Real cell membranes are essentially asymmetric and non-planar. Outer leaflets of the plasma membranes contain neutral lipids and glycolipids, while the inner leaflets host practically all anionic lipids and phosphoinositides. In addition to asymmetric composition the membranes are usually curved due to spontaneous curvature of the membrane lipids and an influence of membrane proteins and cytoskeleton. There are many cellular phenomena, which are influenced by the asymmetry and the membrane curvature such as formation of synaptic vesicles, blebs and apoptotic bodies, membrane fusion and splitting, budding of enveloped viruses, endo and exocytosis, etc. In this work we propose comprehensive interdisciplinary study of the influence of membrane asymmetry and curvature on the functioning of integral membrane proteins and the transmembrane transport of therapeutic compounds (such as cisplatin and its derivatives). The goal is to reveal major physical factors, which distinguish asymmetric and curved membrane environment and govern interactions, orientation and diffusion of the small molecules (drugs) and large integral proteins. The combination of experimental methods (“wet” biochemistry and molecular biology, enhanced infrared and Raman spectroscopy) and computer simulations (coarse-grained and atomistic molecular dynamics, quantum chemistry) would be used in the project in complimentary manner.

Ferentis introduces SynVR, a breakthrough solution in regenerative medicine designed to revolutionise corneal repair and transplantation with its synthetic collagen biomaterial platform. SynVR is synthesised from engineered peptides that mimic human collagen and is designed to replace traditional corneal implants with a biocompatible, plastic-free alternative that offers unprecedented benefits in terms of accessibility, safety and patient comfort. SynVR addresses critical shortcomings in current corneal transplantation practices, including donor tissue scarcity, risk of rejection and variable results with biological materials. Utilising a highly scalable manufacturing process, SynVR promises a consistent, reliable product without the complications associated with donor tissue. Preclinical validation highlights its superior biomechanical properties and compatibility with modern surgical techniques, making it an ideal solution for widespread clinical use. Our innovation is poised not only to meet the urgent needs of millions of people affected by corneal diseases, but also to extend its applications to other areas of tissue engineering. As we seek EIC Accelerator support for clinical trials and commercial launch, Ferentis aims to transform ophthalmology, offering a new paradigm for treating vision impairment and improving quality of life worldwide.

A variety of in vitro human tissue models are used in the fields of testing of cosmetics products, drug discovery and regenerative medicine. Most models made from artificial materials do not properly reflect the native tissue morphology and cell composition, while those made of seeded cells/tissues of specific organs lack versatility and are expensive to use. Ferentis’ Biomimetic Tissue Matrix (BIOTIMA) project addresses the need for efficient toxicity testing/cell culture tools enabling more physiologically relevant, predictive and functional tissue mimicking models, that should become the EU standard in its effort to reduce expensive and inhumane animal testing. Ferentis scientists have developed an innovative patent-pending biosynthetic material –a bioplastic- that is cell-free, stable, biocompatible and optically clear and has demonstrated clinically to promote regeneration of cells. By employing advanced surface nanoengineering techniques, this biosynthetic hydrogel can be deposited, functionally modified and patterned on different substrates, for a variety of lab tissue experiment applications. The unique advantages of our tissue matrix include unique biomimetic properties, most closely mimicking those of the real tissue, and advanced nano-fabrication methods, allowing a cost efficient, versatile and easy to use solution. The prototypes of our TM cell culture tools have been demonstrated in relevant testing environments and now are being piloted with our early adopter customers, with a primary focus on the cosmetics industry. A thorough feasibility study and an elaboration of a business plan is needed in order to analyze the market, map and confirm commercialization alternatives and prepare the roadmap for scaling-up in preparation for Phase II, market replication.

BIOACTION aims at developing a new methodology in implant technology based on functionalized bio-hydrogels that will convert the negative occurrence of biofilm-associated infections, the primary cause of implant infections and failure, into a positive resource. The main goal of BIOACTION is to transform implant-associated bacteria for the programmable production of specific proteins for in vivo cell recruitment and tissue regeneration, exploiting gene sequences loaded on engineered liposomes and phages, bound to hydrogel scaffolds. BIOACTION will develop new biomimetic substrates that can transform biofilm into extracellular matrix for the regeneration of target tissues. It will establish a high versatile technology to be used as injectable materials and implant coatings for periodontal and peri-implant infection treatments. The proposed approach will be validated in two clinically relevant animal models: dental implant and permanent transcutaneous bone. BIOACTION, would radically advance the future of infection treatment by revolutionizing the classical approaches leading to the improvement of state of care, health outcomes and to achieve huge socio-economic benefits. The project isstrongly interdisciplinary in nature involving expertise biomaterials, synthetic biology, phage and liposome technology, medicine. As a results, this innovative approach will bring the research and knowledge far beyond the current state-of-the-art and will lead, through the planned validation, as proof-of-concept of new materials and technique with a broader application in regenerative medicine.