Strathclyde researchers engage in evolving tech hubs

Biomedical engineers at the University of Strathclyde are involved in two new healthcare tech hubs.

The MAINSTREAM project is using pioneering technology to manufacture human stem cells outside the body. It aims to overcome barriers to the use of mesenchymal stem cells to help tissue regeneration to repair broken bones and in chemotherapy, where they can help regenerate healthy bone marrow.

The research hub, led by the University of Glasgow, is among five supported by an £118 million investment, including £54 million from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), aiming to transform healthcare through the development of revolutionary new technologies.

Stem cells

The University of Strathclyde will lead the development of bioreactors and mechanical systems to expand, control and monitor the growth of the stem cells. Researchers within Strathclyde are already using aspects of these techniques within upcoming clinical trials for surgical bone graft. Addressing the challenges of manufacturing stem cells at a larger scale remains the biggest hurdle for these cells and related tissue therapies to be beneficial to large numbers of patients within the NHS and beyond.

Commenting on the £11 million MAINSTREAM hub project, Stuart Reid, Lead Researcher, Strathclyde said, “The University of Strathclyde has been working with colleagues across the city of Glasgow and beyond to develop techniques to control the behaviour of adult stem cells, and how to precisely measure and monitor those changes in a scalable and non-destructive way.”

“This project seeks to overcome key hurdles in manufacturing materials and living cells that can allow stem cell manufacture to be fully exploited within tissue regeneration and in blood cancer treatments,” added Reid.

Strathclyde researchers are also part of the VIVO Hub for Enhanced Independent Living, led by the University of Bristol. It has also secured £11 million to develop healthcare technologies for the 6.7 million people in the UK who have age or disability-related mobility issues.

Digital technologies

Working with the NHS, charities and care providers, VIVO devices include clothing that ‘puts itself on’, smart garments to help prevent falls, and soft exosuits to help people get up from a chair, climb stairs and walk for longer. VIVO power clothing combines AI and digital monitoring technologies with on-body energy storage and power delivery to help people go to the shops, meet friends and be active in their communities.

Strathclyde researchers will evaluate the performance and functionality of the prototypes, as well as help develop advanced control systems and strategies to optimise performance.

The University’s lead investigator, Dr Arjan Buis, Biomedical Engineering, said, “A critical aspect of our contribution involves studying the effects of the prototypes on the human body, focusing on how they interact with biological systems to gain insights into how they influence human health and performance and to ensure they are safe and effective.”

Each of the five new hubs, which also include one to create low-cost, portable devices to detect the early signs of cancer by ‘listening’ for sound waves and using optical tools, will deliver a world-leading research programme focused on advancing and developing novel engineering and physical sciences research.

Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair Professor, EPSRC  said, “The five new hubs bring together a wealth of expertise from across academia, industry and charities to improve population health, transform disease prediction and diagnosis, and accelerate the development of new interventions.

“They represent an exciting range of adventurous techniques and approaches that have great potential to improve the lives of millions of people here in the UK and across the world.”