PhD defence
Microphysiological liver systems for in vitro modeling and industry implementation
- F.F. Bonanini
- Date
- Thursday 3 April 2025
- Time
- Location
-
Academy Building
Rapenburg 73
2311 GJ Leiden
Supervisor(s)
- Prof.dr. T. Hankemeier
- dr. D. Kurek (Mimetas B.V.)
Summary
This study concentrated on creating advanced, miniature liver models called liver microphysiological systems (MPS). These models are designed to mimic the cellular structure of the liver to improve drug testing and decrease dependence on animal studies. A key challenge in implementing these systems is that greater biological complexity often leads to reduced usability, increased operational difficulties, and higher costs, which can impede their acceptance in the pharmaceutical sector. The research demonstrated that sophisticated liver MPS, constructed using diverse liver cells and an integrated blood vessel network, can be produced on a large scale within a platform that meets technical requirements and supports assays with the quality and consistency needed for industry use. In particular, this work explores critical elements of MPS development, including the selection of cell sources and practical approaches to achieving biological complexity, and the incorporation of a functional vascular network. The societal importance is evident: enhanced liver models could improve drug testing for diseases like diabetes and liver fibrosis, ultimately benefiting human health and reducing the costs of drug development.
PhD dissertations
Approximately one week after the defence, PhD dissertations by Leiden PhD students are available digitally through the Leiden Repository, that offers free access to these PhD dissertations. Please note that in some cases a dissertation may be under embargo temporarily and access to its full-text version will only be granted later.
Press enquiries (journalists only)
+31 (0)71 527 1521
nieuws@leidenuniv.nl
General information
Beadle's Office
pedel@bb.leidenuniv.nl
+31 71 527 7211