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P RE S S RE LE AS E Treating cardiac arrhythmia more gently: LZH develops a biohybrid cardiac pacemaker In the joint research project BioPACE, the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) develops a biohybrid cardiac pacemaker in cooperation with four partners. The goal of this new approach is to treat cardiac arrhythmia more gently by a targeted optical stimulation of the cardiac muscle and other muscle groups. Press release Hannover, October 26th, 2016 Contact Dr. Nadine Tinne Marketing & Communications +49 511 2788-238 [email protected] The research on biohybrid implants for the light-induced cardiac excitation, defibrillation and stimulation of skeletal muscles is the goal of this project. To implement this innovative therapeutic concept, the partners are bringing together the latest findings from the fields of photonics, optogenetics, nanotechnology and medicine. More gentle and more efficient with a new technology The new technology is based upon an innovative approach to stimulate a contraction of the cardiac muscle: While conventional cardiac pacemakers work with electrical impulses, the new method shall use optical impulses. Thus, it is not an electrical stimulation but light that causes the cardiac muscle to contract. Another novelty is the material: A part of the pacemaker shall consist of biological material. With the pacemaker being made of the patients’ own cells, rejection reactions of the human body can be minimized. Integrated in a hydro gel, these cells are doped with upconverting nanoparticles (UCNP). These are required to cause a contraction in reaction to the optical stimulation. The impulse is imparted to the surrounding cells, and thus the cardiac muscle contracts. Further fields of application are envisaged With this altered approach not only an improved treatment of cardiac arrhythmia will be possible. At a later stage, a biohybrid Editing: Dr. Nadine Tinne | Marketing & Communications | +49 511 2788-238 | [email protected] Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. | Hollerithallee 8 | 30419 Hannover | +49 511 2788-0 | www.lzh.de defibrillator shall be developed, too. In that way, long-term consequences of the treatment – for example the scarring of the tissue – can be reduced or even completely avoided. The project has an unusually short development time, because the partners can make use of already existing results for their subprojects. The challenge, however, is to combine these results and to prepare them for use in the pacemaker. The LZH researchers focus on the coupling and distribution of light in the cardiac muscle. A broad consortium for interdisciplinary cooperation The LZH is the coordinator of the joint research project „Biohybrids for Photon-Activated Cardiac Excitation“ (BioPACE). The Hannover Medical School (MHH) provides the expertise for cell fabrication and implementation. The required fiber optical waveguides come from the LifePhotonic GmbH, and the converting nanoparticles (such as UCNPs or quantum dots) from the Center for Applied Nanotechnology CAN GmbH. Applications on the cardiac muscle and the skeletal muscles are explored by the Universitätsklinikum Bonn. The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research via the VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH within the scope of the funding initiative “Photonik Plus – new basic technologies in optics” for a duration of three years. There is one figure and one video available for this press release. Editing: Dr. Nadine Tinne | Marketing & Communications | +49 511 2788-238 | [email protected] Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. | Hollerithallee 8 | 30419 Hannover | +49 511 2788-0 | www.lzh.de Caption figure 1: The project team at the kick-off meeting (photo: LZH) Video 1: The video shows a cluster of cardiac muscle cells on which a ring-shaped pattern of dots is projected with a laser. Through this optical stimulation, the muscle cells are caused to contract. The frequency of the projection controls the contraction rhythm. (Video: LZH). Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) As an independent, non-profit research institute, the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) stands for innovative research, development and consulting. The LZH is supported by the Lower Saxony Ministry for Economics, Labour and Transport and is dedicated to the selfless promotion of applied research in the field of photonics and laser technology. Founded in 1986, over 170 employees are now working for the LZH. Editing: Dr. Nadine Tinne | Marketing & Communications | +49 511 2788-238 | [email protected] Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. | Hollerithallee 8 | 30419 Hannover | +49 511 2788-0 | www.lzh.de The focus of the LZH lies on the fields of optical components and systems, optical production technologies, and biomedical photonics. Interdisciplinary cooperation between natural scientists and mechanical engineers makes innovative approaches to challenges from the most different areas possible: from the development of components for specific laser systems to process developments for the most diverse laser applications, for example for medical technology or lightweight construction in the automotive sector. Seventeen spin off companies have emerged from the LZH up to now. Thus, the LZH has created a strong transfer between fundamental science, application oriented research, and industry. Editing: Dr. Nadine Tinne | Marketing & Communications | +49 511 2788-238 | [email protected] Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. | Hollerithallee 8 | 30419 Hannover | +49 511 2788-0 | www.lzh.de