Schedule
An overview of the workshop’s program can be found below..
Keynote Speakers
Harnessing Extracellular Vesicles for Innovative Therapy in Heart Failure and Beyond
Thursday, 11.04.2024, 09:00 – 10:00
Prof. Phillip C. Yang, Stanford University (SU), CA, USA
Abstract: We discovered the mitochondria-rich extracellular vesicles (MEVs)generated from induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived cardiomyocytes (iCMs). The MEVs transfer their mitochondrial payload efficiently into the injured cardiomyocytes, which harbor damaged mitochondria, to restore the intracellular bioenergetics and function of the ischemic myocardium. Furthermore, these MEVs contain non-mitochondrial proteomic cargo that augment PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis, enabling sustained improvement of intracellular bioenergetics. This novel therapeutic approach will transform and advance the future of heart failure therapy and other mitochondria related disorders, which afflict human health.
Pharmacologic therapies have improved survival in heart failure (HF) patients over the past three decades. Despite these pioneering efforts, HF is still the leading diagnosis of hospital admission, highlighting a need for innovative treatment strategies. HF represents bioenergetic imbalance. This disruption of the balance between energy supply and demand underlies the pathogenesis of HF. Cardiac tissue samples from all forms of cardiomyopathy patients exhibit abnormal mitochondrial structure and function, resulting in diminished ATP production despite increased metabolic energy demands in the failing heart. The current HF pharmacologic regimen, including β blockers, ivabradine, and renin–angiotensin-aldosterone antagonism, attempts to correct this imbalance by reducing cardiac workload, namely, energy demand. These therapeutics are essentially non-curative because they do not target the primary energy source of the failing heart. Therefore, it is essential to develop an innovative therapy that targets the intracellular bioenergetic supply directly. This lecture will discuss our translational effort of novel biologics from stem cell derived extracellular vesicles as the main effector of myocardial restoration.
Bio: Phillip C. Yang is a Professor of Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine) at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He directs the Stanford Cardiovascular MRI Program and Cardiovascular Stem Cell Laboratory (Yang Lab). Dr. Yang received degrees from Stanford University and Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Yang is a physician-scientist whose research focuses on innovation in myocardial restoration. His laboratory combines novel pluripotent stem cell derived biologics and imaging modalities to advance cardiovascular therapeutics for heart failure. He leads multiple NIH, AHA, CIRM, and Stanford research grants along with four clinical trials. He has received several prestigious awards, including the NIH Career Development Award, NIH Career Enhancement Award in Stem Cell Biology, NIH Mid-career Award, and multiple awards from both the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology. He is a frequent guest speaker and session chair at national and international meetings.
Synthetic Molecular Communication Across Different Scales: From Theory to Experiments
Friday, 12.04.2024, 09:00 – 10:00
Prof. Robert Schober, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
Abstract: Over the past 15 years, the interest in Synthetic Molecular Communications (MC) has steadily increased and many important contributions have been made. Nevertheless, most of the work on MC is still theoretical in nature and far removed from practical applications. An important reason for this is the inherent interdisciplinarity of the field of MC, which has slowed down the progress of the field.
To overcome these limitations, the German Research Foundation has recently funded the Research Training Group “SyMoCADS – Synthetic Molecular Communication Across Different Scales: From Theory to Experiments” involving 10 PIs from 6 different disciplines. The aim of this project is to provide over a period of 9 years 27 Ph.D. students and 3 postdoctoral fellows the interdisciplinary, research-oriented training needed to move MC forward to the realm of applications. The targeted application areas include bioprocess engineering, targeted drug delivery, and odor design.
In this talk, we will provide a critical analysis of the state of the art in MC research and outline the training and research program of SyMoCADS with the objective to inspire similar programs elsewhere.
Bio: Robert Schober received the Diplom (Univ.) and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Germany, in 1997 and 2000, respectively. From 2002 to 2011, he was a Professor and a Canada Research Chair with the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada. Since January 2012, he has been an Alexander von Humboldt Professor and the Chair of Digital Communication with FAU. His research interests fall into the broad areas of communication theory, wireless and molecular communications, and statistical signal processing.
He received several awards for his work, including the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Award of the German Science Foundation in 2002, the Innovations Award of the Vodafone Foundation for Research in Mobile Communications in 2004, a 2006 UBC Killam Research Prize, the Wilhelm Friedrich Bessel Research Award of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in 2007, the Charles McDowell Award for Excellence in Research from UBC in 2008, Alexander von Humboldt Professorship in 2011, a NSERC E.W.R. Stacie Fellowship in 2012, the Wireless Communications Recognition Award by the IEEE Wireless Communications Technical Committee in 2017, and the IEEE Vehicular Technology Society Stuart F. Meyer Memorial Award in 2022. Furthermore, he received numerous Best Paper Awards for his work, including the 2022 ComSoc Stephen O. Rice Prize and the 2023 ComSoc Leonard G. Abraham Prize.
He served as the Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Transactions On Communications, VP Publications of the IEEE Communication Society (ComSoc), a ComSoc Member at Large, a ComSoc Treasurer, and Chair of the Steering Commitee of the IEEE Transactions on Molecular, Biological and Multiscale Communication. He currently serves as a Senior Editor of the Proceedings of the IEEE and as ComSoc President-Elect. Since 2017, he has been listed as a Highly Cited Researcher by the Web of Science. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the Engineering Institute of Canada and a member of the German National Academy of Science and Engineering.
Invited Speakers
A Novel DNA Vaccine Format (Vaccibodies)
Wednesday, 10.04.2024, 09:00 – 09:45
Prof. Bjarne Bogen, University of Oslo (UiO), Oslo, Norway
Abstract: Dendritic cells are crucial for induction of strong immune responses. It is well known that delivery of antigen to dendritic cells can enhance immune responses. This observation can be exploited to generate more efficient vaccines. We have designed new immunoglobulin-based vaccine molecules called Vaccibodies that can target antigen to surface molecules on dendritic cells. Vaccibodies can be delivered by injection of DNA plasmids into muscle, combined with electroporation. Transfected muscle cells secrete Vaccibody proteins that bind dendritic cells. Two factors contribute to the improved immunogenicity of Vaccibody vaccine molecules: (i) the specificity for dendritic cells (ii) the bivalency of the molecule. The Vaccibody DNA vaccines are being used for development of novel vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer.
Bio: Bjarne Bogen is professor of Immunology at The University of Oslo. He has an interest in tumor immunology, collaboration between T and B cells in initiation of immune responses, and vaccine development. The Vaccibody vaccine molecules were developed in his laboratory. He is co-founder of the Vaccibody company (now Nykode) which is focusing on development of personalized cancer vaccines. He has had sabbatical stays at Stanford University, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and The Scripps Research Institute. He has received numerous prizes for his work including King Olav Vs Cancer Research Prize in 2020.
Revolutionizing Health Monitoring Through Synthetic Biology: The AntennAlive Concept
Thursday, 11.04.2024, 13:00 – 13:45
Prof. Sema Dumanli Oktar, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
Abstract:
In this talk, I am going to introduce the AntennAlive concept. AntennAlive aims to utilize the advancements of synthetic biology to revolutionize in-body sensing, addressing key challenges in continuous health monitoring with wireless implantable sensors. It aims to pioneer a novel class of implantable sensors that employ genetically engineered cells capable of detecting specific molecules of which long-term continuous monitoring is important. Synthetic biology already offers the tools to genetically modify living cells, enabling them to detect particular molecules and thus function as sensors. Although these cells are inherently suited to live within the human body, their potential for in-body sensing has yet to be harnessed.
The core innovation of AntennAlive is its method of sensor data communication. AntennAlive envisions cells that can respond to a specific molecular stimulus such that the response can be wirelessly transmitted outside the human body via electromagnetic waves (EM). The EM waves should be tuned to centimeter-scale wavelengths to navigate the challenging electrical environment of human tissues. Successful interaction thus depends on aligning the cellular response with the corresponding EM wavelength size. AntennAlive proposes the response of the genetically modified cells to reconfigure a passive microwave antenna to foster this unique communication. The contraction can be linked to the arrival of specific molecules such as naturally occurring molecules like glucose or viral infection-related molecules like HIV-1 envelope protein where long-term continuous monitoring is of importance.
AntennAlive will convert the biological recognition of molecules into EM signals, in such a way that the need for batteries and circuits is eliminated. The envisaged wireless sensors are self-sustaining and self-repairing entities within the human body. AntennAlive’s mission extends beyond technology, aiming to ensure equitable access to healthcare by placing preventive healthcare at the forefront.
Bio: Dr. Dumanlı received the B.Sc. degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Ankara, Turkey, in 2006, and the Ph.D. degree from the University of Bristol, Bristol, U.K., in 2010. She was with Toshiba Research Europe, Bristol, as a Research Engineer and a Senior Research Engineer from 2010 to 2017. She is currently an Associate Professor at Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey. She is the founder of the Boğaziçi University Antennas and Propagation Research Laboratory (BOUNtenna) and the Boğaziçi University Bioelectromagnetics Laboratory. She has a grant portfolio of more than €850K. She is the current chair of IEEE AP/MTT/EMC/ED Turkey Joint Chapter and URSI-TR Commission K and a board member of URSI Turkey. She is the recipient of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society 2022 Donald G. Dudley Jr. Undergraduate Teaching Award and three times recipient of the Bogazici University Excellence in Teaching Award. Her current research interests include antenna design for implantable and wearable devices, in-body sensing, bio-hybrid implant sensors, and multiscale communications.
Protondynamic Therapy: A Radical New Treatment Based on the Excitation of Photosensitive Drugs by Accelerated Protons
Friday, 12.04.2024, 10:30 – 11:15
Dr. Theodossis Athanassios Theodossiou, Oslo University Hospital (OUH), Oslo, Norway
Abstract: Deep-lying cancers like the brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are difficult to reach and practically incurable by the current standard of care. And even though photosensitive drugs (PSs) are used for the precise, fluorescence-guided resection of GBM, photomedical treatments like photodynamic Therapy (PDT) are limited by the depth of light penetration into tissue. Proton radiotherapy, on the other hand, is selective for cancer and can reach deep lying disease. Here, we present a new technology stemming from the radical hybridisation of PDT and proton therapy principles. We hypothesised that accelerated protons can excite the electrons of PSs so that the latter can be activated to generate singlet oxygen and thus enhance the treatment of cancers like GBM. Indeed, we irradiated PS solutions and gels and verified proton-induced PS activation by fluorescence, i.e. radiative de-excitation of the photosensitive molecules (Fig.).
Furthermore, we verified the population of PS triplet states in dry gels. Finally, we registered singlet oxygen production, either directly through its characteristic luminescence at 1270 nm or indirectly through the formation of singlet-oxygen-associated photoproducts. Following proof of principle in solutions and gels, we proceeded with testing our technology on GBM cell cultures (M059K, T98G and U87) by comparing the survival in cell groups ±PS (cercosporin), irradiated with various proton doses (2-20 Gy). The results revealed increased cell death using PSs in M059K and T98G but not in U87 cells.
Technical Sessions
Wednesday 10 April, 2024
Session 1: Synchronisation, Multiple-Access, Molecular Receivers (10:00 – 11:30)
Session Chair: Maximilian Schäfer (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg)
| Title | Authors |
| Synchronized Relaying in Molecular Communication: An AI-based Approach using a Mobile Testbed Setup | Lisa Y Debus (Technische Universität Berlin)*; Pit Hofmann (Technische Universität Dresden); Jorge Torres Gomez (TU Berlin); Frank Fitzek (TU Dresden); Falko Dressler (TU Berlin) |
| Single Input Multi Output Model of Molecular Communication via Diffusion with Spheroidal Receivers | Ibrahim Isik (University of Warwick)*; Mitra Rezaei (University of Warwick); Adam Noel (University of Warwick) |
| Error Probability Optimization for Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access in DBMC Networks | Alexander Wietfeld (TU Munich)*; Sebastian Schmidt (TU Munich); Wolfgang Kellerer (TU Munich) |
| Channel Model and Capacity of Diffusive Particle Intensity Channels with Reactive Receivers | Mladen Veletic (Norwegian Uni. of Science and Technology & Oslo University Hospital)*; Martin Damrath (Norwegian University of Science and Technology); Mohammad Zoofaghari (Oslo University Hospital-Yazd University); Hamid Khoshfekr Rudsari (Oslo University Hospital & University of Oslo); Ilangko Balasingham (Oslo University Hospital) |
| Spheroidal Receiver with Non-Uniform Porosity | Mitra Rezaei (University of Warwick)*; Adam Noel (University of Warwick) |
Session 2: Bio-computing, Sensing, and Coordination (12:30 – 13:30)
Session Chair: Ibrahim Isik (University of Warwick)
| Title | Authors |
| Investigation of Different Chemical Realizations for Molecular Matrix Multiplications | Stefan Angerbauer (Johannes Kepler University)*; Nunzio Tuccitto (University of Catania); Giuseppe Trusso (University of Catania); Rosella Santonocito (University of Catania); Werner Haselmayr (Johannes Kepler University Linz) |
| Using Molecular Communication in Anticancer Intervention | Milica Lekic (NTNU)*; Mladen Veletic (Norwegian Uni. of Science and Technology & Oslo University Hospital); Ilangko Balasingham (NTNU) |
| Bio-inspired Locomotion Design and Modeling for Diffusive Molecular Communication Systems | Ali Etemadi (Tarbiat Modares University)*; Vahid Jamali (Technical University of Darmstadt); Hamidreza Arjmandi (University of Birmingham); Arman Ahmadzadeh (Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nurnberg (FAU)); Wayan Wicke (Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nurnberg (FAU)); Paeiz Azmi (Tarbiat Modares University); Robert Schober (Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nurnberg) |
| Computational Modeling of Bacterial Sensor Dynamics | Florian Anderl (NTNU)*; Gabriela Salvadori (Oslo University Hospital); Mladen Veletic (Norwegian Uni. of Science and Technology & Oslo University Hospital); Ilangko Balasingham (NTNU) |
| Synergistic Interplay of Quorum Sensing Molecules in Streptococcus pneumoniae: Promising Prospects for Quorum-Sensing Based Bionanosensor Design | Gabriela Salvadori (Oslo University Hospital)*; Florian Anderl (NTNU); Mladen Veletic (Norwegian Uni. of Science and Technology & Oslo University Hospital); Fernanda Petersen (University of Oslo); Ilangko Balasingham (Oslo University Hospital) |
Thursday 11 April, 2024
Session 3: Inbody Networks and Sensing (10:30 – 12:00)
Session Chair: Maurizio Magarini (Politecnico di Milano)
| Title | Authors |
| Age of Information-based Abnormality Detection with Decay in the Human Circulatory System | Saswati Pal (Technische Universität Berlin)*; Falko Dressler (TU Berlin); Jorge Torres Gómez (Technische Universität Berlin); Regine Wendt (University of Lübeck); Stefan Fischer (University of Lübeck) |
| Integration of Magnetoelectric Antennas and Synthetic Biology for Advanced In-Body Sensing and Wireless Communication | Ali Khaleghi (NTNU); Ahmet Bilir (Bogazici University); Fazel Rangriz Rostami (NTNU); Ram Prasadh Narayanan (NTNU); Mladen Veletic (Norwegian Uni. of Science and Technology & Oslo University Hospital); Sema Dumanli (Bogazici University)* |
| QL-based Adaptive Transceivers for IoBNT Communications | Roya Khanzadeh (Johannes kepler university of Linz)*; Stefan Angerbauer (Johannes Kepler University); Jorge Torres Gomez (TU Berlin); Andreas Springer (Johannes Kepler University of Linz); Falko Dressler (TU Berlin); Werner Haselmayr (Johannes Kepler University Linz) |
| A Molecular Communication Perspective on Detecting Arterial Plaque Formation | Pit Hofmann (Technische Universität Dresden)*; Sebastian Schmidt (TU Munich, Chair of Communication Networks); Alexander Wietfeld (TU Munich, Chair of Communication Networks); Pengjie Zhou (Technische Universität Dresden); Jonas Fuchtmann (Minimally Invasive Interdisciplinary Thera- peutical Intervention (MITI), Klinikum rechts der Isar, TU Munich); Frank H.P. Fitzek (Technische Universität Dresden); Wolfgang Kellerer (TU Munich, Chair of Communication Networks) |
| Liquid Biopsy Using Intra-Body Nanonetworks: Perspective and Approach | Niklas Moser (Technische Universität Berlin); Eloi Gómez (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya); Sergi Abadal (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya); Eduard Alarcon (Nil); Filip Lemic (i2Cat); Ethungshan Shitiri (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya)* |
Session 4: Molecular Communications in the Living World (14:00 – 15:00)
Session Chair: Adam Noel (University of Warwick)
| Title | Authors |
| The Role of Receiver Population Variability in MC Involving Living Insects | Nunzio Tuccitto (University of Catania)*; Federico Calì (University of Catania); Fabrizio Pappalardo (University of Catania) |
| Modeling the EV Concentration in Different Internalization Phases | Nunzio Iraci (University of Catania); Loredana Leggio (University of Catania); Greta Paternò (University of Catania); Alfio Lombardo (University of Catania); Giacomo Morabito (University of Catania); Carla Panarello (University of Catania)*; Fabrizio Pappalardo (University of Catania) |
| Phytobiome: A Molecular Communication Network Within and Around Plants | Fatih Gulec (York University); hamdan awan (Munster Technological University); Nigel Wallbridge (Vivent SA); Andrew Eckford (York University)* |
| Modeling the Role of Glutamine Synthetase on Noisy Communications in Tripartite Synapses | Laura Galluccio (University of Catania/CNIT)*; Alfio Lombardo (University of Catania/CNIT); Fabrizio Pappalardo (University of Catania/CNIT) |
| Impact of Stress Induced Acoustic Signals on Molecular Communication in Plants | Sundas Shujah (Munster Technological University, Cork)*; Hamdan Awan (Munster Technological University); Kashif Ahmad (Munster Technological University, Cork); Maurizio Magarini (Polimi) |
Friday 12 April, 2024
Session 5: Receiver and Cancer Therapeutics (12:00 – 13:30)
Session Chair: Andrew Eckford (York University)
| Title | Authors |
| Detection Algorithm Study for a Microfluidic Molecular Communication Testbed Setup | Pengjie Zhou (Technische Universität Dresden)*; Pit Hofmann (Technische Universität Dresden); Juan A. Cabrera (Technische Universität Dresden); Frank H.P. Fitzek (Technische Universität Dresden) |
| Realizing Higher Order Modulation in a Closed Loop Experimental MC System | Maike Scherer (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU))*; Lukas Brand (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg ); Teena tom Dieck (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)); Maximilian Schäfer (Digital Communications, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)); Sebastian Lotter (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)); Kathrin Castiglione (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)); Robert Schober (Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nurnberg) |
| An MC Framework for FUS-based Glioblastoma Treatment Associated with Therapeutic Agent | Martin Damrath (Norwegian University of Science and Technology)*; Mohammad Zoofaghari (Oslo University Hospital-Yazd University); Mladen Veletic (Norwegian Uni. of Science and Technology & Oslo University Hospital); Ilangko Balasingham (Norwegian Uni. of Science and Technology & Oslo University Hospital) |
| Bi-Directional Spheroidal Molecular Communication in Flowing Media | Nadezhda Briantceva (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology)*; Adam Noel (University of Warwick); Mohamed-Slim Alouini (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology ) |
| MC Testbed Presentation | Maike Scherer (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)); Lukas Brand (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg ); Teena tom Dieck (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)); Maximilian Schäfer (Digital Communications, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)); Sebastian Lotter (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)); Kathrin Castiglione (Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)); Robert Schober (Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nurnberg) |