BioProbe Challenges and Axes

BioProbe stands out through its commitment in three key areas: research that explores the intersections of chemistry, physics, and biology, training focused on the interfaces between these disciplines, and innovation ranging from patent filings to startup creation. These facets define BioProbe's dynamic identity as a place where research, training, and innovation converge in support of innovative projects dedicated to studying biological processes in situ, with direct applications in the fields of diagnostics and imaging.

BioProbe's research revolves around four major thematic axes :

Axis 1: New Chemical Strategies

This axis includes:

  • The development of new chemical reactions for controlled chemistry within living systems, targeting the distribution of exogenous tracers in cells and tissues.
  • The design and synthesis of specific chemical sensors and tracers compatible with living systems, including the creation of new fluorophores.
  • The development of new methods and chemical tools for studying biomolecules and analytes in cells, such as nucleic acids, proteins, glycolipids, and reactive oxygen species.

Axis 2: Biosensors and Nanoprobes

Axis 2a: Biosensors for Cell Signaling

The goal of this aspect is to design new biosensors, often genetically encoded, to:

  • Monitor intracellular events and signaling pathways that maintain cellular homeostasis.
  • Decipher molecular-level cellular events to identify and validate therapeutic strategies.
Axis 2b: Nanoprobes for Analytical Multimodal Imaging, Therapy, and Diagnostics

In this aspect, the objective is to design new nanoprobes:

  • Suited for multimodal detection or new contrasts.
  • Addressable to the chosen target.
  • Usable as diagnostic and therapeutic platforms in various cellular models and up to in vivo.

Axis 3: Label-free Analysis and Imaging

This axis encompasses all projects proposing new tools for the analysis of bio-samples, medical diagnostics, or therapeutic patient monitoring that require the identification and detection of endogenous markers in complex samples. It includes projects developing new label-free imaging strategies, often based on spectroscopic methods, which may involve

  • correlative analysis and imaging
  • advanced sample preparation techniques (microfluidic, chromatographies, electrophoresis, sensors)
  • data processing (chemiometry, big data analysis).

Axis 4: Multi-Scale Observation of Biological Samples: From Nano or Molecular Scale to In Vivo and Real-Time

This axis involves:

  • New nanoscopies (super-resolution, mainly fluorescence microscopy).
  • New detection and activation modalities from an instrumental perspective.
  • Three-dimensional biological models (organoids, tissues, zebrafish, etc.) and suitable labeling techniques (immunohistochemistry, transparization, etc.).

Training

For training, BioProbe relies on a compilation of programs at the interface of undergraduate and master's degrees offered by the four partner Graduate Schools, namely Chemistry (GS Chemistry), Physics (GS Physics), Life Science and Health (GS LSH), as well as Health and Drug Sciences (GS HeaDS). Additionally, training opportunities are also provided by the Graduate School for Research and Higher Education (GS MRES), the Institute for the Sciences of Light (ISL), and the European university alliance EUGLOH (European University Alliance for Global Health) of which the University Paris-Saclay is a member.

BioProbe's objective is to prepare students and young researchers to approach scientific projects in all their complexity, by being able to consider and understand the questions, viewpoints, and communication methods of related disciplines to their major. Students who participate in BioProbe's training actions will quickly become proficient young researchers and professionals with cross-cutting skills suitable for professions where stakeholders have varied scientific backgrounds.

To achieve these goals, BioProbe implements several initiatives:

  • BioProbe aims to strengthen the research-training continuum by encouraging its teams to mentor or immerse undergraduate students when it is part of their curriculum (LDD Physics Chemistry, LDD Chemistry Life Sciences), providing opportunities for a first practical experience in interdisciplinary research.
  • BioProbe offers a personalized complementary program between M1 and M2, allowing students to train in a second discipline other than their major, enriching their academic journey.
  • For doctoral students and postdocs, BioProbe organizes an interdisciplinary summer school, bringing together experts and participants from various academic backgrounds to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and ideas. This summer school is designed as a "starter kit," primarily (but not exclusively) for students starting their Ph.D. with a strong mono-disciplinary background after their initial training. This kit will provide them with theoretical and practical knowledge, an epistemological understanding of the various disciplines involved, and interdisciplinary communication skills. It aims to make young researchers quickly effective in this interdisciplinary role and help them grasp the complexity of the challenges of their thesis from the first year.
  • BioProbe also extends to the training of research support staff (ITA), who are numerous on platforms and technical facilities.

Innovation

In the field of innovation, the research themes explored by BioProbe offer considerable potential, from patent filings to startup creation. In particular, several startups have emerged from teams now integrated into BioProbe. These initiatives cover a wide range of applications, from molecular chemistry for diagnostics to significant advancements in tumor targeting, therapy, surface treatment for biochips, analytical devices, and nanoscopies.

BioProbe teams also actively collaborate with companies in various modalities. These collaborations span a diversity of fields, such as diagnostics, therapy, biotechnology, instrumentation, as well as probes and bioactive molecules. These strategic partnerships aim to foster a continuous exchange of expertise, innovative ideas, and practical solutions, thereby strengthening the impact of research conducted within BioProbe.