Trince, an innovative spin-off from Ghent University, wins the global Spinoff Prize from the scientific journal Nature. In the final on July 11 in Mainz (Germany), Trince finished ahead of two American and one British opponent.
With the prize, the world-renowned journal aims to highlight spin-offs that translate original and excellent research in life or physical sciences into practical applications with added value for society. The winner was announced via the competition page and with an article on Nature's website.
"We are hugely honoured and proud to win Nature's Spinoff Prize," says Prof Kevin Braeckmans, affiliated with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chief Scientific Officer of Trince. "This recognition underlines our team's pioneering work in cell therapy and genetic modification. This award also opens the doors to the international market, where we intend to further roll out our research and technology. We look forward to strengthening the positive impact of our technology on healthcare worldwide."
Laser light as a perforator
Trince was founded three years ago with support from Ghent University TechTransfer Office and the Industrial Research Fund (IOF) and is built on the research of Prof Kevin Braeckmans and his biophotonics research group (Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences). The name of the spin-off stands for TRansfer INto CElls and refers to the company's activity: developing devices that allow molecules, such as DNA fragments, to be inserted into cells. Those devices use photoporation, a technique developed by Braeckmans that uses laser light and nanoparticles to create temporary openings in cells.
Immunotherapy
Among other things, the technique enables the genetic manipulation of immune cells from the blood of cancer patients. These cells are modified to fight cancer cells after reintroduction into the patient's body. Genetic modification of stem cells and live imaging of cells are also among the possible applications.
Soft and fast
In photoporation, cells - outside the body - are first mixed with so-called photothermal nanoparticles, which are then very briefly irradiated with laser light. The nanoparticles briefly heat up strongly due to the irradiation (hence 'photothermal'), creating temporary pores in the cells' membrane through which molecules can penetrate the cells. The main advantage of this approach is that it causes little or no internal damage to the cell, unlike current techniques such as electroporation.
Saving lives
This allows treated cells to divide again in large numbers and soon after treatment, something that is very important in immunotherapy, for example, where every day counts. This new method could play a key role in the future of cell and gene therapy in the treatment of cancer and genetic diseases, and therefore has the potential to save a lot of lives.