Research Projects
Diffusion of rods and flexible polymers in complex fluids
Observation of motion provides information about both a moving body and its environment. Understanding the mechanisms of motion also makes it possible to predict how a body will behave in different situations and supports the design of new systems and technologies. This principle applies even to the motion of tiny particles in water, such as proteins, which constantly collide with surrounding water molecules. These countless collisions make the particle’s motion extremely complex and practically unpredictable at short timescales. After a sufficiently long time, however, a clear regularity emerges from this chaos: the particle undergoes diffusion. Albert Einstein and Marian Smoluchowski developed a theory describing this process, in which the key quantity is the diffusion coefficient. In simple fluids, this coefficient depends mainly on temperature and viscosity. In complex biological or industrial fluids, however, the classical Einstein formula can fail dramatically. The goal of this project is to develop a practical theoretical and experimental description of diffusion in complex liquids, focusing on DNA fragments and flexible polymers. Its results may help interpret experiments in polymer solutions and biological liquids such as cell cytoplasm, supporting the design of complex fluids and the identification of mechanisms important for life processes.
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Inverse design-assisted biodegradable modular dressings for negative pressure wound healing
The aim of the project is to develop an innovative, modular, and partially bioresorbable wound filler for Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) based on natural biopolymers, addressing the clinical limitations of conventional polyurethane dressings. The proposed system aims to enhance tissue regeneration, prevent excessive granulation, and facilitate wound access and monitoring. We will integrate cutting-edge computational design and advanced manufacturing techniques, including High-throughput hydrogel screening, Machine learning-assisted material optimization, and Microfluidic platforms for precise control of porous architecture. This synergistic approach will enable the creation of tailored, multifunctional wound dressings that align with clinical requirements and sustainability goals.
View projectOptomechanical Transduction for in vitro maturation and functional enhancement of biofabricated skeletal MUScles
OPTI-MUS project focuses on the development of advanced human skeletal muscle models capable of more closely replicating the structure and function of native muscle tissue in vitro. The research integrates biofabrication, microfluidics, photostimulation, and real-time imaging technologies to improve the physiological maturation of engineered skeletal muscles. A central element of the project is the development of an innovative modular photo-bioreactor that combines dynamic culture conditions with controlled light-based stimulation. To monitor muscle maturation in real time, genetically engineered human myoblasts expressing fluorescently tagged titin will be used, allowing direct visualization of sarcomere organization and muscle development. The project also explores non-genetic photostimulation strategies based on photoresponsive molecules to induce controlled muscle contraction in a minimally invasive manner. Advanced proteomic and epigenetic analyses will further investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle maturation under dynamic culture conditions. The overall objective of OPTI-MUS is to establish reproducible and standardized protocols for generating highly functional skeletal muscle tissues in vitro. The developed platform could support future applications in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, drug screening, and the study of muscle-related disorders.
View projectDigital manufacturing of porous functionally graded hydrogels bearing function-encoding peptides
This project aims to develop innovative strategies for the design and digital manufacturing of 3D porous functionally graded hydrogels (pFGHs) with spatially controlled biochemical and biophysical properties. By combining microfluidics with advanced 3D printing technologies, the research focuses on creating biomimetic scaffolds capable of reproducing the structural complexity of the osteochondral interface. Particular attention is dedicated to the development of tailored bioinks containing function-encoding peptides designed to direct mesenchymal stem cell differentiation toward osteogenic and chondrogenic phenotypes. The project also involves the fabrication of custom microfluidic printing heads to achieve precise control over pore architecture, material composition, and gradient distribution within the scaffold. Through the integration of bioactive materials, controlled microarchitectures, and digital manufacturing, the resulting constructs are expected to closely mimic the extracellular matrix of native tissues. A major objective of this work is to establish a versatile biofabrication platform for the production of engineered tissue interfaces with enhanced biological functionality and structural organization. Ultimately, this research aims to introduce a new method of biofabrication of tissue interfaces, which will enable cell differentiation and tissue regeneration.
View projectEmpowering microfluidic-assisted bioprinting with artificial intelligence tools: towards an atlas for modelling in vitro human biology
In this project we are aiming at developing a data-driven, high-throughput workflow – referred in jargon as blueprint – for manufacturing the next generation of in vitro tissue models. From a technical point of view, the proposed platform will enable to scan and quantitatively characterized a much larger set of experimental conditions compared to currently available systems. Notably, we are aiming at developing blueprints for a specific human tissue – namely the skeletal muscle tissue – to obtain i) the highest tissue functionality and scalability potential, and ii) prioritize the best cost-effective experimental conditions. The project will be implemented using state-of-the-art technologies such as microfluidics, 3D biofabrication and machine-learning. The core scientific objectives of the project are i) the progress towards a deeper understanding and control of cellular dynamic processes involved in the manufacturing of artificial tissues and ii) the generation of a developmental atlas of artificial muscle morphogenesis in vitro. We believe that the outcome of the proposed project may have the mid- to long-term significant social and economic impact in various fields ranging from healthcare – with the development of new treatments for SM-related diseases – to food industry and environment protection – through the more sustainable production of meat.
View projectCombining microfluidic-assisted biofabrication with high throughput proteomics to unravel skeletal muscle plasticity under active physical stimulation
Skeletal muscle is a remarkably adaptive tissue, yet the molecular mechanisms behind its response to physical training remain poorly understood. This project combines microfluidic-assisted 3D biofabrication with high-throughput proteomics to build and evaluate biomimicking engineered muscle models in vitro. By exposing these models to mechanical and electrical stimulation, the workflow captures the full spectrum of adaptive changes that would otherwise require large, costly clinical sample collections. Real-time monitoring tracks developmental shifts as they unfold, while deep proteomic profiling provides a holistic molecular picture of how engineered muscle reprograms in response to physical demand. Together, these state-of-the-art approaches offer a scalable, cost-effective platform for dissecting the biology of muscle plasticity with high precision. Ultimately, insights from this research could open new avenues for designing targeted therapeutic strategies in the prevention and treatment of skeletal muscle diseases.
View projectMYO-DEMO: Advancing Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering: Biologically Active Bioinks for Drug-Induced Disease Modelling and On-Demand Bioartificial Constructs
The MYO-DEMO project is an ambitious effort aimed at overcoming current limitations in muscle tissue engineering. By developing faster, more reliable, and more realistic muscle models, the project seeks to revolutionize approaches to muscle repair, disease research, and drug testing. Its innovative combination of bioactive bioinks, advanced manufacturing techniques, and long-term storage solutions has the potential to make a lasting impact on regenerative medicine and healthcare.
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