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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 8: Poster Session Ia

BP 8.25: Poster

Monday, March 18, 2024, 18:00–20:30, Poster C

Studying extracellular vesicle-mediated cell communication in flow networks for drug delivery system development — •Jan Jedryszek, Fatemeh Mirzapour, and Karen Alim — School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound particles produced by cells and released into the bloodstream, functioning as vital information carriers within the body. They transfer molecules like proteins and RNA, significantly influencing intercellular communication and physiological processes. Functioning similarly to data packets in a network, EVs are key in cell-to-cell signaling. EVs from immune cells, such as dendritic cells and B cells, are pivotal in transferring molecules for adaptive immune responses against pathogens and tumors.

Our research focuses on elucidating this mechanism of long-range cellular communication and leveraging these insights to enhance drug delivery methods. We are investigating both natural EV*s and synthetic vesicles, the latter of which are loaded with surface proteins and CRISPR-Cas12 gene editing tools, infused into a vasculature-on-a-chip system developed in our lab. By analyzing binding and fusion rates in a flow network, we intend to deepen our understanding of the natural role of extracellular vesicles in intercellular communication within the body and advance drug delivery techniques.

Keywords: fluid dynamics; membranes and vesicles; on-chip vasculature; organoids; drug delivery