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PLATFORMS AND TECHNOLOGY UNITS
Mini-organs
AVATAR is an innovative platform that designs mini-organs, miniature human muscle models grown on a chip from patient cells
AVATAR platform
AVATAR (Analyse Versatile et Avancée des Tissus Musculaires Atteints et de leur Régénération) is an innovative platform led by Andrew Ho that designs miniature human muscle models, grown on a chip from patient cells. At the interface of bioengineering, muscle biology and data science, this system provides a better understanding of how muscle works and makes it possible to test treatments more precisely.
AVATAR combines different cell types (neurons, vascular cells, immune cells, etc.) within a miniaturised circulation system (microfluidics) that recreates an environment close to human muscle. Tissues are cultured in three dimensions, fed by a controlled flow and monitored non-invasively in order to provide functional measurements that can be used directly.
The technology
The platform brings together several complementary technologies: custom microfluidic chambers, designed and manufactured in-house using high-resolution DLP printing; micro-structured hydrogels that guide the alignment and maturation of muscle fibres; 3D bioprinting to position cells and matrices with precision; and proprietary bio-inks enriched with specific matrix proteins, giving tissues an optimal environment.
This architecture speeds up research and limits the use of animal models. It makes it possible to test compounds under controlled flow, to quantify contraction, fatigue and recovery, to study metabolism and the dialogue between organs, and to characterise both safety and mechanisms of action. By placing microfluidics at the heart of the system, AVATAR brings miniaturisation, integration and fine measurement: more information, faster, with less material.
The impact
AVATAR addresses questions where actual muscle function is decisive. The platform allows drug screening under physiological conditions, functional evaluation (contraction, fatigue, recovery), the study of metabolism and of interactions between organs, as well as the analysis of safety and mechanisms of action.
By using human cells, including cells from patients, AVATAR builds a bridge between research and clinical practice. The early detection of relevant signals makes it a sensitive tool for guiding treatment choices and paving the way for more personalised medicine.
By linking different modules (for example a liver, vascular cells or neurons connected to muscle), AVATAR opens the way to the study of metabolism and of the dialogue between organs, reflecting the complexity of the human body. The platform is also a sensitive tool for the analysis of safety and mechanisms of action, thanks to the early detection of relevant signals.
R&D programmes and solutions
AVATAR is not limited to a muscle-on-chip model: it is a constantly evolving platform. Our roadmap draws on biofoundry principles (standardised modules, digital analyses and rapid innovation cycles) to ensure that results are robust and adaptable.
Our R&D projects are already exploring real-time electromechanical monitoring, predictive analysis using artificial intelligence and new biofunctional materials. AVATAR is thus preparing to become, by 2028, a key reference for research and personalised medicine.
Our R&D programmes focus on three priority areas:
- Real-time, non-invasive monitoring of electromechanical activity, using detection systems (MEA) that make it possible to characterise muscle contractions in fine detail.
- The development of artificial intelligence models trained on long data series, able to identify treatment response signatures and to anticipate how disease severity will progress.
- The creation of a new materials kit combining advanced bio-inks, tunable matrices and bio-orthogonal surface chemistries, in order to allow targeted modifications and biological stability that is enhanced over time.
Our ambition is to establish a versatile, long-lasting platform able to meet the needs of exploratory studies as well as those of advanced maturation models. Ahead of an official launch in 2028, we welcome partnerships at every level: biotech and pharmaceutical companies to de-risk their pipelines, university hospitals and clinical centres for patient-specific testing, and academic laboratories for mechanistic questions that require fine control of structure and flow.
Team members
Andrew Ho, PhD, platform manager and principal investigator
Sonia Pezet, study engineer (IE)
Massiré Traore, research engineer (IR)
Contact: avatar@institut-myologie.org