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<div class="block title" style="margin-top: 40px"><h3 style="text-align: left;">Developing a Project Idea</h3></div> | <div class="block title" style="margin-top: 40px"><h3 style="text-align: left;">Developing a Project Idea</h3></div> | ||
<div class="block full"> | <div class="block full"> | ||
− | <p>After assembling our team, we spent the first two months in brainstorming sessions, researching potential topics for this year’s competition. A team member presented us the field of bionic | + | <p>After assembling our team, we spent the first two months in brainstorming sessions, researching potential topics for this year’s competition. A team member presented us the field of bionic prostheses, and we were all shocked by the number of people who were suffering from an amputation. His first idea was to use the capacity of bacteria to drive an electrical current to amplify the signal between the patient’s nerves and electrical sensors linked to a prosthesis. This way, redirection of nerves would not be necessary and the patient would be able to accomplish more natural actions. </p> |
− | <p>When we started to look more in details the field of prosthesis and implants, we realized that along with device loosening or malfunctions and foreign-material reactions, infection remains the most serious problems encountered with surgical implants. We quickly learned that biofilm formation is common to all types of implanted foreign-body infections. Indeed, the high susceptibility of implanted devices to infection is due to a locally acquired host defense deficiency. Thus, this persistence at a specific site is mainly caused by the rapid formation of a biofilm, which is resistant to host defense and antimicrobial agents as a result of reduced access and diffusion characteristics within it. We then decided to integrate this aspect inside our project: while favoring the growth of the nerve and the conduction of a signal through a bacterial interface, we could also diminish the risk of infection. At first, we wanted to find a system to directly kill the <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, but after talking with | + | <p>When we started to look more in details the field of prosthesis and implants, we realized that along with device loosening or malfunctions and foreign-material reactions, infection remains the most serious problems encountered with surgical implants. We quickly learned that biofilm formation is common to all types of implanted foreign-body infections. Indeed, the high susceptibility of implanted devices to infection is due to a locally acquired host defense deficiency. Thus, this persistence at a specific site is mainly caused by the rapid formation of a biofilm, which is resistant to host defense and antimicrobial agents as a result of reduced access and diffusion characteristics within it. We then decided to integrate this aspect inside our project: while favoring the growth of the nerve and the conduction of a signal through a bacterial interface, we could also diminish the risk of infection. At first, we wanted to find a system to directly kill the <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, but after talking with Pr. Jean-Marc Ghigo (Genetics of Biofilm Unit, Institut Pasteur), we realized that the biofilm configuration would give us some hard time and require extra steps to manipulate. We decided to shift our goal, and rather than killing <i>S. aureus</i>, we would limit the virulence of the bacteria and restrict its ability to form a biofilm. This could be achieved by subverting the quorum sensing of the pathogenic bacteria and blocking the signal. In this way, <i>S. aureus</i> could be handled by the host’s immune system and by the patient’s doctor with a normal dosage of antibiotics.</p> |
<p>In order to learn more about the significance of these issues in the medical field, we interviewed many professionals working either directly with patients, industries working on high tech metallic or ceramic implants, and amputees through the contact of ADEPA « Association for the Defense and Study of Amputated People ». Through all this work, we were invited for many tours, first at the European Hospital George-Pompidou where we had the chance to observe Dr. Benjamin Bouyer M.D., a lumbar rachis surgeon, during surgery to see the procedures put in place to diminish the risk of infection during the integration of an implant inside the body.</p> | <p>In order to learn more about the significance of these issues in the medical field, we interviewed many professionals working either directly with patients, industries working on high tech metallic or ceramic implants, and amputees through the contact of ADEPA « Association for the Defense and Study of Amputated People ». Through all this work, we were invited for many tours, first at the European Hospital George-Pompidou where we had the chance to observe Dr. Benjamin Bouyer M.D., a lumbar rachis surgeon, during surgery to see the procedures put in place to diminish the risk of infection during the integration of an implant inside the body.</p> | ||
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<div class="block title"><h3 style="text-align: left;">Conceptualizing our Proof of Concept </h3></div> | <div class="block title"><h3 style="text-align: left;">Conceptualizing our Proof of Concept </h3></div> | ||
<div class="block full"> | <div class="block full"> | ||
− | <p>When conceptualizing our proof of concept device, we decided to design a microfluidic chip to simulate the actions that would occur inside the patient’s body. The chip would be capable of measuring the neuronal signal as well as the conductivity of the biofilm, letting us know whether our system would work correctly inside a prosthetic. After talking with many professionals such as Dr. Heng Lu (ESPCI) and Dr. Ayako Yamada (ENS, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris), we first designed a PDMS microfluidic chip with a vitreous carbon electrode to measure the signals. After talking with Dr. Catherine Villard (Institut Curie, Paris) and Dr. Frederic Khanoufi (University Paris Diderot—ITODYS), an electrochemist, we realized this type of electrode was highly sensitive, perhaps too sensitive for our type of device, and not adaptable to the size of our microfluidic chip. Guided by their advice, we switched to gold electrodes and started the fabrication process of the different type of chips at the Pierre Gilles de Gennes Institute. After attending the iCOE 2018, we learned about PEDOT (poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate ), and its conductive properties. As we also wanted to confine our bacteria so they would not harm our neuronal cells, we partnered with <a href="https://www.sterlitech.com">Sterlitech</a>, and tested nanoporous polycarbonate membranes coated in gold as well as nanoporous alumina oxide membrane coated in PEDOT: PSS, PEDOT: CL and PEDOT: TS. This way, we could still measure the neuronal signal and the conductivity of the biofilm while protecting the cells from getting eaten by the bacteria. </p> | + | <p>When conceptualizing our proof of concept device, we decided to design a microfluidic chip to simulate the actions that would occur inside the patient’s body. The chip would be capable of measuring the neuronal signal as well as the conductivity of the biofilm, letting us know whether our system would work correctly inside a prosthetic. After talking with many professionals such as Dr. Heng Lu (ESPCI) and Dr. Ayako Yamada (ENS, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris), we first designed a PDMS microfluidic chip with a vitreous carbon electrode to measure the signals. After talking with Dr. Catherine Villard (Institut Curie, Paris) and Dr. Frederic Khanoufi (University Paris Diderot—ITODYS), an electrochemist, we realized this type of electrode was highly sensitive, perhaps too sensitive for our type of device, and not adaptable to the size of our microfluidic chip. Guided by their advice, we switched to gold electrodes and started the fabrication process of the different type of chips at the Pierre Gilles de Gennes Institute. After attending the iCOE 2018, we learned about PEDOT (poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate ), and its conductive properties. As we also wanted to confine our bacteria so they would not harm our neuronal cells, we partnered with <a href="https://www.sterlitech.com"style="font-weight: bold ; color:#85196a;" target="__blank">Sterlitech</a>, and tested nanoporous polycarbonate membranes coated in gold as well as nanoporous alumina oxide membrane coated in PEDOT: PSS, PEDOT: CL and PEDOT: TS. This way, we could still measure the neuronal signal and the conductivity of the biofilm while protecting the cells from getting eaten by the bacteria. </p> |
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2018/e/e6/T--Pasteur_Paris--Ghigo.png"> | <img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2018/e/e6/T--Pasteur_Paris--Ghigo.png"> | ||
− | <p><i> | + | <p><i>Pr. Jean-Marc Ghigo is the head of the Genetics of Biofilms Unit at Institut Pasteur. He is interested in the mechanisms involved in infections independent of a material, and infection linked to an implanted material. </i></p> |
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<h4 style="text-align: left;">Interview with Jean-Marc Victor, Ph.D. </h4> | <h4 style="text-align: left;">Interview with Jean-Marc Victor, Ph.D. </h4> | ||
− | <p>Dr. Jean-Marc Victor was a real help for our modeling team. After presenting him the project, that he was very fond of, he helped us | + | <p>Dr. Jean-Marc Victor was a real help for our modeling team. After presenting him the project, that he was very fond of, he helped us with the modeling of the growth of the neurons when we faced problems. His dynamism and interest for our project really helped us to finish our modeling, and in consequence, our in vitro primary culture. </p> |
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<div class="block title"><h3 style="text-align: left;">CERAH</h3></div> | <div class="block title"><h3 style="text-align: left;">CERAH</h3></div> | ||
<div class="block two-third"> | <div class="block two-third"> | ||
− | <p>Thanks to Jean-Pascal Hons-Olivier’s generosity and his prosthetist, Didier Azoulay, we visited CERAH, center of studies and research on | + | <p>Thanks to Jean-Pascal Hons-Olivier’s generosity and his prosthetist, Didier Azoulay, we visited CERAH, the center of studies and research on equipment for disabled persons. We attended a course on prostheses with students in physical therapy. Also, we had the opportunity to see a step of prosthesis fabrication: namely stump molding for its sleeve. During this afternoon, we discovered osseointegration as a surgical technique to implant the prosthesis. Most of the time, the arm or leg’s prostheses aren’t integrated into the body but just attached to the body by a silicon sleeve which maintains the device by creating the vacuum. We understood that this method causes an excessive transpiration due to the sleeve and can generate pain on the bone’s end. Encouraged by these observations and due to the fact that we need a physical link between the body’s inside and the prosthesis, we chose osseointegration to NeuronArch project.</p> |
</div> | </div> | ||
<div class="block one-third"> | <div class="block one-third"> | ||
− | <img src=""> | + | <img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2018/1/1b/T--Pasteur_Paris--CERAH3.jpg"> |
<div class="legend"></div> | <div class="legend"></div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div class="block title"><h3 style="text-align: left;">i.CERAM </h3></div> | <div class="block title"><h3 style="text-align: left;">i.CERAM </h3></div> | ||
<div class="block two-third"> | <div class="block two-third"> | ||
− | <p>i.CERAM based in Limoges, France, was founded in 2005 and is designing, manufacturing and marketing high-tech implants for various joints of the human body. The marriage of different ceramic materials and processes is one of the main features of the company. Thus, the clinical experience, combined with compressive strength qualities, | + | <p>i.CERAM based in Limoges, France, was founded in 2005 and is designing, manufacturing and marketing high-tech implants for various joints of the human body. The marriage of different ceramic materials and processes is one of the main features of the company. Thus, the clinical experience, combined with compressive strength qualities, osseocompatibility or decreased friction ceramics are exploited in the design of new implants of the company. The best seller of the company is a ceramic implant charged in antibiotics. </p> |
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2018/e/e3/T--Pasteur_Paris--iceram2.png"> | <img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2018/e/e3/T--Pasteur_Paris--iceram2.png"> | ||
− | <div class="legend"> | + | <div class="legend">Porous Ceramic</div> |
</div> | </div> | ||
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<div class="block full"> | <div class="block full"> | ||
− | <p>IRAMIS is at the Saclay Institute of Matter and Radiation | + | <p>IRAMIS is at the Saclay Institute of Matter and Radiation and is the second institute in size of the CEA Fundamental Research Division. Inside IRAMIS there are projects directly linked to nanoscience for the technology of information and health, the interaction between matter, radiation and low-carbon energy applications. </p> |
</div> | </div> | ||
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</br> | </br> | ||
<p>Since NeuronArch is a project directly linked to handicap, we decided to get involved with the Mairie de Paris to make Paris a more accessible town for disabled people by creating new markings and signs in direct connection with the Paralympic games. For this, we contacted the Paris City Hall to make this project in collaboration, especially in preparation for 2024 Paralympics in Paris. </p> | <p>Since NeuronArch is a project directly linked to handicap, we decided to get involved with the Mairie de Paris to make Paris a more accessible town for disabled people by creating new markings and signs in direct connection with the Paralympic games. For this, we contacted the Paris City Hall to make this project in collaboration, especially in preparation for 2024 Paralympics in Paris. </p> | ||
− | <p>First, we contacted Cyril Cartron by phone. He was determined to help us. He gave us the contact of Marion Liard, in charge of handicap events. After some emails, she put us in contact with the cabinet of Nicolas Nordman, deputy mayor of the Paris City Hall, responsible for all issues concerning disabled people and their accessibility. This cabinet will contact us for a | + | <p>First, we contacted Cyril Cartron by phone. He was determined to help us. He gave us the contact of Marion Liard, in charge of handicap events. After some emails, she put us in contact with the cabinet of Nicolas Nordman, deputy mayor of the Paris City Hall, responsible for all issues concerning disabled people and their accessibility. This cabinet will contact us for a conciliation meeting, the December 3rd, to discuss with specialists during the International Handicap Day. Thus, we are eager to do this meeting with them! </p> |
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<p> As shown by the map above, there are <b> two common sections </b>: the first part includes general questions, synthetic biology, and biofilms for all, and the second part to collect feedback and opinions. Then, <b> a specific section about infections aimed at health professional </b> in the field of prostheses. This choice enabled us to collect relevant information concerning the project NeuronArch and to achieve the third goal of this survey. | <p> As shown by the map above, there are <b> two common sections </b>: the first part includes general questions, synthetic biology, and biofilms for all, and the second part to collect feedback and opinions. Then, <b> a specific section about infections aimed at health professional </b> in the field of prostheses. This choice enabled us to collect relevant information concerning the project NeuronArch and to achieve the third goal of this survey. | ||
− | Besides the distinction between general public and medical professionals, we wanted to differentiate <b> their various levels in biology </b>. Therefore, we asked a question | + | Besides the distinction between general public and medical professionals, we wanted to differentiate <b> their various levels in biology </b>. Therefore, we asked a question about their science education level. This question helped us to analyze answers about synthetic biology for example. |
<i> After defining goals, different populations and framework of our survey, we had to think on how to analyze the results. </i> </p> | <i> After defining goals, different populations and framework of our survey, we had to think on how to analyze the results. </i> </p> | ||
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<div class="block half"> | <div class="block half"> | ||
<p> This approach was adopted just after collecting our first answers. The last section of the survey is dedicated to public’s opinion and feedback about the survey. With this section, we can gather all criticism and advice to improve the survey (and the project too!). </p> | <p> This approach was adopted just after collecting our first answers. The last section of the survey is dedicated to public’s opinion and feedback about the survey. With this section, we can gather all criticism and advice to improve the survey (and the project too!). </p> | ||
− | <img src= "https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2018/ | + | <img src= "https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2018/f/f1/T--Pasteur_Paris--SurveyApproachBis.png"> |
<div class="legend"><b>Figure 2:</b> Our survey methodology</div> | <div class="legend"><b>Figure 2:</b> Our survey methodology</div> | ||
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<div class="block title"> | <div class="block title"> | ||
<h1>Data analysis</h1></div> | <h1>Data analysis</h1></div> | ||
− | <div class= "block full"> <p> See all our data in this <a href="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2018/6/6d/T--Pasteur_Paris--Survey_Answers.xlsx">Excel file.</a></p></div> | + | <div class= "block full"> <p> See all our data in this <a href="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2018/6/6d/T--Pasteur_Paris--Survey_Answers.xlsx"style="font-weight: bold ; color:#85196a;" target="__blank">Excel file.</a></p></div> |
<div class="block title"> | <div class="block title"> | ||
<h2>Population</h2></div> | <h2>Population</h2></div> | ||
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</br> | </br> | ||
<p>As our product is meant to be a medical device and inserted in the human body, an important question would be: would people accept to wear our prosthesis? | <p>As our product is meant to be a medical device and inserted in the human body, an important question would be: would people accept to wear our prosthesis? | ||
− | We wanted to have the most honest answer to this question, therefore, we paid attention to the way we asked the question. The way we put it, therefore, was « If necessary and if a NeuronArch prosthesis were available on the market, would you be ready to integrate it to your body, or if they were in a category of health | + | We wanted to have the most honest answer to this question, therefore, we paid attention to the way we asked the question. The way we put it, therefore, was « If necessary and if a NeuronArch prosthesis were available on the market, would you be ready to integrate it to your body, or if they were in a category of health professionals, would they recommend such a medical device, integrating genetically modified organisms? ». |
− | We were surprised by the rate a positive answer to this question. Indeed, only 11% of those polled answered they would not accept to wear our device. Among health professionals, 36,5% would | + | We were surprised by the rate a positive answer to this question. Indeed, only 11% of those polled answered they would not accept to wear our device. Among health professionals, 36,5% would recommend our prosthesis to their patients, whereas 54,5% do not know and about 9% would not recommend our device. It is important to point out the fact that the same percentages are found concerning their answers to the question "would you wear a Neuronarch prosthesis?". </p></div> |
<div class ="block two-third center"> | <div class ="block two-third center"> | ||
<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2018/0/03/T--Pasteur_Paris--Survey_WearNeuronArch.png"> | <img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2018/0/03/T--Pasteur_Paris--Survey_WearNeuronArch.png"> |
Latest revision as of 14:29, 10 November 2018