Chronic liver disease is a global health problem. Af- fecting some 1.5 billion people worldwide, it is re- sponsible for some 4% of all deaths annually. The disease often develops gradually — it can start with a fatty liver before progressing to scarring and ulti- mately cirrhosis. Various interactions play a role Existing models, such as two-dimensional cell cul- tures, are unable to sufficiently map the complex interactions between the various participating liver cells. These interactions are, however, key to under- standing how the disease progresses and to develop- ing methods to treat it. Modern 3D cell cultures could provide a better solution, as they mimic natural liver biology. Now, researchers working on the Nano-Argovia project NanoDiLi under the leadership of Dr. Joachim Köser (FHNW School of Life Sciences) have set them- selves the goal of developing an innovative platform for the nanomechanical analysis of liver microtis- sues. To this end, the researchers combine a special measuring instrument based on atomic force micros- copy with a novel sample holder developed within the project that allows nondestructive and sequen- tial examination of multiple microtissues. Comparison with known biomarkers As part of the project, the researchers compare the nanomechanical measurements of healthy and dis- eased liver tissue with classical biochemical markers. They also produce the mixed cellular microtissue in order to study disease development in depth and test known active substances for the treatment of fibro- sis and fatty liver. By providing user-friendly hardware and robust protocols, the aim is to make nanomechanical anal- yses accessible to research laboratories and industry. In the long term, the project could help to reduce animal experimentation in liver research and to pro- mote new applications in tumor biology and tissue engineering. On the trail of liver disease with AFM In the Nano-Argovia project NanoDiLi, an interdisciplinary team is developing an innovative platform based on atomic force microscopy in order to carry out nanomechanical analyses of three-dimensional liver microtissues. The researchers hope to use this platform to study the development of chronic liver diseases and to test known active sub- stances for the treatment of scarring and fatty liver disease in the lab. Cooperation between: FHNW School of Life Sciences FHNW School of Engineering and Environment Artidis AG (Basel- Stadt) Further information: Nano-Argovia program FHNW School of Life Sciences FHNW School of Engineering and Environment Artidis „NanoDiLi will support ARTIDIS in evaluating AFM-based nanomechanical measurements as complementary readouts for advanced in vitro liver models. By comparing mechanical signals with established biological markers, the project will assess their relevance for disease modelling and preclinical testing, while supporting future translational development with liver-model experts and selected industry stakeholders.“ Dr. Marko Loparic, ARTIDIS AG 12 SNI INSight June 2026 Nano-Argovia program