MAGNETIC ION CHANNEL ACTIVATION
About
MICA stands for Magnetic Ion Channel Activation.
One of the ways cells respond and communicate with its environment is through ions. When the cell’s ion channels open, ions flood into the cell, which is interpreted as a signal and leads to differences in the cell's behaviour. For example, a stem cell will become a brand new bone cell.
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MICA’s nanoparticles have a special coating which means they can bind to specific proteins or ion channels on the surface of the cell. When the magnetic field is applied, the force generated can open these ion channels, providing a signal and thereby controlling the behaviour of the cell. We can choose which cell we attach the nanoparticles to, and which protein on the cell surface. This allows us to control the behaviour of a wide number of cells.
About
MICA Biosystems was established as a spin-out from the University of Keele, United Kingdom with the ambitious goal of pioneering the use of biomagnetic technology to aid regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The company has been operating since 2010 and is currently headquartered in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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The founders and visionaries behind MICA Biosystems, Prof. Jon Dobson and Prof. Alicia El Haj, are world leaders in the fields of biotechnology and biomedical applications having published 500+ articles on the topic between them. By bringing together interdisciplinary groups within biomedicine, physical sciences and engineering Prof. Dobson and Prof. El Haj have made it their ambition to drive the development of novel technologies and innovative new cell based therapies for use in the clinic.
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Years of intensive research and development have led the company to the discovery of the innovative MICA technology that holds the promise of furthering clinical research as well as becoming a widely available method of treatment for patients. The company is in the process of working with several leading clinicians and scientific institutions around the world to conduct a series of validation and feasibility studies of MICA technology in a variety of medical applications.
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MICA Biosystems holds technology patents in the APAC, EMEA, and AMER regions.
Mission
MICA Biosystems’ mission is to unlock the potential of nanotechnology and stem cell therapies in both the clinical and research fields by allowing for controlled cell differentiation and mechanical stimulation, both in vivo and in vitro.
Aim
MICA Biosystems will enable a new approach to controlling cell behaviour with applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, stem cell research, pharmaceutical screening, and therapeutic applications.
Our Leadership
​Prof. Alicia El Haj
CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTOR
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Leading figure in Bioengineering and Regenerative Medicine and has been involved in bringing together interdisciplinary groups within biomedicine, maths, physical sciences and engineering.
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Awarded the IOM3 Chapman medal for her major contribution towards translation of biomedical materials into healthcare.
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Ex-Chair of the European Council for the Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS).
Prof. Jon Dobson
CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTOR
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In the Top 50 most highly cited researchers in regenerative medicine in the world.
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His patents have been licensed by companies in the UK and the US, and these technologies are in use in academic institutions and biotechnology companies in more than 25 countries around the world.
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J Crayton Pruitt Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florida.
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Royal Society Wolfson Merit Award, Fellow of: US National Academy of Inventors (NAI) | American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) | American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) | The Royal Society of Biology | The Royal Society of Medicine, International Journal of Nanomedicine: Distinguished Scientist Award
Dr. Mike Zurawski
CO-FOUNDER, CEO
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PhD in orthopaedic biotech at the University of Nottingham, in partnership with a global biotech firm - Zimmer-Biomet.
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Venture Capitalist as a Senior Associate in a Family Office VC fund.
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Chairman of a £40m Alzheimer’s Therapy company.
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Strategy consulting at Boston Consulting Group and KPMG after his studies.
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British Army Reservist soldier since 2016.
