Cellular Analysis with Multi-Sample MRI Platform

Objective

CAMP project seeks to translate the hyperpolarisation-enhanced magnetic resonance metabolic imaging platform, developed under the ERC-funded project Lifetime Metabolomics for Paediatric Liver Cancer Detection and Therapy Assessment Using Organ-on-Chip Platforms (LIFETIME), into a commercially viable solution for multi-sample metabolic analysis. This Proof of Concept (PoC) grant will focus on validating the platform's commercial viability, technical feasibility and IP positioning, with the ultimate goal of moving towards commercialisation in research and clinical environments, particularly for rare disease applications. The platform integrates microfluidic chips capable of cell media recirculation and hyperpolarised substrate injection with multi-channel MRI technology, enabling the simultaneous analysis of up to 30 samples. This integration will significantly improve signal-to-noise ratio and throughput, reducing the number of cells required per sample by over 50%, which is crucial for rare diseases like hepatoblastoma where patient material is limited. We will refine and test the system in both preclinical and clinical settings, validating its performance and scalability. In parallel, we will explore commercialisation pathways and establish an intellectual property strategy to ensure protection and enable future licensing or partnerships. By enabling high-throughput, high-sensitivity metabolic profiling, this project has the potential to provide deeper insights into disease mechanisms and treatment response, paving the way for personalised medicine and more informed drug administration strategies.