About galatea
Digital human milk for infants
Infant nutrition, particularly for premature babies, presents a complex challenge due to the unique composition of human milk. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the GALATEA project is developing a digital twin of human milk, leveraging advanced computational models and cutting-edge lab techniques like metabolomics and proteomics. Bringing together experts from various fields, the programme aims to simulate human milk’s intricate makeup, leading to personalised nutrition plans for infants. GALATEA’s holistic approach combines clinical neonatology, bioinformatics, and cell culturing with cross-disciplinary collaboration. The anticipated results include better health outcomes for newborns, breakthroughs in artificial milk formulations, and a stronger research community in neonatal nutrition. GALATEA could redefine how we approach infant feeding strategies.
About galatea
Objective
The research and innovation program, named GALATEA, stands as a pioneering venture targeting infant nutrition through the development of a digital twin of human milk. The program brings together interdisciplinary expertise from computational modeling, bioinformatics, clinical neonatology, experimental lab techniques, and engineered bioreactors for cell culturing, forming a consortium dedicated to advancing our understanding of human milk’s complexities. The overarching objective is to create a sophisticated simulation platform that mirrors the intricate composition of human milk, allowing for the formulation of personalized nutrition plans for infants, particularly those born prematurely. GALATEA’s innovative spirit extends beyond computational models, encompassing experimental lab work utilizing bioreactors and cutting-edge techniques like metabolomics and proteomics. The program’s mobility component facilitates cross-disciplinary learning among participating organizations, fostering collaborative knowledge exchange. Anticipated outcomes include enhanced health outcomes for newborns, a deeper understanding of human milk for the advancement of artificial milk formulations, and the establishment of a robust research community dedicated to neonatal nutrition. GALATEA represents a holistic and innovative approach to the fundamental challenge of infant nutrition, setting new standards for personalized strategies and collaborative interdisciplinary efforts.
Human milk
milk composition and impact of the project
Breast milk is universally recognised as the best source of nutrition for newborns.
The composition of breast milk changes dynamically to adapt to the baby’s needs during different stages of breastfeeding.
Providing the correct milk nutritional profile is fundamental for the proper development of the infant.
The main functions are:
- Immune Protection
- Promotion of child development
- Ease of digestion
- Reduced Risk of Illness
Human milk substitutes
Artificial milk or infant formula
Manufactured substitute designed to mimic the nutritional content of breast milk.
Donated milk
Human breast milk given by lactating mothers.
Normally, it lacks key bioactive components like antibodies, stem cells, and long-chain fatty acids, which are crucial for immune protection and brain development.
Pasteurisation reduces vital bioactive components like antibodies and enzymes. This process diminishes its immune-boosting properties, making it less effective than fresh breast milk in supporting infant health
Impact of the project
The aim of Galatea is developing a digital twin of human milk for neonatal nutrition through artificial intelligence-driven tool to understand the intricate composition of human milk and support the formulation of personalised nutritional plans for newborns, particularly premature infants.
The project will have several impacts:
- Define patient-specific diets for vulnarable infants, such as preterms
- Compensate for any nutritional deficiencies in breast milk
- Create more realistic and healtier artificial milks
- Identify crucial markers in human milk for each infant stages
partners
Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, Galatea brings together leading academic institutions and innovative private sector companies to understand the intricate composition of human milk and support the formulation of personalised nutritional plans for newborns, particularly premature infants.
Galatea is an international collaboration of 11 partners from 5 European countries, including 5 academic institutions and 6 private sector companies.
The partners includes:
- POLITECNICO DI TORINO
- 7HC S.R.L.
- ATHENA ” RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CENTER IN INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGIES”
- INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS BIOLOGY PC
- FUNDACIÓN PARA LA GESTIÓN DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN BIOMÉDICA DE CÁDIZ (FGIBICA)
- CELLEX SRL
- GDANSK UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
- UNIVERSIDAD DE CÁDIZ – UCA
- OSPEDALE PEDIATRICO BAMBINO GESÙ – OPBG
- SCUOLA UNIVERSITARIA PROFESSIONALE DELLA SVIZZERA ITALIANA (SUPSI- DTI – MEMTI)
- TOELT GMBH
