The main goal of the 3-years project ACCURE (starting in July 1st 2024) is a cross-border cooperation between Austrian and Czech partners in the "Research and Innovation" priority in the field of medicine and biotechnology. Universities (VUT, MU and JKU), research institutions (Profactor) and private companies (Enantis and Tiger) are involved. ACCURE focuses on the development of a new 3D-printed in vitro full-thickness skin model using innovative technologies and biotechnology that faithfully imitates the structure and function of the skin. This model will be used for testing drugs and therapeutic substances, e.g. for the healing of acute and chronic wounds (diabetic ulcers), healing of eczema, and other skin diseases, or for testing cosmetics, accelerating development of new drugs and materials, and avoiding the use of animal models, in line with the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinements).

During the project, the main output is the inclusion of 4 research organizations into mutual collaboration (VUT Brno, MUNI Brno, JKU Linz, and Profactor Steyr), the organization of a joint AT-CZ event focused on 3D printing and new technologies (m3d+it, Linz 2025), and the creation of a "Functional Prototype" (In vitro full-thickness skin model). Upon completion of the project, two scientific publications will be published in peer-reviewed Open Access journals. Furthermore, the outcome will be indicated by the therapeutic testing of drugs on the developed in vitro 3D skin model, and finally, another joint AT-CZ conference focused on 3D printing and new technologies (m3d+it, Linz 2027). The project will strengthen cooperation between universities, research organizations, and small and medium-sized enterprises in the Danube region, as well as raise awareness and visibility of science and innovation through this planned joint cross-border event in the field of 3D printing for regenerative medicine.

Co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Sustainable Development Goals

Masaryk University is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve the conditions and quality of life on our planet by 2030.