All three research teams and are part of the VU AIMMS institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s molecular research accelerator, What are the projects about and who are in the lead?
Advancing colorectal cancer treatment - Felix Paulussen
Felix Paulussen is working on project Ninetac, a new treatment for colorectal cancer which affects 1.9 million people annually and almost 1 million die as a consequence. Currently, surgery is the main treatment option, but Paulussen is developing a targeted therapy that focuses on a underlying cause at the level of gene activation, which could provide a more potent and selective drug.
Scaling up laboratory evolution of microorganisms - Jeroen Koendjbiharie
Researcher Jeroen Koendjbiharie is leading Evoducta—a groundbreaking project focused on scaling up laboratory evolution of microorganisms, which play a crucial role in biotechnology and food industries. Under the guidance of Herwig Bachmann, Koendjbiharie and his team have developed a technology that significantly accelerates and enhances the cultivation of microorganisms compared to current methods.
Wellbeing and mental health through bolstering gut bacteria - Remco Kort
Recent studies have shown a connection between gut bacteria and mental health, mediated by the gut-brain axis. Taking a holistic approach to these findings, microbiome researcher Fleur van Eeden, part of Remco Kort's team, is developing the ‘Happy Bar’—a fermented oat bar containing bacteria that positively impact the gut microbiome and are specifically aimed at enhancing mental well-being.
Innovative biosensors for cancer diagnosis - Imran Avci
With around 1.8 million new cases per year, lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths globally. Imran Avci and team will further develop new patented detection technology and new sensing concepts, taking a significant step toward bringing innovative biosensors to market.
About Biotech Booster
The Biotech Booster programme has been awarded a grant of € 250M from the National Growth Fund (Nationaal Groeifonds), with the aim for better conversion of biotechnological knowledge into business. In order to carry out the programme, various knowledge institutes from all over the Netherland have worked over the past year to apply for the programme.