An EU funded research consortium developing three-dimensional (3D) in vitro human renal tubulointerstitium (TI) models with an unprecedented degree of mimicry and function towards native kidney. The primary focus of the project is the investigation of viral infection and nephrotoxicity applications, and to make the model applicable also to other kidney-related diseases.
Current experimental models have proven their limitation to understand biology of kidney diseases. With an estimated 10% of the population worldwide being affected by kidney diseases, there is a dire need to develop novel in vitro kidney models to support the development of kidney treatment innovations in the future.
Creating a novel microphysiological relevant 3D renal in vitro model by combining two enabling technologies, bioprinting and organ-on-chip. Primary human cells and induced pluripotent stem cells will be used to generate renal progenitor cells and organoids and combined with the aforementioned model envisioning future patient specific therapies.
BIRDIE consortium consists of experienced researchers from European academic institutions and innovative SMEs. The team has highly complementary expertise in translational biology, bioprinting and additive manufacturing, microfluidics, single cell systems, and organ on a chip models.
Chronic kidney disease is a growing health concern that affects 10 percent of the population worldwide and there is a large demand for more accurate cell-based models of the kidney. Researchers in the EU-funded BIRDIE consortium have now, by combining…
Read More New biomaterial formulation enables more precise ways to model kidney function
Researchers in the BIRDIE consortium have created a versatile stem cell-based model of the kidney proximal tubule. The study, published in Toxicology In Vitro, shows that the model can accurately predict the toxic effect of multiple reference compounds. Additionally, the…
On March 12, we gathered several international experts on organ-on-chip technology and kidney diseases in Maastricht to discuss how to bring advanced in vitro research technologies from bench to business. The workshop covered a diverse set of topics ranging from…
Read More Getting together to build the future of in vitro models
BIRDIE Project Website 