Goals and Research Objectives of CHEM-SCAN
The main goal of the EIC Pathfinder Open project CHEM-SCAN is to develop a novel, high-speed, extended spectral range FLIM imaging platform for the comprehensive, longitudinal, multiparametric status analysis of every cell in a tissue or 3D culture. We expect to achieve a true breakthrough in functional and metabolic FLIM imaging of single cells and organoids.
The Key Research Objectives of CHEM-SCAN are:
To develop compact high coherence length picosecond laser technology with increased power levels capable of extending high-speed FLIM imaging to the far-red and infrared spectral region by month 12.
To develop novel FLIM reporters that are capable of reporting ATP, NADH, caspase, lactate and oxygen levels as key indicators for cancer diagnosis by month 18.
To develop a modular high-end FLIM/SRFLIM imaging platform for high-throughput multi-drug testing of human cells and organoids capable of imaging living organoids across the visible (VIS) to the short-wave infrared (SWIR) (400 nm – 1700 nm) part of the spectrum by month 24.
To develop innovative technologies/protocols capable of volumetric live imaging of cellular responses to drug exposure. Lentiviral transduction of primary human cancer stem cells for reporter expression will enable simultaneous visualization of multiple metabolic parameters in 2D and 3D systems, eliminating the need for animal testing, by month 24.
To assess 3D-organoid cultures of primary patient derived cancer stem cells for the development and location of chemoresistant cells with in vitro determination of a tailored chemotherapy regime for individual patients and tumors by month 36 and monitor their fate by month 48.
The research objectives will be achieved through corresponding work packages (WPs) with well-defined deliverables and milestones ensuring that the progress of the project is measurable and timely.
