Non-Fungible Tokens for Organoids: Decentralized Biobanking to Empower Patients in Biospecimen Research

Authors

  • William Sanchez, BS Software Engineer, de-bi, co., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8437-0386
  • Larue Linder Undergraduate, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
  • Robert C. Miller, MD, MBA, FRS Researcher, Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, USA
  • Amelia Hood, MS Researcher, Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, USA
  • Marielle S. Gross, MD, MBE Founder/CEO, de-bi, co., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3009-4082

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30953/bhty.v7.303

Keywords:

blockchain, decentralized biobanking, human cancer models, non-fungible tokens, organoids, web3, cancer research, precision medicine, drug discovery

Abstract

Introduction: Scientists use donated biospecimens to create organoids, miniature copies of patient tumors1 that are revolutionizing precision medicine2 and drug discovery. However, current biobanking platforms remove patient names to protect privacy, precluding communication of health information and research findings between bench and bedside3. We leverage tokenization, transparency, and privacy-preservation of blockchain technology to advance a decentralized biobanking prototype empowering patient engagement in organoid research.

Methods: We design and develop a proof-of-concept NFT framework4 for a simulated human cancer model research network. Our implementation deployed multiple smart contracts on Ethereum test networks which minted NFTs representing each stakeholder, biospecimen, and organoid, a NodeJS server using a Metamask wallet to interact with blockchain through an Infura hosted node, and a Flutter mobile application connected to a Firebase Database to demonstrate biobanking activities.

Results: Our prototype demonstrated the viability of NFTs representing patients, physicians, scientists, and organoids while preserving privacy, and displayed how decentralized biobanking could be integrated into existing biobanking platforms5. The application featured key activities for patients, including biospecimen tracking, the ability to view organoids, learn about ongoing studies, and peer-to-peer communications with scientists. 

Discussion: Our prototype demonstrates proof-of-concept for a web3 platform that engages patients, physicians and scientists in an privacy-preserving organoid community. Further research is needed to advance decentralized biobanking features, encapsulating complex organoid research activities, and to assess feasibility and acceptability of implementing our approach.  

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Published

2024-04-24

How to Cite

Sanchez, W., Linder, L., Miller, . R. ., Hood, A., & Gross, M. (2024). Non-Fungible Tokens for Organoids: Decentralized Biobanking to Empower Patients in Biospecimen Research. Blockchain in Healthcare Today, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.30953/bhty.v7.303

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2024): Blockchain in Healthcare Today Platform Approaches In Healthcare

Section

Use Cases

License

Copyright (c) 2024 William Sanchez, BS; Larue Linder; Robert C. Miller, MD, MBA, FRS, Amelia Hood, MS, Marielle S. Gross, MD, MBE

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Authors retain copyright of their work, with first publication rights granted to Blockchain in Healthcare Today (BHTY). Read the full Copyright Statement.

 

 

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