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VitrofluidiX

The Team

Teamname: VitrofluidiX

Members: David, Carlotta, Casper, Peter, Sven, Finn

Using organ-on-a-chip technology, a physiological organ can be simulated. This is physiologically much more accurate than animal or cell culture experiments. However, this young technology has hardly been used in research to date, as the solutions on offer do not fulfil the requirements of scientists.

VitrofluidiX solves this problem with its OoC device VitroFlow, which enables its use in research and sets a new standard in the OoC industry.

Innovation in Organ Research: VitrofluidiX OoC Device

VitrofluidiX' OoC device contains various systems that are automated and communicate with each other. For the first time, VitrofluidiX enables the simulation of any organ, allowing the technology to be used in a variety of research areas, from stem cell research to leukaemia or organ fibrosis research.

Adaptability and Precision: VitroFlow for Specific Tissue and Organ Models

In addition, VitroFlow's unique high degree of customisation means that it can be tailored precisely to the needs of specific tissue or organ models and a physiologically relevant in vitro environment can be created.

Automation and Error Reduction: Revolutionizing Experimental Procedures

All processes are automated, which reduces the manual effort and thus the susceptibility to errors. For the first time, fluids, nutrients and medication can be supplied automatically, blood flow can be simulated and measurements can be carried out. This reduces the workload and provides the basis for improved reproducibility of the experiments.

Accessibility and Time Efficiency: Simplified Operation of VitrofluidiX

The ease of use of the device also facilitates access to OoC technology for a broad scientific community and makes experiments more efficient in terms of time. VitrofluidiX Innovation thus enables the widespread use and establishment of OoC technology.

Accurate organ simulation will greatly reduce the number of animal experiments in the future and at the same time accelerate the development of new drugs and therapies.

Future of Drug Development: Reducing Animal Testing Through Accurate Organ Simulation

How did you get together as a team?

David began developing an OoC device together with his father Peter in 2018. Carlotta met David five years ago while studying biology. She has been part of the VitrofluidiX team since 2022. Sven, Finn and Caspar joined at the beginning of 2023.

How did you come up with your idea?

In 2016, David worked in Prof. Dr Hartmut Arndt's research group on the development of an "ecosystem-on-a-chip" to study the self-organisation of protozoa. 

As part of the Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Summer Academy in 2018, David came up with the idea of converting the already developed ecosystem-on-a-chip into an organ-on-a-chip (OoC) system in Prof Dr Michael Hallek's research group. 

However, while searching for such an OoC device for his project, David realised that there was no suitable device for supplying an organ chip for research purposes. These problems triggered the founding project: to develop an OoC device that would enable the technology to be used in research. 

This should set a new standard in the OoC industry.

What has Gateway ESC helped you with?

Gateway offers us the opportunity to network with other start-ups, a great workspace and to take part in very interesting events on various topics. This increases our motivation and gives us the opportunity to always learn something new. Thank you very much for these opportunities!