MagMech: Precision magnetic tweezers for the mechanobiology of cells and tissues.

Introduction

The mechanobiology of cells and tissues plays an essential role in physiology and diseases. This emerging field, at the frontier between physics, engineering, and biology, heavily relies on precise and versatile devices to apply and measure mechanical forces within and around cells and tissues.

Current Limitations

However, the current commercial landscape is restricted to a few systems that are limited to a small range of forces and poorly compatible with large tissues and embryos.

Project Overview

In the FORCASTER ERC Consolidator project, our team invented a magnetic tweezer system which allows for the application of large calibrated forces on magnetic particles embedded within cells and tissues, or at their surface. This system largely overcomes the limits of the current commercially available devices.

Objectives of the MagMech PoC

In the MagMech Proof of Concept (PoC), we will:

1. Perform key technological updates to improve the versatility, stability, and precision of the device.
2. Gather proof of concept data in multiple relevant tissues, organs, and embryos to support its broad potential for studying the mechanobiology of cells and tissues in a variety of physiological and disease contexts.
3. Starting from the recent filing of a patent, perform market evaluations, including KOLs and end-user interviews, establish partnerships with different industrial sectors, and consider the creation of a start-up to support the commercialization of this technology in the near future.

Conclusion

With this PoC project, we will thus assess the value proposition that the magnetic tweezer system developed in the FORCASTER ERC project can bring to the market, serving as a key alternative to the existing commercial systems for applying and measuring forces within and around cells and tissues.