MUW inventions awarded at the 15th edition of the International Invention and Innovation Show INTARG

Three inventions of the scientific teams from our University were awarded during the 15th International Invention and Innovation Show INTARG. Two gold medals, one silver and two special awards are the balance of the MUW participation in the event. The international jury appreciated the innovations taking into account their level of novelty, market demand for the product, comparison with global counterparts and level of sophistication.

The gold medal was awarded to the project "New method for non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis" by Prof. Piotr Laudanski and Prof. Miroslaw Wielgos from the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MUW. The project also received a special award from the Toronto International Society of Innovation & Advanced Skills TISIAS in Canada. Endometriosis is a chronic disease of women of reproductive age that affects 10% of women. The consequences of endometriosis may include chronic abdominal pain or infertility. The object of the invention of our scientists is a new method for non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis and differentiation of endometriosis stages. It is based on measuring the content and levels of selected markers and characteristic marker profiles in a plasma sample together with checking for statistical differences in the concentration of the indicated markers and their profiles. Current available non-invasive diagnostic methods for endometriosis such as ultrasound and biochemical markers (e.g. CA125) do not allow early selection of patients with endometriosis because their sensitivity and specificity are too low. The sensitivity and specificity of the developed diagnostic method for endometriosis is currently under validation in a clinical trial. The developed new method for the diagnosis of endometriosis can be widely used in the process of diagnosis of the disease and its development as well as conducting clinical trials of drug therapies.

The Gold Medal was also awarded to Dr. Katerina Makarova and Dr. Katarzyna Zawada from the Department of Physical Chemistry,MUW, for the project "Capillary for in vivo determination of melanin radical by EPR method using zebrafish embryo model." The project also received the Special Award of Euroinvent 2022 Romania. As part of their invention, the researchers propose a new method for conducting in vivo studies on animal models using X-band EPR spectroscopy using a dedicated test kit containing an innovative capillary that enables EPR measurements on animal models. The technology is applicable to the study of biological and/or physical parameters of a model organism, including melanin radical levels, membrane fluidity and levels of short-lived free radicals. The above application of technology allows for precise research in disease progression and efficacy of drug therapies for cancer (primarily melanoma), Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. - Melanin is one of the major pigments found in nature. Its prevalence is attributed to numerous functions, including pigmentation, thermoregulation, absorption of toxins. Melanin, especially melanin radicals, play an important role in melanoma. The world is still searching for new effective methods of diagnosis and treatment - says Dr. Katerina Makarova. The developed method of in vivo testing using EPR also allows for significant reduction in time, simplification and cost of preclinical drug testing. The method can be used to create personalized treatment for skin cancer patients by being able to rapidly test the effects of several drugs simultaneously on a model and select the most effective drug combination.

The silver medal of the fair went to Prof. Sebastian Granica, Jakub Piwowarski, MD, PhD, Prof. Mariusz Sacharczuk and Prof. Marek Naruszewicz for the invention "DIVABIOTA dermocosmetic supporting the condition of the skin microbiota" from the Environmental Microbiota Lab. DIVABIOTA is a dermocosmetic cream based on a unique formulation containing a postbiotic metabolite produced by the human intestinal microbiota - urolithin A. The cosmetic is used in the prevention of inflammation and in maintaining the proper condition of human skin microbiota. In vitro studies have shown that urolithin A significantly reduces skin inflammation (keratinocytes) caused by stimulation with factors of bacterial origin. Ex vivo studies have shown a positive effect of urolithin A on skin microbiota composition in healthy individuals by increasing the abundance and biodiversity of microbiota present on the skin surface. - Our concept is to support the state of the skin microbiota in order to increase its biodiversity, which is important for maintaining the proper balance of the immune system of this body organ. - says Prof. Sebastian Granica about the invention.

The International Invention and Innovation Show INTARG makes it possible to present the potential and achievements of technological thought and science, i.e. inventions, technologies and services targeted at industry. The fair was supported by the highest ranking Polish and international institutions and organizations. Participation in the fair is also a great opportunity to establish business contacts between representatives of the world of science, industry, finance. Synergy of science and business. The main organizer is Eurobusiness - Haller.