Life Science at KTH

Publication in Nature Communications reveals cellular communication in real-time. Researchers from KTH-SciLifeLab and the University of Padua, Italy, have introduced advanced imaging tools to study how cells communicate. In a recent paper in Nature Communications, the team presented a new technology that allows scientists to observe cellular interactions, specifically focusing on membrane contact sites and calcium signalling, in real-time. These sites are essential areas where different cellular parts come together to exchange molecules, playing a key role in cell function. Traditional imaging struggled to capture these rapid interactions, but this new approach allows high-resolution tracking of these events as they happen. Hjalmar Brismar, Professor at KTH and co-author: "We are excited to have contributed to this study, utilizing the advanced ALM microscopy infrastructure at KTH and SciLifeLab. This collaborative effort exemplifies how KTH's cross-disciplinary approach and state-of-the-art facilities can drive significant advancements in research. Our findings highlight the potential for future discoveries in fundamental cell biology and have implications for understanding complex diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer." Read the study in Nature Communications: https://lnkd.in/giDnqRth

Meet My Hedhammar, Professor of Biotechnology at KTH! My Hedhammar’s research group focuses on development of silk-based solutions for medical applications. They have engineered a recombinant spider silk protein that self-assemble into strong and elastic fibrillar structures when exposed to interfaces. The silk protein FN-silk is functionalized with a defined part of the human extracellular matrix protein fibronectin. Thereby, fibrillar structures of FN-silk mimics the natural matrix in tissue and can be used as a framework for human cells to grow into physiologically relevant models of various tissue in the lab. “With all currently available methods to engineer and analyse at molecular level, we should soon be able to better understand what causes diseases, and how to prevent it. My goal is to develop methods that can be used to combat cancer. Our FN-silk matrix can provide an in vivo-like environment for cells to grow into functional tissue constructs in the lab. Such tissue models, of for example cancer tumours, can be used to better understand disease mechanisms, facilitate drug development, and allow personalized medicine. My dream is to provide methods to implement routines to allow patient-adapted treatments for cancer. With our FN-silk method, we can make patient-specific tumour models, to allow screening of available treatment options in the lab, and thereafter give the patient the best choice, with sufficient effect and minimal side effects.” #LifeScience #GlobalHealth #Biotechnology

Ett samarbete mellan KTH och Region Stockholm m?jligg?r ny forskning som kan f?rb?ttra diagnostiken f?r patienter med stroke eller cancer. H?r Mats Danielsson professor och mottagare av KTH Innovation Award, ber?tta om sin forskning och hur den har utvecklats tack vare medel fr?n den gemensamma forskningsutlysningen H?lsa, medicin och teknik, HMT. L?s mer i artikeln: https://lnkd.in/day3c-ra

On this year's IVA list of research with societal impact, KTH dominates with a total of 31 projects out of just over 100 places.?Here are our fantastic researchers from the list who work with life science! Enabling same-shift antibiotic treatment for sepsis Researchers: Aman Russom and Oana Tudoran “We developed a lab-on-a-chip solution that isolates pure bacteria from blood in <30 minutes, reaching 10,000x higher sensitivity.?Our technology enables same-shift targeted antibiotic treatment, reducing AMR risk, improving clinical outcomes, and saving hospital costs.” Wearable robotics that assists walking and promote activity Researcher: Elena Gutierrez Farewik “Our approach is unique and innovative in that we offer a streamlined and comfortable device that is customized for each person's specific needs." Microspheres for more efficient skin creams Researchers: Theocharis Iordanidis, Niclas Roxhed, Argyris Spyrou, G?ran Stemme and William Ferreira Andrén ”We have developed the Spiked Microspheres platform to solve this by creating temporary pathways in the skin. The ingredient can be added to any cream, boosting ingredient delivery by up to 100x, enabling Next Generation Dermatology.” Human Organs on Chip Researcher: Anna Herland “We have developed different organ systems but focused on the brain and its blood vessels. We can predict whether drugs can reach the brain but also model damage such as bleeding, radiation and genetic defects." Microsampling technology for painless and patient-centric diagnostics Researchers: Federico Ribet, Niclas Roxhed, G?ran Stemme and Szabolcs (Simon) Simon-Guth “Our work focuses on finding minimally-invasive alternatives to collect and store a biological sample (blood or other skin fluids), which are simple and convenient enough to be even used at home." Read about the projects at #IVA100-list: https://lnkd.in/dhBWm_b4 #LifeScience #Antibiotics #Research ?

A new research project at KTH will develop methods for modifying drug candidates using electricity instead of chemical reagents. The goal is to enable new chemical transformations with minimized waste. “The ambition is that the project will result in an expansion of the chemical toolbox with new sustainable methods for chemical synthesis of relevance for the pharmaceutical application,” says Helena Lundberg, Associate Professor in Organic Chemistry at KTH Royal Institute of Technology The project has been granted funding from Stiftelsen f?r strategisk forskning, SSF and will be carried out in collaboration with AstraZeneca. “It feels great to establish stronger ties to the pharmaceutical industry and thereby increase the chance for our academic basic research to become useful in industry-relevant applications,” says Helena Lundberg. Read more: https://lnkd.in/damSYz7C #LifeScience #Pharmaceutical #PhD

Congratulations to Fredrik Stridfeldt on successfully defending his thesis on the Characterisation of single nanovesicles and their potential for cancer diagnostics!?? ?? "The thesis explores how different techniques can enable detailed analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) at the single particle level, providing insights into both the biological and mechanical properties of EVs," explains Fredrik Stridfeldt.?? ?? The research addresses the challenges of monitoring treatment response in early-stage lung cancer. By studying the proteins and mechanical properties in EVs, his work could improve patient outcomes through targeted, real-time monitoring.?? ?? "EVs are remarkable; they reflect their parent cell, carry critical biomarkers and can reveal information about drug response that is valuable for early treatment monitoring. By studying their stiffness and protein expression, we can gain insights into their behaviour, making them powerful tools for monitoring therapeutic progress," Fredrik notes.?? ??? Do you want to read more???? You can find the thesis here: https://lnkd.in/dG4pbESn

Stroke and epilepsy research receives SEK 35 million in funding from MedTechLabs. One research team will focus on technologies to enable individualized treatment of fatal forms of stroke and carotid artery disease. The other will combine imaging technologies to detect the onset of epileptic seizures and thus provide better conditions for surgical treatment. “In addition to a clear link to clinical application, the projects have great potential to contribute to better treatment of broad patient groups both in Sweden and internationally,” Clara Hellner, Chair of MedTechLab, says. The research programs:? “Improving health care in peripheral vascular disease: from population-based to individualized decision-making“? Research leaders are Ulf Hedin, KI and Christian Gasser, KTH. Granted amount: SEK 4.5 million per year 2025 -2029. “Imaging the Epileptic Brain using Multimodal Quantum Sensors”? Research leaders are Daniel Lundqvist, KI and Val Zwiller, KTH. Granted amount: SEK 2.5 million per year 2025 – 2029. Research at both programs is expected to be up and running by January 2025. Read more at MedTechLabs:?https://lnkd.in/dcEDA_QN #LifeScience #Epilepsy #Stroke?

Are you interested in studying Life Science at a master's level? Join the webinar on the 27th?of November at 14.00 CET to learn more about the master’s programme Molecular Techniques in Life Science. Our understanding of biology at a molecular level has advanced dramatically in recent years, enabled by the rapid technological progress in molecular techniques used in all aspects of life science. This has led to the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools for the effective treatment of diseases, as well as novel insights into complex cellular processes at the molecular level. Through the master's programme in Molecular Techniques in Life Science, you will receive a comprehensive education in life science. The programme emphasises cutting-edge methods in bioinformatic analysis of molecular data, including learning how to programme, combined with state-of-the-art techniques used in modern "high throughput" molecular biology. The programme is a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet, KTH and Stockholms universitet (Stockholm University) at the SciLifeLab in Stockholm, offering students the unique opportunity to study at all three institutions. #LifeScience #KTH #GlobalHealth Read more about the programme:? https://lnkd.in/diBkPBVH Register for the webinar:? https://lnkd.in/dvSZST-y?

KTH-studenten William Ferreira Andrén har i samband med sitt ex-jobb vid Stanford arbetat med att vidareutveckla och verifiera anv?ndningen av avancerad mikrosf?rteknik. Dessa mikrosf?rer, utvecklade av KTH-forskare, g?r att ingredienser och best?ndsdelar i kosmetika och mediciner tr?nger in upp till 100 g?nger mer effektivt i huden. – Tekniken fungerar s? att de sm?, sf?rerna skapar tillf?lliga kanaler i huden, vilket g?r att hudkr?m eller l?kemedel kan tr?nga in djupare. Sf?rernas taggiga design bidrar till att de, n?r kr?men sm?rjs in, rullar ?ver hudytan och samtidigt skapar upp till 200 sm? h?l per sf?r inom 10 sekunder. 25 mikrosf?rer skapar 5 000 sm? h?l p? samma tid, s?ger William Ferreira Andrén, som till?gger att tekniken ?r sm?rtfri. Niclas Roxhed och Theocharis Iordanidis ?r forskarna bakom tekniken. L?s hela artikeln: https://lnkd.in/dAZy3Hpw

Congratulations álvaro Morales López, PhD, on defending your thesis on polymer surface topography in life science applications!? “As the future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing moves toward?complex 3D-printing?of bioprocess-compatible materials, there is an increasing demand for high-resolution, corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand the rigorous conditions of bioprocessing,” álvaro Morales López says. álvaro’s thesis focuses on optimizing the surface properties of polymeric materials fabricated through AM (additive manufacturing) for life science applications. It tackles the challenge of creating clean, durable, and biocompatible surfaces essential for both bioprocessing and tissue engineering. “Additive manufacturing is transforming how we fabricate biopharmaceutical equipment and medical implants. Traditional methods fall short when it comes to producing complex geometries with precise surface properties that are needed for sterile environments. My work helps address critical issues in bioprocessing, such as bacterial adhesion and contamination risks, and provides solutions to produce more durable, cleanable, and functional components, which can ultimately reduce costs and improve patient safety in healthcare.” álvaro Morales López’s project is part of the?AM4Life Competence Centre, which brings together over 20 partners from academia, industry, and the public sector to drive the development of new technologies in the life sciences. What will you be doing now, álvaro? “Now, I’ll be dedicating myself to my startup, Akira Science, where we are developing degradable implants for breast cancer survivors.” Read more:?https://lnkd.in/dWqEdQNs ?? #LifeScience #3D-printing?#AdditiveManufacturing?