3R projects at the ETH Zurich
Automated analysis of animal behaviour
Research groups headed by Johannes Bohacek, Valerio Mante and Mehmet Fatih Yanik have developed a new method of enhancing our understanding of animal behaviour. Until now, much behavioural research has been based on human observation and the manual evaluation of individual behavioural patterns. The new method uses artificial intelligence and enables more detailed analyses to be carried out over a longer period of time in different species. It also helps to improve animal welfare in husbandry and experiments.
Three-dimensional model of the blood-brain barrier
Researchers at Andreas Hierlemann’s Bioengineering Laboratory have developed a realistic model of the blood-brain barrier in humans. It uses human brain cells instead of animal cells, providing an alternative to animal models for simulating physiological processes. The model can be used, for example, to improve the uptake of therapeutic agents in the brain, which is a major difficulty in the treatment of brain diseases such as tumours.
Optoacoustic tomography procedure for clinical use
Daniel Razansky’s external page Functional and Molecular Imaging Group has pioneered the development of new optoacoustic and multimodal imaging techniques for non-invasive diagnostics. The so-called multi-spectral optoacustic tomography (MSOT) method provides real-time 3D visualisations of the inner workings of living organisms. In the past, multiple animals had to be euthanised and analysed at different timepoints to track temporal changes during experiments. With the new method, it is now possible to monitor drug biodistribution or the effect of a treatment in the same animal during the course of a study. The method is already being employed as a promising clinical diagnostic tool in the fields of oncology, dermatology, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.
Biosensors and microtissues for drug development
Andrea Hierlemann’s Bioengineering Laboratory develops sensors that measure chemical and biological signals, and can quantify metabolic products with high precision. The group also conducts research into various in vitro systems, focusing on the analysis of individual cells or micro-tissue structures. These sensors and in vitro systems serve as alternatives to animal testing in drug development and biological research – allowing for predictions about the effects of new active substances on organs in the human body, for example. The scientists have developed a toxicity test for drug research that identifies substances that may harm an embryo in the womb at an early stage.
Organoids from human stem cells with great potential
Barbara Treutlein conducts research into organoids – small, three-dimensional organ-like tissues derived from human stem cells that model human organ development and function. These can be used to study various medical problems, such as possible causes of autism spectrum disorder.
Biosensors and modelling of neural networks
Janos V?r?s and Tomaso Zambelli’s Laboratory for Biosensors and Bioelectronics seeks to understand, monitor and control molecular and cellular processes at the interfaces between electrodes and cells. To build a bridge between the study of individual neurons and the entire brain, the researchers came up with a way of connecting neurons tuned to the required orientation on a chip. Beyond exploring fundamental processes of memory and learning, these neuronal networks can also be utilised to evaluate the effects of potential drugs for diseases affecting the central nervous system.
Tendons on a chip for new methods of tendon injury rehabilitation
Jess Snedeker’s Laboratory for Orthopaedic Biomechanics conducts research into the fundamentals of tendon biology and the mechanisms behind tendon injuries and diseases. The lab also explores new methods for rehabilitation and healing. To achieve this, it has developed tissue models and a series of in vitro tendon-on-a-chip models in both 2D and 3D formats.
Researching the mechanisms of cell identity in cell culture
Anton Wutz’s research group focuses on the epigenetic control mechanisms of cells that govern cell development. The group seeks to understand how the cell nucleus determines the identities of the different cell types in the body and how this regulatory process evolves during development. Recently, the researchers managed to generate oocytes from mouse embryonic stem cell cultures. This in vitro system might become a viable alternative for generating preimplantation embryos to study developmental processes.
Bioreactors for the simulation of tissues under stress
Stephen Ferguson’s Laboratory for Orthopaedic Technology develops technologies that provide insights into joint and tissue biomechanics, and movement and loading patterns. In this way the researchers seek to gain a better understanding of disease processes and work towards developing new treatments. They simulate physiological and mechanical stresses on tissues using bioreactors they have designed and created themselves.
Computer-based models of cellular signalling pathways in organ development
Dagmar Iber’s Computational Biology Group is dedicated to unraveling the fundamental mechanisms underlying developmental processes. The group develops data-driven, mechanistic 4D in silico models to simulate various stages of development, including gamete formation, early embryogenesis, and organogenesis. Additionally, they collaborate with clinicians to tackle challenges in personalized medicine, bridging basic science with clinical applications.
Rodent skull from the 3D printer for training purposes
Marcy Zenobi-Wong has refined the production of rodent skull models from the 3D printer. They can be used in training researchers to practice techniques such as brain injections and implantations before going on to carry them out on dead and, later, living animals. The availability of such practice techniques represents a major step forward in animal welfare. The models can be obtained from Animal Welfare and 3R Office.