Research group Cell Biology
In the fields of health and sustainable food production, the use of cells is essential. Within the Cell Biology research group, we focus on establishing and applying diverse eukaryotic cell models to address a wide range of challenges, including regenerative medicine, organ-on-chip technology, and cellular agriculture.
We connect our cell biological knowledge and expertise with other core disciplines within the Leiden Centre for Applied Bioscience (LCAB) - such as chemical analysis of cell culture media with Analytical Biosciences, or genetic and transcriptomic profiling of cells with Bioinformatics. This multidisciplinary integration allows us to respond effectively and flexibly to applied questions from the professional field.
Furthermore, the growing industry demand for cell biological expertise has led University of Applied Sciences Leiden (Hogeschool Leiden) to place greater emphasis on these skills within the Biology and Medical Laboratory Research curriculum. The Cell Biology research group provides direct input for education, identifies emerging industry needs, and contributes through our lecturer-researchers to developing and delivering innovative, cell biology-related education.
Working Method
The Cell Biology group works in close collaboration with the Food, Health & Innovation research group. Together, we connect education, research, and industry. We tackle practical challenges emerging from the field, defined by an open, flexible, and applied approach.
Because our team holds extensive expertise in cell biology, we can engage with a wide variety of research questions. Our strong ties to other disciplines within the LCAB enable us to conduct truly interdisciplinary applied research.
Impact
Equipped with a spacious cell culture facility and linked to other LCAB research groups, the Cell Biology group conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of health and nutrition.
In addition, our lecturer-researchers and students regularly contribute scientific content to symposia, conferences, and external events. Our team continuously explores and strengthens links with education - both within our institution and beyond - to ensure maximum impact.
Education
Within the Cell Biology research group, students can complete internships within applied research projects focusing on sustainable food and health, working alongside partners from academia and industry. Under the mentorship of lecturer-researchers, students learn to conduct independent research and develop into skilled analysts ready to make an immediate impact in the workforce.
Additionally, the research group acts as a client/commissioner for project-based learning within various Higher Professional Education (HBO) and Vocational Education (MBO) curricula, and our researchers deliver specialised guest lectures.
Our team
Our projects
SPICE: The Smart Successor to the 'Pungency Test'
How spicy is that pepper really? Currently, growers and sauce manufacturers often still evaluate product heat simply by tasting. However, the human palate has its limits. Within the SPICE project (System for Pungency Identification and Classification Evaluation), the LCAB—in partnership with Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and innovative SMEs—is developing an affordable, ultra-fast "artificial tongue" to accurately map and classify pungency.
Drug Screening with Organs-on-Chips (AC/OC)
The development of organs-on-chips (OoCs) represents a paradigm shift in drug discovery and development. By culturing miniature tissues and organ structures inside microfluidic channels, researchers can test drug candidates rapidly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Our project, AC/OC: Development of Analytical-Chemical Methods for Drug Research using Organs-on-Chips, contributes directly to advancing personalised medicine.
Large-Scale Neo-Cartilage Engineering: Regenerative Therapies for Osteoarthritis
The Food, Health & Innovation and Cell Biology groups are investigating an innovative regenerative medicine approach for treating osteoarthritis (OA). We focus on repairing damaged articular cartilage - a vital step toward long-term pain relief without the need for total joint replacement. Our goal is to develop durable, adaptable neo-cartilage implants for patients with advanced stages of the disease, addressing critical knowledge gaps to provide scalable solutions for OA.
Cultivated Meat: Testing Alternative Culture Media (Completed)
The production of cultivated meat as an alternative to conventional animal meat is advancing rapidly. Cultivated meat requires growing muscle cells in the laboratory until they form functional muscle tissue. To scale this process efficiently and affordably, applied research into sustainable, cost-effective culture media remains critical.
Tastes Differ: Compound Detection on an Artificial Tongue (Completed)
This project focused on expanding the capabilities of tongue-on-a-chip technology across diverse applications by enabling direct, real-time measurements of receptor activation.
Collaborate with us?
Laurie Mans
Research Group Leader – Cell Biological Expertise
Contact and information
The Cell Biology research group is part of the Leiden Centre for Applied Bioscience (LCAB) at University of Applied Sciences Leiden (Hogeschool Leiden). Email: [email protected]
Laurie Mans connects cell biological expertise with applied research and education in an interdisciplinary manner. This allows her team to deliver multifaceted impact to industry while ensuring our educational curriculum remains innovative and aligned with the demands of the professional field.