Research Jurgen Joossens

Abstract

In the life sciences, several AUHA research groups collaborate with the business community on a regular basis. Some of the professors involved may call on an IOF fellowship holder assigned to an IOF consortium to which they belong. In particular, all other professors and researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences are supported by a central IOF mandate in facilitating collaboration with the business community. For projects in collaboration with researchers who also have a clinical function at the UZA, support is provided from this mandate: IOF Alliance Valorisation Manager UAntwerp-UZA.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Fellow: Bonnarens Kris

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Multiple AUHA research groups are working together with private partners in the domain of life sciences. Some of them are integrated in IOF-consortia and supported by a dedicated IOF fellow. The professors within the faculties Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences and Medicine and Health Sciences, which are not embedded in the IOF consortia but have a high need for dedicated valorization support, will be supported by this IOF-fellow. Those projects are mainly in the field of biomarker research, biological tools, exploitation of analytical methods, in vitro and in vivo models, medical devices, E-health and rehabilitation sciences.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Fellow: Kindt Nele

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Within the AUHA, multiple research groups work together with the business community on a regular basis. Some of them are integrated in IOF-consortia and supported by a dedicated IOF fellow. All other professors, which are not embedded in the IOF consortia, are supported by a central IOF mandate in facilitating collaboration with industry. A number of valorisation files require specific follow-up. This IOF mandate will be able to pick up these projects independently of any valorisation domain, scientific domain or IOF consortium and thus realize an extra leverage on our valorisation output parameters.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Fellow: Hoflack Lieve

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Within SSH domain we notice an increasing activity towards partnerships with the private sector. Innovative software applications are an important driver, but also in the domains of communication, ethics, management systems, transport, law and safety sciences an increasing need for valorization support is observed. This IOF mandate will be facilitator for industrial partnerships within the faculties Social Sciences, Law, Arts, Applied Economics and the Institute of Development Policy and Management (IOB).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Fellow: van der Steen Laurens

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Multiple AUHA research groups are working together with private partners in the domain of Exact and Applied Sciences. Some of them are integrated in IOF-consortia and supported by a dedicated IOF fellow. The professors within the faculties Science, Applied Sciences and Design Sciences which are not embedded in the IOF consortia but have a high need for dedicated valorization support, will be supported by the IOF-fellow appointed under this IOF project.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Fellow: Verbinnen Bram

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Within SSH domain we notice an increasing activity towards partnerships with the private sector. Innovative software applications are an important driver, but also in the domains of communication, ethics, management systems, transport, law and safety sciences an increasing need for valorization support is observed. This IOF mandate will be facilitator for industrial partnerships within the faculties Social Sciences, Law, Arts, Applied Economics and the Institute of Development Policy and Management (IOB).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Fellow: Tan Barbara

Research team(s)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Cryopreservation is an enabling technology that has become an indispensable part of the (bio)medical and pharmaceutical field. In both research and treatment such as cell therapy, regenerative medicine, fertility, tissue development etc., cryopreservation is used as an important tool, temporarily halting biological time. Although frequently used, it still remains a rate-limiting step which often results in low yields after thawing [1]. Despite the fact that cryopreservation is widely used, little attention is paid to the optimization of freeze-thaw protocols. In this project we would like to develop the necessary knowledge and develop protocols that ease the cryopreservation of cells. Currently, one standard protocol formulated by the American type culture collection (ATCC) is frequently used [2]–[4]. By employing a Design of experiments approach (DoE), datapoints are selected in a multidimensional space to acquire a maximum of statistically relevant data from a relatively limited dataset. Optimization of cryopreservation protocols can lead to cost reducing and sustainable solutions for customers and the environment. The number of experiments to be performed is drastically lower by employing DoE, which means less material is used (cost effective), resulting in a reduced waste stream (sustainable). Freezing samples in a more efficient way, i.e. in smaller volumes, means less freezing capacity is necessary. This enables the current capacity to be used in a more efficient way or to be reduced, leading to lowered consumption of energy and liquid nitrogen. Reducing cellular stress following the use of an optimized protocol can lead to faster recuperation of cells, minimizing the loss of time and use of materials during the recuperation period. Employing DoE in combination with the experimental infrastructure consisting of a controlled rate freezer and a thawing setup, knowledge and experience in cell culture and cryopreservation, and the resulting optimized protocols of strategically chosen cell types, are ideal stepstones for a future service platform. We will focus on gathering a portfolio of optimized protocols of strategic cell types, which can then be offered commercially. A standardized protocol can be purchased via license. A fully personalized protocol can also be supplied if desired. In that case additional lab tests will have to be performed to deliver a protocol satisfying the customer's wishes, e.g. concerning the cryoprotectant to be used in the process. Additionally, requested optimization of cryopreservation protocols for cell types that have not been included in the portfolio will be an option. In this project, the following experimental objectives are formulated to reduce the distance to future valorization: 1) performing optimizations of strategically interesting cell types to build a commercially interesting portfolio and 2) validating optimized protocols. Following commercial objectives are included in the project: 1) studying additional market segments, and finetuning of the current market assessment, 2) validating value propositions with potential clients and 3) transform these in a willingness to pay to 4) define the business plan and construct a financial model.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Joossens Jurgen

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Multiple AUHA research groups are working together with private partners in the domain of life sciences. Some of them are integrated in IOF-consortia and supported by a dedicated IOF fellow. The professors within the faculties Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences and Medicine and Health Sciences, which are not embedded in the IOF consortia but have a high need for dedicated valorization support, will be supported by this IOF-fellow. Those projects are mainly in the field of biomarker research, biological tools, exploitation of analytical methods, in vitro and in vivo models, medical devices, E-health and rehabilitation sciences.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Fellow: Andries Oliwia

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

During the waste water cleaning process , a new waste stream is created, i.e. waste sludge. Nowadays companies usually have to pay to get rid of this sludge. During the PWO projects VaSA and DemoVaSA methods to valorize this waste stream have been investigated. An extraction procedure was developed to extract EPS out of the sludge. The main components of the extracted EPS are polysaccharides and proteins. Polysaccharides and proteins can be used in several applications. In this project, the extracted EPS will be validated in two applications. One application is the use of the extracted EPS in a curing compound for concrete. The curing compound with the extracted EPS will have several advantages over currently available commercial products. The main advantage is the fact that the curing compound with EPS is water based and thus not based on an organic solvent. Some of the curing compounds on the market are also water based, but they also contain products derived from crude oils (e.g. paraffine). Besides the use of EPS in a curing compound, they can also be added to adhesives or glues. Extracted EPS can consist up to 70 % of proteins. At the moment proteins are sometimes already added to glues. However, these proteins are mostly derived from plants (e.g. soy or camelina), this can give a conflict because said crops are also used in food and feed. The EPS can easily be extracted from a waste stream, hereby limiting the cost to produce them. On one end companies with a wastewater treatment plant want to get rid of their sludge because they often have to pay for its removal. On the other end there are companies who are looking for innovations in terms of concrete and adhesives or glues. In terms of valorization of the extracted EPS we look at these two market needs: on one end, service will be provided on the extraction of EPS from waste sludge, on the other end, the applications in concrete and adhesives developed in this project will be patented.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Joossens Jurgen

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Multiple AUHA research groups are working together with private partners in the domain of life sciences. Some of them are integrated in IOF-consortia and supported by a dedicated IOF fellow. The professors within the faculties Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences and Medicine and Health Sciences, which are not embedded in the IOF consortia but have a high need for dedicated valorization support, will be supported by this IOF-fellow. Those projects are mainly in the field of biomarker research, biological tools, exploitation of analytical methods, in vitro and in vivo models, medical devices, E-health and rehabilitation sciences.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Fellow: Bosschaerts Tom
• Fellow: Pruniau Vincent

Research team(s)

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Co-promoter: Apers Sandra
• Co-promoter: Cos Paul
• Co-promoter: Delputte Peter
• Co-promoter: De Meester Ingrid
• Co-promoter: De Winter Hans
• Co-promoter: D'Haese Patrick
• Co-promoter: Hermans Nina
• Co-promoter: Kiekens Filip
• Co-promoter: Lambeir Anne-Marie
• Co-promoter: Maes Louis
• Co-promoter: Pieters Luc
• Co-promoter: Van Der Veken Pieter
• Fellow: Joossens Jurgen
• Fellow: Pauwels Maxim
• Fellow: Verhoeven Kristien

Research team(s)

• Medicinal Chemistry (UAMC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Ocular Surface diseases (OSD) such as dry eye syndrome (DES) show an estimated prevalence between 15 and 29%. The only FDA approved and on subscription dry-eye treatment is cyclosporine 0.05% (Restasis®), but this formulation is not available in the EU. Novel therapies for OSD are therefore needed. The expertise within ADDN fosters a unique opportunity to set up a preclinical platform on OSD leading to an increased collaboration with industrial partners.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Cos Paul
• Co-promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Co-promoter: De Meester Ingrid
• Co-promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Co-promoter: Kiekens Filip
• Co-promoter: Lambeir Anne-Marie
• Co-promoter: Maes Louis
• Co-promoter: Van Der Veken Pieter

Research team(s)

• Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The overall aim is to build expertise in the domain of inhibitor and probe development with a focus on serine proteases. The academic platform will establish collaborations with academic and industrial partners. The project will lead to the generation of knowledge in the domain.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Fellow: Joossens Jurgen

Research team(s)

• Medicinal Chemistry (UAMC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of this project is to further develop uPA probes, of which we already showed the efficacy in in vitro studies, to be used in cellular and in vivo. The IP of these innovative probes have recently been submitted to the UA interface for patenting. The first step in the valorisation of the probes is to obtain proof of concept in in vivo disease models. In the subsequent phase these results will permit us to obtain further funding from larger public (Fournier-Majoie, IWT) or private (VC) institutions. Our goal is to proceed with spinning-out this te chnology into a company preferentially within 3 years.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Co-promoter: Bogers John-Paul
• Co-promoter: De Visscher Geofrey
• Co-promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Co-promoter: Lardon Filip
• Co-promoter: Peeters Marc
• Co-promoter: Stroobants Sigrid
• Co-promoter: Van Der Linden Annemie

Research team(s)

• Medicinal Chemistry (UAMC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This 'proof-of-concept' research is focussed on the development of innovative long-lasting and selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists for the topical treatment of skin inflammation diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Co-promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Co-promoter: Lambert Julien
• Co-promoter: Maes Louis
• Co-promoter: Sobott Frank
• Co-promoter: Vanden Berghe Wim
• Co-promoter: Van Der Veken Pieter

Research team(s)

• Medicinal Chemistry (UAMC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The main objective of this project is to develop combinations of highly active specifically-targeted microbicides for vaginal and rectal application. We shall investigate the microbicide potential of protease inhibitors and to test them in combination with inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and/or integrase and/or fusion inhibitors.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Co-promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Co-promoter: Van Der Veken Pieter

Research team(s)

• Medicinal Chemistry (UAMC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this research project we aim to develop protease inhibitors that have the characteristics to become useful chemical tools in different areas of drug discovery. These tools will have the potential to be used in target discovery and target validation, hit and lead identification, for the identification of off-targets, as biomarkers and in molecular imaging.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Co-promoter: Joossens Jurgen
• Co-promoter: Van Der Veken Pieter

Research team(s)

• Medicinal Chemistry (UAMC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Co-promoter: Haemers Achiel
• Co-promoter: Lambeir Anne-Marie
• Co-promoter: Maes Louis
• Fellow: Joossens Jurgen
• Fellow: Raemaekers Tim

Research team(s)

• Medicinal Chemistry (UAMC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a research contract awarded by the University of Antwerp. The supervisor provides the Antwerp University research mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions stipulated by the university.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Co-promoter: Haemers Achiel
• Co-promoter: Lambeir Anne-Marie
• Co-promoter: Maes Louis
• Fellow: Joossens Jurgen

Research team(s)

• Medicinal Chemistry (UAMC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Angiogenesis is a fundamental process in reproduction and wound healing. Under these conditions, neovascularisation is tightly regulated. Unregulated angiogenesis is thought to be indispensable for solid tumor growth and metastasis. Hence, the inhibition of angiogenesis is considered to be one of the most promising strategies that might lead to the development of novel antineoplastic therapies. A plethora of angiogenic factors has been identified in the past 20 years. Most of them are not specific angiogenesis inducers. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator and a few members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)family are considered as selective angiogenic factors and excellent targets for drug design. Urokinase is a serine protease. Compounds with diphenyl aminophosponate tripeptide structure are designed as possible inhibitors. These compounds are characterized by a guanidine or amidine as positioning group. A series of compounds will be synthesized and the guanidine-amidine containing aminophosphonic acid structure optimized. MMP's are zinc proteases and most inhibitors contain zinc binding groups such as hydroxamates. We will use the ?-ketophosphonic acid group as potential inhibiting group. The pseudopeptide structure will be derived from well known structures of the hydroxamate group of compounds, emphasizing the selectivity on MMP2 and MMP9, both involved in angiogenesis. Another series of MMP2 and MMP9 inhibitors to be synthesized are cyclopeptides in which different cyclic structures will be introduced.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Co-promoter: Haemers Achiel
• Fellow: Joossens Jurgen

Research team(s)

• Medicinal Chemistry (UAMC)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Angiogenesis is a fundamental process in reproduction and wound healing. Under these conditions, neovascularisation is tightly regulated. Unregulated angiogenesis is thought to be indispensable for solid tumor growth and metastasis. Hence, the inhibition of angiogenesis is considered to be one of the most promising strategies that might lead to the development of novel antineoplastic therapies. A plethora of angiogenic factors has been identified in the past 20 years. Most of them are not specific angiogenesis inducers. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator and a few members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)family are considered as selective angiogenic factors and excellent targets for drug design. Urokinase is a serine protease. Compounds with diphenyl aminophosponate tripeptide structure are designed as possible inhibitors. These compounds are characterized by a guanidine or amidine as positioning group. A series of compounds will be synthesized and the guanidine-amidine containing aminophosphonic acid structure optimized. MMP's are zinc proteases and most inhibitors contain zinc binding groups such as hydroxamates. We will use the ?-ketophosphonic acid group as potential inhibiting group. The pseudopeptide structure will be derived from well known structures of the hydroxamate group of compounds, emphasizing the selectivity on MMP2 and MMP9, both involved in angiogenesis. Another series of MMP2 and MMP9 inhibitors to be synthesized are cyclopeptides in which different cyclic structures will be introduced.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Augustyns Koen
• Co-promoter: Haemers Achiel
• Fellow: Joossens Jurgen

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project