CUBIBOX is a technological platform able to generate complex biological tissues of human origin, to be used for in vitro testing of drug screening, biocompatibility of materials, efficacy of drugs, cosmetics and molecules of interest. The models were obtained with bioprinting technology that places an ink composed of homogeneously distributed biomaterials and cells on the surface. The 3D model is produced in automated mode following a CAD design, ensuring the standardisation and reproducibility of the process, reducing variability between samples and improving the robustness of the results. Tissues were housed inside a closed bioreactor, a real ‘box’, making two kits: SkinBOX and VesselBOX. The platform has the potential to replace animal models in the future, allowing those without expertise in bio or cell culture tools to conduct specific tests.
Cubibox logo
3D printing technology allows the standardised and reproducible production of biomimetic healthy and/or pathological tissues, which reproduce the architecture and physiology of human tissues. The resulting tissue is placed inside a bioreactor, which is a container with specific functions that preserve cell viability and allow tissue development and maturation. This specially designed skin and vessel device has easy access for the insertion of compounds or materials to be tested. Thanks to the collaboration with research partners LTTA and IRST, it was possible to develop specific protocols to analyse the biological effect determined on the tissues housed inside the container.
The kits obtained in this way represent an innovative tool for studying the biocompatibility of materials, starting from cytotoxic effects through to the analysis of more complex phenomena such as irritation and sensitisation. SkinBOX and VesselBOX are a promising tool to replace animal experimentation.
Through the use of the CUBIBOX platform, based on the employment of in vitro models, it is possible to:
- obtain more accurate and predictive results about the biological effect of a compound on the human organism, reducing experimental limitations due to the inter-species variability typical of animal models;
- reduce the use of animal models by satisfying the ethical principles of the 3Rs (refine, reduce, replace), and consequently also the resources and time required for in vivo experimentation.
Using biomimetic biological tissues/organs to test, quickly and without the use of animal models, the efficacy and safety of compounds, drugs and materials.
EnvionTec 3D Bioplotter, an instrument used for in vivo modelling
SkinBox
Creation of a platform consisting of a bioreactor inside which is housed a three-dimensional tissue obtained by bioprinting technology capable of simulating skin architecture.
VesselBox
Creation of a platform consisting of a bioreactor inside which is housed a three-dimensional tissue obtained by bioprinting technology capable of simulating the architecture of a blood vessel.
The SkinBox and VesselBox platforms offer companies a prototype screening tool capable of predicting the biological effect of a compound/material. The companies most interested in these technologies belong to industries such as biomedical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and textile.
The SkinBox platform, thanks to its ability to imitate the correct architecture of the skin, makes it possible to predict the skin's biological response following contact with a drug, compound or medical device. The kit allows the study of complex phenomena such as the irritative or sensitising potential of the tested element, guaranteeing its safe introduction onto the market for the end consumer.
With VesselBox, on the other hand, you have the advantage of analysing the biocompatibility of all blood contact devices such as catheters or stents. This platform can recreate the typical structure of arteries and veins, in which the device to be tested can be placed. It can therefore be used as a screening platform to analyse the complex biological phenomena that occur in the blood tissue following contact with the medical device. Finally, it offers the possibility to imitate the blood flow in order to predict the effect in dynamics as well.
CUBIBOX was born from the collaboration between 3 laboratories TPM - TECNOPOLO MIRANDOLA ‘Mario Veronesi’, LTTA - Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies, IRST-HTN LAB and the support of 5 companies Comecer, Rigenerand, Rimos, B.Braun Avitum Italy and Ophera.
2 kits, SkinBOX and VesselBOX, were prototyped. A patent application has been submitted for the pathological phenotype of dermis generated using the SkinBOX.
Example of three-dimensional tissue obtained by bioprinting technology that imitates skin architecture