Research Services

General information

Since its establishment, Nalecz Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering Polish Academy of Sciences (IBIB PAN) has carried out extensive scientific and research activities. In IBIB PAN, research is carried out according to state-of-the-art and continuously developed methods. The research work and expertise continuously support TECHNICAL AND MEDICAL sciences. This is possible thanks to the constant search for new solutions, carrying out research and scientific work combined with the implementation of the results into practice, and providing consultancy in this area.

We invite you to take a look at our offer.

If you are interested in cooperation, please contact the Projects Department of IBIB PAN.

Contact

Projects Department of IBIB PAN
email: dzialprojektow@ibib.waw.pl
telefon: 22 59 25 978

Research

New Diagnostic Applications of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Description

Clinical and scientific studies utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques. Specialized scientific investigations employing advanced MRI methods in drug trials, basic research, and clinical studies:

  • Functional MRI (fMRI) performed in the field of a Discovery MR750w 3.0T scanner—with capabilities for stimulus presentation and simultaneous recording of multimedia stimuli and the subject’s responses using the NNL system and Presentation software.
  • Combined measurements of electrical brain activity (EEG) and fMRI using a 64-channel EEG recording system (SynAmps RT). With an MR-compatible Quick-Cap and synchronization of EEG and MR scanner clocks, simultaneous EEG-fMRI recording is achieved. 
  • Diffusion imaging techniques for both structural and perfusion measurements (IVIM).
  • Quantitative susceptibility mapping – QSM.
  • Acquisition and analysis of localized Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) spectra.

Thematic Area

  • studies utilizing magnetic resonance imaging

Contact

+48 660 564 757
labcns@ibib.waw.pl

Genetic Modification of Cells Using LV

Description

Conducting experiments within the BSL2 Biological Laboratory (using provided materials).

  • Planning and executing experiments in the field of genetic cell modification:
    • constructing lentiviral vectors,
    • cell transduction, 
      • cell culturing.
  • Research, analysis, preparation of study reports, and interpretation of results obtained using flow cytometry (BD FACSCanto II cytometer [3 lasers, 8 colors]), fluorescence microscopy, ELISA tests, RT-PCR, etc.
  • On-demand training sessions and workshops (flow cytometry)

Thematic Area

  • tissue engineering

Contact

Krzysztof Pluta, PhD

In Vitro Cytotoxicity Studies on Eukaryotic Cells

Description

Determination of in vitro cytotoxicity involves planning and conducting experiments as well as data analysis. The study includes a two-week cell culture in the presence of the test substance, performed in 6 replicates. The examination includes:

  • MTT assays
  • Alamar Blue assays
  • Flow cytometric viability tests using propidium iodide
  • Assessment of oxidative stress
  • Imaging of cells during the culture period (using SEM and an inverted light microscope)

Thematic Area

  • cytocompatibility studies

Contact

+48 660 564 757
Prof. Ludomira Granicka, DSc. PhD

Hybrid Simulator of the Respiratory System with a Virtual Cardiopulmonary Patient as its Numerical Component

Description

The simulator is an original device created at IBIB PAN, which ensures completely repeatable operation. It can be used in:

  • testing new/modified equipment for supporting or testing the mechanics of the respiratory system, such as respirators or spirometers, or their improved parts;
  • comparing the work of the above-mentioned equipment from different manufacturers in strictly repeatable conditions for different severity of obstructive and/or restrictive lung disease;
  • testing the impact of this equipment on the operation of the circulatory system in the case of different degrees of the above diseases;
  • checking the effectiveness of medical education, e.g. the ability to interpret the results of a spirometric test.

Thematic Area

  • biomedical studies of the circulatory and respiratory systems
  • modelling of physiological processes
  • virtual patient

Contact

Tomasz Gólczewski, PhD, DSc, Prof. IBBE
Krzysztof Zieliński, PhD

Manometers for biomeasurements

Description

Currently existing versions of manometers enable to monitor the pressure in the pleural cavity with effusion during thoracentesis and in the mouth of newborns during suckling and sucking.

Thematic Area

  • Interventional pulmonology, neonatology

Contact

Marcin Michnikowski, PhD

System for assessing the functional age of the arterial system

Description

The system compares changes in the instantaneous value of blood flow in the carotid and brachial arteries in the examined patient at a given moment (being in a given state), with reference changes obtained for average, healthy and rested subjects of different ages. Functional age is the age for which the reference changes are most similar to those examined. Changes in flow correspond to changes in the shear stress of the arterial endothelium, on which the production of many substances important for the body depends; among others, these substances impact the circulatory and nervous systems. Therefore, the assessment of functional age can be used in many fields: from cardiology and geriatrics, through occupational and sports medicine, to psychology and psychiatry.

Thematic Area

  • Psychology and many areas of medicine, including psychiatry

Contact

Tomasz Gólczewski, PhD, DSc, Prof. IBBE

Hybrid Cardiovascular System Simulator (Circulatory System Simulator with a Cardiac Loop)

 - research using a digital, physiological model of the cardiovascular system and a special hydraulic-electrical interface allowing real-time interaction between various medical cardiac devices and the aforementioned model.

Description

The simulator can be used as:

  • A research platform for mechanical circulatory support systems (MCS).
  • A research tool for studying the physiology of the cardiopulmonary system and its interaction with MCS.
  • An educational tool for training and demonstrations.

The simulator can mimic a generic or specific patient for evaluating, among other things, MCS control algorithms, hemodynamic responses for a given range of MCS parameters, and for demonstrating MCS to medical students, VAD technicians, etc.
The real-time physiological closed-loop model of the cardiovascular system includes the left and right heart, coronary, systemic, and pulmonary circulation. It enables simulation of various pathophysiological states, such as for example:

  • Left/right ventricular failure
  • Valvular diseases (stenosis, regurgitation)
  • Pulmonary/systemic hypertension
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Non-standard conditions (patient-specific, atypical hemodynamics, etc.)!

Simulation data (pressure, flow, volume signals over time) can be recorded and exported to a file. Simulations can be synchronized with external devices such as flowmeters.
The simulator features 4 pressure sources for dynamic simulation of up to 4 pressures in the cardiovascular system. Different MCS require a varying number of pressure sources, for example:

  • MCS supporting the left/right ventricle – 2 pressure sources.
  • MCS supporting both ventricles or a total artificial heart (TAH)– 4 pressure sources
  • ECMO system – at least 2 pressure sources.
  • IABP – 2 or 3 pressure sources.
  • Artificial valve (biological, mechanical) – 2 pressure sources.
  • A non-standard configuration can be arranged to meet specific requirements!

Thematic Area

  • biomedical studies of the circulatory system 
  • modelling of physiological processes 
  • virtual patient

Contact

Krzysztof Zieliński, PhD

Hybrid Respiratory System Simulator

The respiratory system simulator employs a digital, numerical model of the respiratory system combined with a specialized pneumatic-electrical interface that enables real-time interaction with various respiratory assist devices (RAD). The simulator is based on pneumatic, piston-type flow sources. 

Description

It can simulate either a generic or a specific patient for assessing, among other things, RAD control algorithms, evaluating respiratory responses for a given range of RAD parameters, and demonstrating RAD for medical students, engineers, etc. This simulator can be used as:

  • A platform for studying respiratory assistance devices RAD (ventilators, spirometers).
    • A research tool for studying the physiology and interaction with RADs.
    • An educational tool for training and demonstrations.

The real-time physiological respiratory system model enables simulation of various pathophysiological conditions, such as:

  • Obstructive respiratory disorders (e.g. COPD)
  • Restrictive respiratory disorders (e.g. ARDS)
  • Non-standard conditions (e.g. patient-specific)

Simulation data (pressure, flow, volume signals over time) can be recorded and exported to a file. Simulations can be synchronized with external equipment such as flowmeters and patient monitors. 
The simulator can be configured to simulate both adult and pediatric/neonatal patients. Possible applications include:

  • Spontaneous breathing during mechanical ventilation
  • Spirometric maneuvers for spirometer evaluation
  • Reproduction of a previously recorded respiratory curve
  • Interaction with the digital cardiovascular system model
  • A non-standard configuration can be arranged to meet specific requirements! 

Thematic Area

  • biomedical studies of the respiratory system
  • modelling of physiological processes 
  • virtual patient

Contact

Krzysztof Zieliński, PhD

Direct printing of 2D and 3D structures using Ultimus Plus microdispensing robot (Nordson EFD, USA)

- printing of unusual designs of path structures and multi-layer systems, applying various materials

Description

Deposition of pastes and liquids onto substrates made of plastics (in the form of plates or films), glass, metals, semiconductor materials (silicon and others).

  • substrates with a maximum size of 260 mm × 260 mm in any shape, maximum size of a single pattern to be produced in one operation 260 mm × 140 mm
  • Maximum substrate thickness up to 60 mm.
  • Deposition of liquids (aqueous and organic solutions) and pastes with a wide viscosity range, including those containing solid particles and chemically reactive components (e.g. solutions of chemically sensitive materials such as ion-selective polymer membranes, pastes used in screen printing, adhesives, insulating coatings, and many others).
  • the possibility to prepare on-site mixtures with a short shelf-life for dosing.
  • For low-viscosity liquids and pastes without solid particles, non-contact dosing is also possible in the form of nanoliter droplets (both spot dosing and creation of complex patterns).
  • Point dosing and drawing of complex geometric patterns (ability to create patterns from scratch, copy from a print or sample, and import files in .dxf format).
  • Ability to cure the deposited materials at temperatures up to 200°C (temperature control with an accuracy of 1°C).
  • Creation of multilayer structures composed of various materials.
  • High resolution and repeatability of the process.
  • Capability to produce both individual pieces and small series of objects with the same equipment. 

Thematic Area

  • biosensor structures
  • scaffolds for cell cultures
  • production of multilayer structures

Contact

Marek Dawgul, PhD

Polymer scaffolds for cell culture
Bioencapsulation

Description

  1. Production of scaffolds for cell cultures from polyesters and copolyesters, polyethersulfone, polysulfone, and possibly other materials. It is possible to obtain scaffolds with different pores’ size even above 300 µm. The aforementioned scaffolds can be produced on demand – price to be negotiated.
  2. Immobilization of biologically active material (including living cells) in spherical micro-matrices made of biopolymers using an electrostatic method.
  3. Immobilization of biologically active material (drugs) in spherical micro-matrices made of synthetic polymers using an electrostatic method. 
  4. Encapsulation of biologically active material (including living cells) in polysaccharide/polymer microcapsules using a one-step electrostatic method.
  5. Electrostatic production of nonwovens from synthetic polymers and immobilization of biologically active substances in them.

Thematic Area

  • scaffolds for cell cultures
  • controlled drug release.

Contact

Dorota Lewińska, PhD, DSc, Prof. IBBE

Hollow-fibers membranes and Mini-modules

Description

  1. Membrane mini-modules with hollow-fibers membranes. Membranes spun from polyethersulfone, polysulfone, cellulose acetate and from polymer mixtures, including partially biodegradable membranes. It is also possible to manufacture modules from customer-provided membranes. Mini-modules with mass transfer surface ranging from 1 to 20 cm2 
  2. Hollow-fibers membranes in the form of bundles with lengths of 30 or 60 cm. Membrane materials include polyethersulfone, polysulfone, and cellulose acetate, as well as, upon agreement, polymer blends, including partially biodegradable membranes 
  • Up to 1200 capillaries per bundle. 
  • Membrane Cut-off to be agreed in the range of 15 to 100 kDa. Internal diameter from 300 to 600 µm. 

Thematic Area

  • experimental dialysis modules,
  • cell bioreactors

Contact

Cezary Wojciechowski, PhD

Wound Area Measurements Using the AutoPlanimator System

Description

The AutoPlanimator system enables automatic determination of a wound’s surface area based on a photograph in which a calibration marker is visible alongside the wound. Software utilizing machine learning techniques for image segmentation delineates the wound area and, through analysis of the calibration markers, calculates the wound area and records it in a database. Access to the AutoPlanimator service is provided via the website https://autoplanimator.ibib.waw.pl/. Users can monitor the wound areas of multiple patients. 
It is also possible to use the AutoPlanimator system using the IBBE PAS file cloud, which eliminates the need to send files by e-mail.

Thematic Area

  • image analysis
  • wound healing monitoring

Contact

Joanna Stachowska-Piętka, PhD, DSc, Prof. IBBE

Mathematical Modeling and Data Analysis in Medicine

Description

Development of mathematical models of selected physiological systems and their application in clinical and experimental studies, as well as in theoretical analyses. In particular: 

  1. Distribution and transport of water and substances in the body (e.g. during dialysis therapy)
  2. The cardiovascular system
  3. Pulse wave in the arterial system
  4. Modeling of tumor growth and its treatment
  5. Analysis of clinical and experimental data using statistical methods and machine learning
  6. Analytical support in the design of clinical trial protocols

Thematic Area

  • mathematical modeling and data analysis

Contact

Joanna Stachowska-Piętka, PhD, DSc, Prof. IBBE

Measurement of Optical Properties

Description

Measurement of the optical properties of various objects, i.e. determination of the reduced scattering coefficient and the absorption coefficient. The object must be optically turbid (allowing light to penetrate). Measurements are carried out using a spectral, time-resolved measurement system. Measurements can be performed in both transmission and reflection geometries. The available wavelength range is 650 – 850 nm with a resolution of 12.5 nm. – optical properties of biomedical objects. 

Thematic Area

  • optical properties of biomedical objects

Contact

Piotr Sawosz, PhD, DSc, Prof. IBBE

Measurement of absorption spectra of substances UV - NIR range

Description

Measurement of extinction coefficients of substances (liquids, gels, solids) in the light wavelength range from UV (220 nm) to NIR (1000nm). Measurement is carried out using a white light source (LED or Xenon) and an optical spectrometer. Measurements in transmission geometry.

Thematic Area

  • spectral optical properties of objects

Contact

Piotr Sawosz, PhD, DSc, Prof. IBBE