The FishInSight project brings together researchers from CIIMAR and ICBAS and focuses on developing an in vitro intestinal model on a chip.
FishInSight, a project developed by professors and
researchers Sónia Gomes, Marta Monteiro and Mariana Ferreira, from the Abel
Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS) and the Interdisciplinary
Center for Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), at the University of
Porto, were one of the winners of the 4th edition of the Blue Bio Value
Ideation Program, an initiative of the Oceano Azul Foundation and the Calouste
Gulbenkian Foundation, in partnership with the Nova School of Business Economics
and Porto Business School.
The award-winning project focuses on the development of an
in vitro intestinal model on a chip. This chip replicates the intestinal
behavior of a fish, providing an ethical alternative to testing new ingredients
for aquaculture, eliminating the need to sacrifice animals. In other words, it
contributes to the 3R's policy - "refine, reduce, replace" - by
reducing the number of animals used in experimentation, allowing a first
selection of functional ingredients or additives to be made.
In addition to promoting an innovative model that
significantly reduces the time and costs associated with aquaculture,
FishInSight also guarantees "the development of a solution to meet the
needs of the market, while also promoting a more sustainable use of the
ocean".
The researchers also believe that "this award will
enable FishInSight to become a sustainable business solution aligned with the
priorities of the blue bioeconomy".
The project distinguishes itself for its innovation and
sustainability in the field. The prize of 10,000 euros awarded to the team will
enable them to advance their ongoing research through the Blue Demo Network.
This network, dedicated to blue bioeconomy services, is based in Portugal and
has a mission to support startups in addressing their technological and market
development needs within Portuguese infrastructures and services.