University of Lodz a partner in developing innovations for health and the environment

Although we don’t realize it on a daily basis, almost everything that surrounds us and that we use is the result or subject of scientific research. Food, medicines, cosmetics, environmental solutions or even technological devices – we wouldn’t have the chance to use them without the many hours of work by researchers in the lab or at the microscope.

The work of scientists is necessary to develop new and more effective forms of treatment for diseases, to study food ingredients and their effects on the human body, to analyze the effects of substances contained in cosmetics, to propose solutions to protect the environment and improve the quality of life and safety of the population, or even to test the effects of various devices on our bodies.

And these are just some of the projects carried out every day by biologists, microbiologists or biotechnologists. These and many other researches are carried out at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz (WBiOŚ UŁ). It is a place where not only students are educated, but also a dynamic center for research, innovation and action together with business. The work of scientists can also benefit companies, which have the opportunity to develop and improve their products through research cooperation. Get to know some examples of research carried out at the University of Lodz’s GDU, which connects scientists with the development of various sectors of the economy.

Aerial remote sensing as a way to manage urban greenery

Aerial remote sensing and machine learning techniques are among the fastest-growing and ever-improving environmental survey methods today. A team from the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection at the University of Lodz developed a groundbreaking method for urban greenery inventory, combining multi-sensor aerial remote sensing (fusion of hyperspectral, LiDAR and thermal data) with machine learning. A key scientific achievement was the creation of accurate models for species identification and assessment of tree health using, among other things, crown temperature as an indicator of physiological stress.

The results of the research have been commercialized by MGGP Aero, which provides the service of creating Tree Crown Maps, Tree Species Maps and Tree Condition Maps. This innovative solution has already been applied in eight cities: They include Warsaw, Sopot, Rzeszow, Jaslo, Zlotow, Boleslawiec, Lviv Slaski and Lviv (Lithuania). The maps have been made available in the form of geoservices, which provide an administrative tool for greenery management and climate change adaptation. They also serve to increase the environmental awareness of residents by providing reliable data on tree stands.

Vagus nerve stimulation as a new direction for Alzheimer’s disease treatment

The treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine. The number of patients worldwide is steadily increasing, putting a strain on both healthcare systems and patients’ families.

The limited effectiveness of the pharmacotherapy used so far has prompted researchers in Lodz to seek alternative solutions. The result of this work was the creation of the innovative Vguard device, developed by Cogniguard. It uses non-invasive stimulation of the vagus nerve to alter neuronal activity, providing the basis for therapy of memory disorders and cognitive deficits in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

The work of scientists from the VIAU contributed to its development, the results of which became the foundation of the technological solutions used in the device. The task of the team from the Department of Neurobiology of the VIAU was to conduct preclinical studies on an animal model, which enabled the development of future clinical protocols and the establishment of parameters for irritation of the vagus nerve. During the research, a breakthrough discovery was made – as it turned out that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve induces a response in the hippocampus, a brain structure associated with memory and learning processes. A theta rhythm was observed there, which is a physiological indicator of memory consolidation.

In subsequent steps, the researchers focused on determining the neurochemical basis of the observed effect. The results suggested that stimulation of the vagus nerve triggers increased release of endogenous stores of acetylcholine and norepinephrine in brain structures involved in memory consolidation. The activation of this mechanism requires only the right initiating stimulus, such as an electrical impulse (this is exactly what was used in the Vguard device). The data obtained during the study also made it possible to determine the initial parameters for optimal stimulation, which increase the effectiveness of the method used. Algorithms have been developed that indicate how the pulses are to be dosed – so that they follow the sleep rhythm and operate below the patient’s sensory and awakening thresholds.

The device has been secured by five global patents and was the first in the world to receive the medical CE MDR mark, allowing it to be used in the European market for the treatment of cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, Cogniguard is preparing to conduct large-scale, multi-center clinical trials in Europe, including in Poland to further develop the presented therapy. Thanks to the research conducted at the UoL, the results of which have been used to develop the Vguard device, a new and extremely promising pathway of therapy is opening up for millions of patients around the world.

Bioactive food additives and dietary supplements as support for body function

The market for dietary supplements and organic products – that is, products that are produced in a more natural and environmentally friendly way – is growing rapidly. From the perspective of consumers, the safety and effectiveness of these products are crucial. In this area, scientific research conducted by biologists plays an important role. They make it possible, among other things, to determine the optimal composition and proportions of active substances, compare their effectiveness depending on the source of origin and identify the most beneficial technological solutions.

Research carried out at the U of Lodz University of Technology in the area of bioactive food additives and dietary supplements has enabled the development of products from three Polish companies (KYA Natural Company Sp. z o.o., onesano S.A., the Research and Production Center of the Lodz University of Technology ICHEM Sp. z o.o.) and an American company in the nutraceuticals and functional foods sector (Mineral Logic).

The work conducted was interdisciplinary and combined approaches from microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology. Among others, polyphenol-rich plant extracts, yeast extracts containing β-glucans and natural organic acid polymers were studied.

The collaboration with KYA Natural involved studying the cytocompatibility of fulvic acid and the potential beneficial effects of this substance on cellular processes. The research conducted showed that it plays an important role in stimulating the regeneration of intestinal cells and promoting the development of a beneficial microbiota, which in turn translates into greater immunity.

On the other hand, cooperation with the ICHEM center included the analysis of a mixture of several plant extracts and the development of a formulation that supports regenerative processes in the course of Helicobacter pylori infections. In the course of the research, it was shown that combining thyme, chamomile, oregano and American cranberry extracts in the right proportions makes it possible to obtain a formulation with twice the bactericidal effect than each of the mentioned extracts individually.

In turn, the collaboration with onesano S.A. focused on the analysis of a postbiotic developed on the basis of Yarrowia lipolytica yeast. Studies have shown that it significantly affects the stimulation of cells of the immune system, allows to fight pathogenic microorganisms and infections faster and more effectively, stimulates monocytic activity and supports the process of removing microorganisms from the body.

The results obtained were used to refine or develop new preparations of practical importance to human and animal health, which were then used in dietary supplements, nutraceuticals and functional foods. Importantly, the research work carried out also contributed to the development of innovative, indigenous Polish raw materials, strengthening the domestic biotechnology potential and making production independent of imported components.

All the projects described were implemented with the active participation of students studying microbiology and biotechnology and forensic biology under the Science Hub model of the University of Lodz. These collaborations resulted in tangible didactic effects, the development of soft skills, the implementation of internships and study visits to industrial partners, and the direct involvement of students in research and development. The results developed formed the basis for international publications, conference reports and joint patent applications.

The research carried out at the University of Lodz’s GDU not only contributed to the quality and innovation of the products offered, but also had a real impact on the development of the companies cooperating with the university. The effects included expanding distribution channels, entering new markets, launching product lines and expanding applications of existing offerings. This has translated into an increase in sales, competitiveness and market reach, strengthening the industry’s position both in Poland and on international markets.

Biobanking, an investment in the health of future generations

Biobanking, or the recruitment, storage and sharing of biological material, contributes to the growth of scientific knowledge and is an indispensable part of the progress of medical and biological sciences. Thanks to biobanks, scientists have access to rich resources of biological material. This, in turn, significantly accelerates developments in the field of medicine, such as for the discovery of new drugs, targeted therapies, better diagnosis of diseases or personalized medicine. Biobanking also provides the opportunity to analyze risk factors for diseases of civilization, cancer or chronic diseases, which can help improve the quality of life and shape the health of future generations.

The Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection at the University of Lodz houses the Center for Digital Biology and Biomedical Sciences – BIOBANK LODZ®. This is a place where biological material is collected, stored and made available for scientific research. This material can be samples of bodily fluids, such as blood or saliva, but also isolated genetic material like DNA or RNA, tissue sections, and even environmental or microbiological samples. Although BIOBANK Lodz® employees operate in the comfort of a laboratory, great things are happening there that matter to everyone’s health. It’s an interdisciplinary team that combines biological, microbiological, (bio)informatics and statistical knowledge, carrying out different types of research.

In order for biobanking to make any sense at all, questionnaire data, i.e. scientifically relevant information on the donor’s morphological and physiological characteristics, such as eye color, weight, blood pressure, etc., as well as lifestyle, health status or past illnesses, are obtained from donors, in addition to samples of biological material. Biobanking provides the opportunity to implement prospective studies, during which the health and lifestyle of participants are monitored regularly, sometimes for many years. This makes it much more likely to detect the factors responsible for the onset of certain diseases in the subjects. Comparing the results of sick and healthy individuals (so-called case-control studies) can reveal the genetic basis of rare diseases, improve their diagnosis or develop modern approaches to personalized treatment.

The work of biobanks is also used to carry out population studies, which use samples collected from a representative group of volunteers from an area, such as an entire country or region. This makes it possible to look for a link between genetic variants and environmental factors, which in turn can be correlated with the risk of various diseases of civilization. In order for such studies to effectively reflect reality, they should be performed on as large a pool of samples as possible, which is what their storage in biobanks serves. An example of such a large-scale study is the Generation-A project – Quality of Life Across Generations, conducted by BIOBANK Lodz®. The goal of this research program is to assess the quality of life of residents of Aleksandrów Lodzki and the surrounding area and to understand how genetic, environmental and social factors affect the health and quality of life of current and future generations.

University of Lodz – where science meets practice

Universities, often associated only with teaching activities, are in fact dynamic research centers and partners for representatives of various industries that make a real impact on the development of science and the economy. Thanks to interdisciplinary teams, extensive experience, specialized competencies and modern infrastructure, the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz is becoming a strategic partner for business, creating innovative solutions of global importance. It is a place where science meets practice, and innovative projects are created based on sound research. Access to knowledge, technology and expert teams supports the development of products, services and modern therapies.

The Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection at the University of Lodz is also the aforementioned didactics, that is, the intellectual capital that feeds innovative solutions in business. It’s a place where students gain knowledge and skills that they can use in their professional practice and make a real contribution to improving the quality of people’s lives – by creating new drug formulations, solutions that foster environmental protection, or conducting research to advance medical knowledge. Studying at the UoL is an investment in the future – it provides opportunities to develop an individual career path, as well as positively impact the health of society as a whole.

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Source: based on material from the University of Lodz