Materials-Host Interactions

The Research Group Materials-Host Interactions investigates how Living Therapeutic Materials (LTMs) interact with in vitro tissue models. We focus on understanding the risks associated with LTMs, to facilitate their safe and sustainable translation.

Dr. Sara Trujillo Muñoz, INM – Leibniz-Institut für Neue Materialien gGmbH
Dr. Sara Trujillo Muñoz
Research Scientist
Telefon: +49 (0)681-9300-113
Mitarbeiter/innen
Phone: +49 (0)681-9300-403
Phone: +49 (0)681-9300-137
Phone: +49 (0)681-9300-403
Phone: +49 (0)681-9300-330
Research

Investigation of Living Therapeutic Materials

in vitro for pre-clinical development

We develop experimental methods to investigate LTM interactions with host tissue models in vitro. We develop compatible culture conditions for bacterial-based LTMs together with tissue models. We investigate effects that relate to LTM biocompatibility and safety, so we can quantify the probability of LTMs to cause unwanted side effects to the host.

Development of cell and tissue models in health and disease

We apply 2D and 3D cell culture methods for the fabrication of functional models that can be used to investigate host responses to different stimuli. We use molecular biology techniques to characterize phenotypical and morphological changes so we can determine the potential effects of different treatments (materials or other therapeutics).

Our cellular models

To understand specific interactions between LTMs (or other therapeutics) and their target tissue in the host, we have established several in vitro models, and we continue to develop new ones to incorporate to our portfolio. We focus on angiogenesis, inflammation and biological barriers like the cornea.

Investigation of angiogenic potential

We have developed 2D and 3D models to assess pro- and anti-angiogenic potential using primary human endothelial cells and dermal fibroblasts. We also use the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, an ex vivo system for the assessment of new capillary formation. These models allow us to quantify several parameters during endothelial cell sprouting.

Models of endotoxemia

We are developing methods to assess inflammatory potential in vitro, by using cells involved in the foreign body reaction such as monocytes, macrophages and fibroblasts. We characterize phenotypic and morphological changes of these cells when in contact with LTMs or treated with different therapeutics. We use the monocyte activation test to detect the presence of endotoxin or non-endotoxin pyrogens, which can trigger fever in the host. We have developed an in vitro model of endotoxemia using macrophages, which can be used to investigate the mechanism of action of some therapeutics

Biological barriers models – Cornea

We are developing different barrier models, with a focus on the cornea tissue. We use these models to investigate drug-delivery to the eye. The complexity of biological barriers (skin, gut, blood-brain barrier, eye) comes from their layered structure with different cells that are critical for the overall function of the tissue. Many biological barriers are in contact with the air and therefore complex 3D layered models at the air-liquid interface are leveraged to recapitulate these tissues. These models will help us understand for example, how LTMs can be applied to the eye.

Cell-cell contact
Corneal epithelial barrier
Mucosa formation

Publikationen

2025
PEARL: Protein Eluting Alginate with Recombinant Lactobacilli
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2024
Self-Lubricating, Living Contact Lenses

Puertas-Bartolomé, María | Gutierrez-Urrutia, Izabook | Teruel-Enrico, Lara Luana | Nguyen Duong, Cao | Desai, Krupansh | Trujillo, Sara | Wittmann, Christoph | del Campo, Aránzazu

Advanced Materials , 2024, 36 (27), 2313848.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202313848

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2023
Cytocompatibility evaluation of PEG-methylsulfone hydrogels

Trujillo, Sara | Kasper, Jennifer Y. | Miguel-Jimenez, Adrián De | Abt, Britta | Bauer, Alina | Mekontso Ngaffo, Joelle A. | Pearson, Samuel | del Campo, Aránzazu

ACS Omega , 2023, 8 (35), 32043-32052.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.3c03952

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2022
Vitronectin-based hydrogels recapitulate neuroblastoma growth conditions

Monferrer, Ezequiel | Dobre, Oana | Trujillo, Sara | González Oliva, Mariana Azevedo | Trubert-Paneli, Alexandre | Acevedo-León, Delia | Noguera, Rosa | Salmeron-Sanchez, Manuel

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology , 2022, 10 1-14.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcell.2022.988699

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