Projects / Programmes
Elektroporacija v biologiji, biotehnologiji in medicini (Slovene)
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.06.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Systems and cybernetics |
|
| 1.02.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.11 |
Engineering and Technology |
Other engineering and technologies |
Researchers (26)
Organisations (1)
Significance for science
Within the research programme we addressed some of the important chalenges: development of new cancer treatments (electrochemotherapy); nonviral gene delivery for gene therapy of acquiered and inherited diseases, as well as development of new reliable soft tissue ablation methods. These topics can also be found on the agenda of EU and other relevant international authorities. Gene therapy is a promissing approach in a number of diseases which are currently not treatable succesfully. It has been suggested that electroporation as a nonviral approach in gene delivery may represent improvement over viral gene transfection methods. In the framework of our work developing new electroporation based technologies and treatments, new knowledge was and is being obtained, allowing complete understanding of electroporation from the membrane to the tissue level. Apart from the applications aimed at medical treatments, we expanded the knowledge and the use of electroporation on the topic of biotechnology and food processing. In food industry, electroporation, in addition to having excellent pasteurization effect, shows great promise for extraction of juice from fruits and vegetables. Electroporation also shows tremendous potential in sugar extraction from sugar beet. To obtain a similar sugar yield, the required energy input with electroporation is much lower compared to the thermal treatement commonly used for sugar production. We have also shown the efficacy of electroporation for the extraction of biologically relevant molecules based on electrically induced changes in the cell membrane leading to leakage of intracellular molecules, demonstrated in bacteria, yeast and microalgae. Extraction of proteins, lipids, pDNA can be performed in laboratory, but also on a large scale by using a flow-through electroporation system. Extraction of these molecules by means of electroporation shows great promise, as it is reproducible, continuous, quick, cost-effective and can be easily incorporated into existing production lines.
Significance for the country
The results obtained within the proposed programme will allow introduction of new methods, procedures and treatments to Slovenia in both, academic as well as business environment. The results of our research have already in the past brought direct benefit to both domestic and foreign companies and these collaborations will be maintained and strengthened in the future. Our strong collaboration with three top public medical institutions in Slovenia: University Medical Centres in Ljubljana and Maribor, and Institute of Oncology in Ljubljana ensure direct transfer of any and all clinically-relevant achievements of the research programme. This transfer of knowledge was and still is contributing to improved recognition of the hospitals and to accessibility of newly developed treatment modalities to patients in Slovenia. The results obtained in the context of this programme allowed for introduction of new methods, technologies and treatments in Slovenia, offering ample opportunities for training of students and researchers, as well as extensive student and personnel exchange, due to its strong international connections. Regular organization of Electroporation-based Technologies and Treatments postgraduate course and workshop continues to attract researchers and postgraduate students from around the world to Slovenia. The leadership in the COST TD1104 Action (chair/coordinator: Prof. Dr. Damijan Miklavčič) further strengthens the visibility of Slovenian science in the world. The main event which will be organized by COST TD1104 Action will be the 1st Wolrd Congress on Electroporation held in Portorož, Slovenia from September 6-10, 2015.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
