ITMO Experts Showcase Automated Mobile Laboratory for Artificial Heart Development
In a collaborative effort between scientists from ITMO University, Siberian Federal University, the Fund for Infrastructure and Educational Programs, and the research and manufacturing association Prolab, a groundbreaking project has been unveiled – an automated mobile laboratory for artificial heart development.
Traditionally, experiments with cell and bacterial cultures require sterile conditions and precise temperature control, making it challenging to conduct them in a classroom setting. However, the newly developed mini laboratory aims to address this issue by providing a transportable solution with a range of sophisticated equipment. The lab, which measures 3 meters on each side, contains essential tools for growing cell cultures, including a laminar flow box, thermostat, CO2 incubator, microscope, refrigerator, water bath, and centrifuge. What sets it apart is its capacity to be integrated with a robotic platform for analyzing materials with atomic-force microscopy. Additionally, the lab features high-efficiency filters for autonomous ventilation and sterilization.
The versatility of this mini laboratory opens up numerous possibilities. First and foremost, it serves as a training tool, allowing it to be assembled in any room without the need for a ventilation system. With transparent walls and pre-installed cameras, experimental procedures can be recorded and broadcasted, making it an excellent educational resource for students at various levels.
This laboratory also facilitates vital research in regenerative medicine through the cultivation of cell cultures on biopolymers. By experimenting with different polymers, scientists aim to optimize cell reactions and understand how cells can be induced to contract, ultimately contributing to the development of advanced heart implants.
Moreover, the lab is equipped with a robotic manipulator that automates a portion of the experiments. Currently, it operates alongside a human collaborator who delivers solutions, supplies, and analyzes data using a microscope. The results of each study are then uploaded into a database, where an AI algorithm analyzes them to determine the next series of experimental samples. The researchers plan to automate the entire process in the future.
Looking ahead, the scientists intend to utilize the mini laboratory for studying organs-on-a-chip, miniature replicas of tissues and organs. By further investigating cardiomyocytes and biodegradable polymers, they hope to achieve the development of a functional artificial heart.
Remote monitoring is another exciting prospect on the horizon. Using cameras and specialized microscopes, researchers will be able to observe experiments from a distance. With machine learning techniques, vast databases can be formed, aiding the fields of regenerative medicine, cell biology, and materials science.
Professor Ekaterina Skorb, the head of ITMO’s Infochemistry Scientific Center, explains another innovative aspect of this project. Through citizen science involvement, school students will receive initial training while collecting data that can contribute to frontier research. This collaboration between researchers and students will lead to a better understanding of complex systems and materials, enabling the programming of cell and bacterial cultures.
The project, developed in partnership with the Fund for Infrastructure and Educational Programs and the research and manufacturing association Prolab, marks a significant advancement in the field of artificial heart development. With its portable and versatile nature, the automated mobile laboratory offers immense potential for education, scientific research, and medical advancements. By harnessing the power of automation and AI, scientists are paving the way for a future where artificial hearts and regenerative medicine become a reality.
