly variable.
- The Biological Treatment of Gaseous Pollutants and Odours Group (BIOGAP) at UPC is participating in the BIOMETCRI project, which aims to implement an innovative biotechnological process to recycle batteries from electric and hybrid vehicles, recovering valuable metals such as cobalt, lithium, nickel, and manganese.
