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Degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and various forms of arthritis, are challenging to detect early. These diseases often present symptoms once significant progression has occurred, making early diagnosis difficult and limiting the effectiveness of treatments. This difficulty in early detection underscores the need for advanced technological approaches to improve the quality of life for patients and potentially slow or halt disease progression.
Indi Dharmayanti, Chairman of the Research Organisation for Health of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), stressed the importance of innovative technologies in addressing the high prevalence and detection challenges of degenerative diseases. According to Indi, leveraging cutting-edge technology is essential for improving patient outcomes and providing more effective therapies. “Early detection and personalised treatment plans are key to managing degenerative diseases effectively,” she stated. “We must invest in and develop technologies that allow us to identify these diseases at their nascent stages.”
Rapid detection methods are crucial for cell screening, including selecting cells that secrete antibodies or protein therapies. One promising technology in this area is the formulation of Hydrogel beads (Hbs) based on microfluidic strategies. These hydrogels are designed to enhance the precision and efficiency of cell selection processes, which is vital for developing targeted therapies.
“This technology holds significant potential for the future, particularly in the realm of personalised medicine,” Indi stated during a webinar on “Advances in Cell-Based Modelling and Screening Strategies” held on July 22nd. “By tailoring treatments to individual patients, we can significantly improve the effectiveness of therapies for those suffering from degenerative diseases.” Personalised medicine, which involves customising healthcare based on individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, could be transformative in managing degenerative diseases.
Complementing Indi’s insights, Diah Anggraini Wulandari, a researcher at BRIN’s Research Centre for Vaccine and Drug Development, discussed her work on a novel technology utilising Hbs-based microfluidic platforms. “Our hydrogel formulation achieves high throughput and is cost-effective compared to traditional microtiter plates,” Diah illustrated. This cost-effectiveness is significant in making advanced medical technologies accessible in developing countries, where healthcare resources may be limited.
Diah’s research aims to overcome common issues associated with existing cell selection technologies. Traditional methods like flow cytometers, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) have several limitations, including high costs, low throughput capacity, and difficulty identifying specific antibodies.
“In contrast, our hydrogel technology can select cells based on the antibodies they secrete, although it requires high concentrations which can reduce cell recovery rates,” Diah clarified. “To address this, we have developed a new fluorescence-activated droplet sorting (FADS) system. This system not only recovers cells but also allows for their re-culture, enhancing the secretion of antibodies.” The ability to re-culture cells and boost antibody production is a significant advancement, potentially leading to more effective therapies for degenerative diseases.
The FADS system represents a significant advancement in cell selection technology. It integrates multiple functions, including cell selection, recovery, and re-culture, thereby increasing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the process. This integrated approach promises to revolutionise the development of therapies for degenerative diseases, making treatments more personalised and potentially more successful.
These advancements in cell-based modelling and screening strategies are crucial steps toward improving the detection and treatment of degenerative diseases. Researchers are paving the way for more effective and personalised medical solutions by harnessing innovative technologies like hydrogel beads and fluorescence-activated droplet sorting.
Integrating these advanced technologies into clinical practice also facilitates more comprehensive and earlier screening programmes, enabling healthcare providers to identify and treat degenerative diseases before they cause significant harm. As research continues to evolve, the collaboration between scientific innovation and clinical application will be crucial in tackling the complex challenges of degenerative diseases.
