In TOXBOX, Dublin City University (DCU) contributes to the development of a fully automated toxicity testing platform that brings together innovative technologies from across the consortium. DCU’s work focuses on the design and fabrication of mechatronic systems, as well as the development of alternative testing approaches that can complement the project’s organoid-based models.
The overall ambition of TOXBOX is to develop an integrated platform for more reliable, efficient and sustainable chemical safety assessment. To support this goal, DCU helps translate scientific concepts into practical technical solutions, working on components that will enable automation, integration and usability within the future TOXBOX device.
Building Mechatronic Systems for an Automated Platform
A key part of DCU’s contribution lies in the design and fabrication of mechatronic systems. These systems are essential for enabling the future TOXBOX platform to handle complex laboratory processes in a more automated and controlled way.
Using its advanced manufacturing facilities and technical expertise, DCU is developing prototype components that support the integration of partner technologies within the device. This practical engineering work is closely connected to the broader TOXBOX design, where different testing modules, sensing technologies and data-generating systems need to operate together in one coordinated workflow.
In this context, automation plays an important role in turning complex laboratory processes into a more streamlined and accessible testing approach. By contributing to the technical basis for automated microfluidic operation and monitoring, DCU supports the development of a system that can bring together advanced technologies in a practical and user-oriented way.
The next steps for DCU include integrating the know-how from other project partners to help implement a fully automated microfluidic platform. This work supports one of the central goals of TOXBOX: transforming advanced laboratory technologies into a practical testing system for future chemical safety assessment.
Exploring Alternative Approaches for Environmental Testing
In addition to its engineering contribution, DCU is also exploring alternative testing methods. One important area is the use of daphnia neonate behavioural analysis as a way to assess toxicity levels. This adds an environmental testing perspective to TOXBOX and complements the project’s organoid-based approaches.
Daphnia are small aquatic organisms commonly used in ecotoxicology research. Within TOXBOX, DCU’s work with daphnia helps broaden the project’s ability to assess chemical effects from different biological perspectives. Methods such as daphnia feeding rate analysis can provide additional insights and complement results obtained from organoid testing.
This combination of automated engineering and alternative biological testing strengthens the interdisciplinary character of TOXBOX. By contributing both technical platform development and environmental testing expertise, DCU helps ensure that the future TOXBOX system is not only scientifically advanced, but also practically relevant for broader safety assessment needs.
Looking Ahead
As TOXBOX moves into its next development phase, DCU’s work will continue to support the integration of partner technologies into an automated platform. This includes progressing mechatronic components, supporting microfluidic automation and further developing methods that can contribute to toxicological and environmental assessment.
Through its expertise in engineering, manufacturing and alternative testing methods, DCU plays an important role in helping TOXBOX move from individual project technologies towards a connected and functional testing platform. Its contribution supports the project’s broader aim of enabling more efficient, reliable and sustainable approaches to chemical safety testing.