Identification number: 1.1.1.3/1./24/A/156
Type: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Duration: 01.05.2025. – 30.04.2027.
Total funding: 855 505 EUR
ERDF funding: 596 287 EUR
Cooperation partner: Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
Responsible person from ISSP UL: Dr. Viviana Andrea Claveria Pizarro
Project MIRACLE aims to develop a real-time monitoring platform of critical analytes in organ-on-chip models by integrating multi-modal sensors into a disposable add-on container based on optical fluorescence quenching and impedance spectroscopy. The proposed solution will integrate optical sensing for oxygen, glucose, and pH, as well as impedance spectroscopy for tissue integrity monitoring. Optical sensors will be embedded in a single-use container, providing an efficient and scalable platform for advanced monitoring without compromising the physiological relevance of the model. The impedance spectroscopy unit will be integrated into the manifold of Cellbox Labs instrument thus providing a comprehensive next generation organ-on-chip platform. This project will address critical gaps in current organ-on-chip technology, including the absence of real-time monitoring for vital parameters that significantly affect cellular viability and experimental outcomes.
PROJECT PROGRESS
01.04.2026. - 30.06.2026.
During the reporting period, the new container reservoirs were received, and work has progressed on testing three interfaces: the reservoir lid–pneumatic board interface, the reservoir lid–reservoir interface, and the reservoir–Cellbox Labs Ultem manifold interface. For the Ultem manifold interface, three compression base variants with different heights were manufactured to enable different levels of compression of the E-140 molded sealing ring. The pneumatic board interface was redesigned and tested and currently meets the required sealing performance specifications.
The latest printed circuit board (PCB) designs were received, and the ULTEM manifold as well as the metallic housing of the remaining manifold assembly were modified accordingly to accommodate integration of the new PCBs. Experimental validation of the developed PCBs is currently being carried out using standardized reference fluids to characterize their performance under controlled and reproducible conditions. The radio-frequency characteristics of the system are being evaluated by analyzing both the reflected signals and the corresponding scattering parameters S₁₁ and S₂₂, as well as the transmitted signals characterized by the S₂₁ and S₁₂ parameters.
Work has also commenced on the quantitative characterization of the reference model. The permeability of the cellular barrier is currently being evaluated, together with the effect of flow rate fluctuations on its integrity and functional properties. The obtained results will allow determination of the expected baseline permeability variability under standardized conditions, which will subsequently serve as a reference level for assessing barrier status using impedance spectroscopy.
01.02.2026. - 31.03.2026.
During this reporting period, testing of O-ring seals revealed that the tolerance required to keep the O-ring securely in place is very small, creating a risk of developing a design with low manufacturing yield. As a result, in collaboration with the injection molding partner, the reservoir design was finalized using a two-shot (2K) molding process and TOPAS E-140 material.
The PCB designs were also redesigned because several boards contained components that had entered their end-of-life (sunset) period, meaning the original design would not have been sustainable in the long term. Initial PCB testing was carried out to verify circuit functionality.
01.11.2025. - 31.01.2026.
During the reporting period, the design of the consumable component was completed, and mold design solutions are currently being evaluated. The PCB designs were also finalized, and orders for the multilayer grounded circuit boards were submitted. In addition, the mechanical assemblies intended for impedance spectroscopy were completed, ordered, and successfully tested.
Work is continuing on reformulating the patent claims and preparing a potential response to the European Patent Office (EPO) search report.
01.08.2025. - 31.10.2025.
Within the project, reservoir prototyping has been carried out and is continuing in two directions. First, the development of the interface layer for sealing the reservoirs to the Ultem manifolds is ongoing. Second, optimization of the draft angles for injection molding tooling is being performed.
Work is also continuing on the main manifold PCB design, including optimization of both the circuit board layout and the firmware. The objective is to increase I²C communication speed and eliminate errors that could otherwise lead to TEER signal drift in subsequent work.
In parallel, activities related to the acquisition, validation, and protection of intellectual property rights are being carried out.
01.05.2025. - 31.07.2025.
Active work on both project implementation and project management activities commenced during this reporting period. As part of the project activities, a user needs assessment was conducted, and an initial set of user feedback was collected, forming the basis for the first draft of the functional specification.
An initial reservoir design was developed using a thermoplastic material overmolded with a flexible TPE layer to ensure effective integration with the fluid delivery manifold. In collaboration with a partner in the Netherlands, the first proof-of-concept experiments were also performed using commercially available signal generators and analysis platforms to validate the approach for impedance spectroscopy signal transmission.
Based on the results of these experiments, the first multi-channel manifold designs were developed, incorporating screw-mounted, electrically isolated, and grounded electrodes suitable for high-precision impedance measurements.