The idea behind our OpenLabs is simple: open laboratory doors, bring people from different disciplines together, and create conversations that wouldn’t happen otherwise.
Our NanoPrecMed OpenLab series was off to a sunny start at Mendel University in Brno. The morning session brought together expertise from across the consortium. Sophie Ju gave an engaging introduction to intelligent nanoengineering, with futuristic topics such as microrobots for magnetically guided transvascular navigation. Michaela Vojníková presented the engineering of nanoparticles for precision medicine, Václav Brázda explored the journey from bioinformatic analyses to targeted therapy, and Václav Hönig shared insights into applied virology, diagnostics, preclinical therapeutics and vaccine models. In the afternoon, participants stepped into the laboratories themselves, exploring intelligent nanoengineering, lipid nanoparticle development and MALDI imaging before ending the day with discussions on the sunny rooftop terrace overlooking Brno.
The second NanoPrecMed OpenLab Day brought participants to LBI Trauma in Vienna for a day dedicated to extracellular vesicles and their potential in regenerative medicine. The morning session combined scientific talks and discussion. Barbara Krönigsberger introduced the use of atomic force microscopy to study extracellular vesicles, Reema Jacob presented enucleated cells as bioactive delivery vehicles, David Hercher impressively explored the potential of EVs for peripheral nerve regeneration and Johannes Grillari discussed the current challenges of translating EV technologies towards clinical application. In the afternoon, participants moved from presentations to practice, exploring nanoparticle tracking analysis, high-resolution live-cell imaging, in vivo imaging and micro-CT. Hands-on demonstrations by Patrick Heimel, Lara Biezunski and colleagues offered an up-close look at the technologies supporting this research.
The final NanoPrecMed OpenLab brought together Johannes Kepler University Linz and the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria for a day exploring nanotechnology from the single-molecule level to medical engineering applications. The morning at JKU featured an introduction by Peter Hinterdorfer, who presented how AFM helped explore the dynamic multimeric binding strategies of pathogens and therapeutics based on lessons learned from SARS-CoV-2 variants. During the hands-on workshop, Niklas Zeilinger demonstrated mechanical nanomapping of living cells, while Lisa Hain introduced single-molecule studies of protein binding to G-quadruplex and double-stranded DNA (reflecting the new collaboration with Vaclav Brazda, TU Brno). After lunch, participants continued at FH Upper Austria for demonstrations of atomic force microscopy technologies.
One of the greatest strengths of an OpenLab is bringing together researchers who work on different aspects of nanomedicine but rarely have the chance to exchange ideas face to face. Those conversations are often where new collaborations begin.
A big thank you to everyone who shared their expertise, opened their laboratories and helped make all three NanoPrecMed OpenLabs such an inspiring series.