Tiny Machines Working to Elucidate Mechanisms of Cerebrovascular Pathologies

Project Details:

CMT-DN is a European Doctoral Network that will train 14 PhD researchers across nine countries, focusing on the development of tiny machines (TMs) for advanced drug delivery to the brain. These TMs are engineered to:

-Deliver precise doses of therapeutic substances to targeted brain areas

-Maintain functionality under varying physiological conditions

-Improve drug bioavailability

-Minimise side effects and preserve healthy tissue

The project integrates brain-on-chip platforms (VRAINORG)—3D vascularised brain organoids within microphysiological systems (MPs)—to test and refine these TMs in both healthy and disease models. This approach replaces traditional animal testing, accelerating clinical translation and reducing costs.

CMT-DN brings together five academic and four industry partners, supported by additional academic and industry associates, including one from the US. The programme offers interdisciplinary training in biomimetic therapeutic systems, brain-on-chip technologies, and emerging non-animal testing methods. It aims to develop a new generation of researchers equipped to lead innovation in cerebrovascular disease treatment and next-generation therapeutic systems.

Dr Mihai Lomora, Project Lead

Dr Mihai Lomora is an Assistant Professor of (Bio)material Chemistry in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, a Research Ireland CÚRAM Funded Investigator, and an active member of the Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation at the University of Galway. Mihai leads the CerebroMachines Lab, which focuses on the (bio)engineering and integration of therapeutic drug delivery systems with organ-on-chip platforms.

Contact Details: Dr Mihai Lomora, Project Lead & Lecturer in Bio(Material) Chemistry, University of Galway

Email: c mt-dn@universityofgalway.ie

More details coming soon