Pierre Bagnaninchi Research Group

Cell and tissue monitoring

Our main research interest is the development of label-free quantitative technologies to map biophysical properties (mechanical, optical, flow, electrical) of cells and tissues. They also address the need for real-time monitoring of 3D (spheroids, organoids) in vitro disease models, and the need to monitor tissue repair in pre-clinical studies. To this end, we currently investigate optical coherence tomography, impedance sensing and their combination into organ-on-a chip technologies with a focus on ophthalmological applications.

We currently have projects on:

1. Optical coherence tomography for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine 
   1. Measuring the mechanical properties of cells and tissues by optical means
2. Noninvasive biosensors and quantitative methods in medicine and biology:
   1.  Label-free Impedance-based cellular assays (ECIS, EIT)
   2. Label-free 3D optical toxicity assays
3. Organ-on-a-chip models of age-related macular degeneration

Pierre Bagnaninchi is a member of EPSRC, BBSRC and MRC funded Organ on a chip technologies network (www.organonachip.org.uk), for which he leads a Special interest group: Label-free real-time monitoring, translation to organ on a chip.