The Three P's of Science: Passion, Patience, and Perseverance

"In my lab, passion, patience, and perseverance are the cornerstones of our research," declares Professor Angelo Accardo, the mastermind behind groundbreaking work at the Delft University of Technology. His team delves into the mysteries of the human brain, armed with these essential qualities.

Innovative Engineered Scaffolds for Tissue Growth

Accardo's lab is pioneering the development of engineered scaffolds—microenvironments that nurture human tissue growth in ways that mimic natural conditions. By studying these environments, the team seeks deep insights into brain cell functions, unlocking revolutionary treatment options.

A Game-Changer in Glioblastoma Treatment

One of their most ambitious projects, in partnership with the Leiden University Medical Center and the Holland Proton Therapy Center, targets glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer originating from astrocytes. This aggressive tumor spreads rapidly, underscoring the urgent need for effective therapies.

Enter proton therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that precisely focuses on cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue, significantly reducing damage compared to traditional X-ray treatments. Accardo's team is developing 3D models that closely mimic in vivo tumor environments, allowing for detailed assessments of tissue responses to this promising therapy.

Creating Microstructures with Precision

Using the advanced two-photon polymerization (2PP) technique, researchers employ laser beams to create intricate 3D microstructures with remarkable precision—down to 200 nanometers. Accardo emphasizes that these 3D models better replicate brain conditions than traditional 2D structures, offering hope for improved treatment benchmarks.

Exploring Autism and Genetic Disorders

The Accardo lab also focuses on intriguing links between autism and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a rare genetic disorder that spawns non-cancerous tumors. Biomedical engineering master’s student Azza Jacobs is at the forefront of this research, creating engineered cell microenvironments and brain organoids that can serve as early markers for autism diagnosis.

To circumvent the challenges of invasive brain tissue collection from children, Jacobs utilizes induced pluripotent stem cells from patients’ reprogrammed skin cells, nurturing them within controlled scaffolds. This innovative approach addresses the common pitfalls of conventional organoid culture and aids in studying the biology of healthy and TSC-impacted brain cells.

Pushing the Envelope in Bone Tissue Engineering

Beyond brain research, the Accardo lab is ambitiously venturing into bone tissue culture. The team collaborates with the Department of Biomechanical Engineering to design meta-biomaterials that enhance bone cell mechanobiology. Such advancements could lead to better implant designs, particularly for total hip replacements, aiming to optimize interactions with host tissues.

A Vision for Patient-Centric Solutions

With their unwavering dedication encapsulated in the three P's, Accardo is optimistic about translating scientific discoveries into real-world patient benefits. He envisions a future where glioblastoma treatments involve minimally invasive biopsies, allowing for tailored proton therapy dosages derived from cultured tumor cells.

"In ten years, I hope our techniques will revolutionize how we approach brain cancer therapy, directly enhancing patient outcomes," Accardo concludes, highlighting the lab's commitment to serving those most in need.