Collaborative research to tackle pulmonary hypertension associated with fibrosis

Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disease that affects the pulmonary arteries, hindering the transport of blood from the heart to the lungs. When this condition is associated with fibrotic processes, diagnosis and treatment become even more complex, and the prognosis can worsen significantly.

At the Leartiker technology centre, we are participating in the bmG24 project, a collaborative research initiative focused on developing new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for this specific form of pulmonary hypertension. The project focuses on identifying innovative biomarkers and validating alternative methods of clinical monitoring, with the aim of improving diagnostic accuracy and optimising response to treatment.

Bioreactor capable of simulating the mechanism of the pulmonary environment

Leartiker's contribution to this initiative focuses on the design and development of a bioreactor capable of mimicking the pulmonary environment. One of the key aspects of this mimicry is the ability to reproduce respiratory movements, i.e., the bioreactor can cause the expansion and contraction of lung tissue in the ex vivo models cultivated within it. To carry out this work, Leartiker has designed a bioreactor with a flexible base to which different deformations can be applied and has acquired a precision mechanical actuator. The entire system (bioreactor and mechanical actuator) can be placed in a laboratory incubator, which will allow controlled physiological conditions to be maintained during the tests.

The bioreactor, which is currently in the design and development stage, will enable:

• the transport of tissue models in viable conditions;
• optical quality to facilitate imaging to monitor the temporal evolution of the tissue;
• the spraying of different treatments through a lid specifically designed for this purpose.

These capabilities are key to studying diseases such as pulmonary hypertension and evaluating the response to different treatments in real time, without the need for animal models.

Towards personalised medicine

Thanks to this technology, it will be possible to test different treatments and analyse their efficacy more accurately, representing a significant advance in the development of personalised therapeutic tools for pulmonary hypertension.

The bmG24 project not only represents a technological advance in the study of pulmonary hypertension, but also has great potential to improve biomedical research. The technology developed could increase the biological validity of trials and contribute to the more accurate validation of innovative therapies. This approach reinforces Leartiker's commitment to ethical research, providing sustainable biomedical solutions that are aligned with the principles of responsible research.

Collaborative research

The bmG24 project, funded by the SPRI Group and the Basque Government through the ELKARTEK 2024 programme, involves a strong consortium of scientific and technological entities from the Basque Country, which contribute their expertise in key areas such as biomaterials, neuroscience, health, chemistry, energy, visual interaction and medical technologies. Collaborators include the Cooperative Research Centre for Biomaterials (CIC BiomaGUNE), the BCBL Basque Centre on Cognition - Brain and Language, the Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute, the Gaiker Foundation, the Cidetec Foundation, the Tecnalia Research & Innovation Foundation, the Vicomtech Visual Interaction and Communications Technologies Centre Foundation, and Leartiker S. Coop.

This multidisciplinary collaboration reinforces the project's potential to generate innovative solutions with real clinical impact.