Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Imec and PEIRA develop platform for in-vitro study of brain tissue

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Innovative slice-tilting instrument for in-vitro research on brain tissue developed by imec and Peira

Abstract:
The nanoelectronics research centre imec and Peira, a Belgium-based manufacturer of pharmaceutical and chemical research instruments, jointly developed an innovative slice-tilting instrument for in-vitro research on brain tissue. The new tool enables long-term studying of brain cultures through electronic stimulation and read-out, essential in getting insight into the functioning of the brain.

Imec and PEIRA develop platform for in-vitro study of brain tissue

Düsseldorf, Germany | Posted on November 17th, 2010

To increase knowledge on neuronal networks, on how our brain works, and on the cellular processes causing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, brain tissue slices need to be investigated for a longer time. To keep brain tissue slices alive to study long-term effects in neuronal circuits, the slices have to be cultured. They have to attach to a substrate and start growing. Such a brain tissue culturing procedure is as a very difficult and precise manipulation, and it is believed to be one of the most challenging cultures known in the medical world. Therefore, imec has developed together with Peira, a custom slice-tilting device containing up to 16 chips with stimulation and read-out electronics, especially customized to grow brain slice tissue on. The tilting device is fully incorporated in a cell growth incubator. Parameters such as tilting angle, speed and interval time can be programmed to obtain optimal growth, survival and functionality of the brain slice. The new tool ensures optimal growth of brain slices on the chips for more than a month. It enables in-vitro investigation of long-term processes in brain circuits.

"With its research into lab and preclinical instrumentation, imec aims to play an important role in developing powerful healthcare diagnostics and therapy," says Kris Verstreken, Program Director Life Sciences at imec. Imec's experience in nano- and microsystems technology is at the basis of innovative devices and instruments for the pharmaceutical industry. Imec has been developing novel techniques and protocols for brain slice culturing on multi-electrode array and microchip surfaces. Part of this innovation is the concept for a new slice tilter device for the culturing process. "This in-vitro brain tissue research instrument is an example of how our technology can support medical research into areas such as neurology, cardiology or oncology, interacting not only at the level of the individual cell but also capturing the complexity of cellular networks, tissues or organs. For the practical implementation of the slice tilter device, imec and Peira have joined forces."

"We share a believe at Peira that breakthrough research will often need novel and unique instruments to create new insights," says Hans Nicasy, founder and managing director at Peira. This brain tissue instrument is a nice illustration of how Peira solves the researcher's problem by integrating good engineering practices into an efficient and effective apparatus. The slice tilter platform was developed in close cooperation between the researchers at imec and Peira's engineers. Peira supplies scientists in academia and the biotech and pharmaceutical industries with innovative instruments and co-develops customized research platforms that help to create new insights in the pathways of neuro diseases such Alzheimer and Parkinson or help to develop new cancer diagnostics or therapy tools."

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About imec
Imec performs world-leading research in nanoelectronics. Imec leverages its scientific knowledge with the innovative power of its global partnerships in ICT, healthcare and energy. Imec delivers industry-relevant technology solutions. In a unique high-tech environment, its international top talent is committed to providing the building blocks for a better life in a sustainable society. Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has offices in Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, US, China and Japan. Its staff of more than 1,750 people includes over 550 industrial residents and guest researchers. In 2009, imec's revenue (P&L) was 275 million euro. Further information on imec can be found at www.imec.be.

NOTE: Imec is a registered trademark for the activities of IMEC International (a legal entity set up under Belgian law as a "stichting van openbaar nut”), imec Belgium (IMEC vzw supported by the Flemish Government), imec the Netherlands (Stichting IMEC Nederland, part of Holst Centre which is supported by the Dutch Government), imec Taiwan (IMEC Taiwan Co.) and imec China (IMEC Microelectronics (Shangai) Co. Ltd.).

About Peira
Peira is a technology provider/integrator and ‘applied science’ partner for life science groups who want to build new, innovative research or proof of principle set ups. The company has industrial experience in developing tools for pharmaceutical development activities, in vivo/ex vivo and in vitro experimental set ups and imaging automation for researchers in several therapeutic areas, such as neuroscience and oncology.

Peira is offering ‘productizing services’ for research organizations active in the field of nano electronics and nano-technology and builds customized research platforms for academia, the biotech and the pharmaceutical industry. Peira is headquartered in Beerse, Belgium. More information can be found on www.peira.be.

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Contacts:
imec
Hanne Degans
Imec External Communications Officer
T: +32 16 28 17 69
M: +32 486 065 175

Barbara Kalkis
Maestro Marketing & PR, for Imec
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M: +1 408 529 4210

Peira
Miranda Woestenborghs
Administration Support
T + 32 14 600 800