Innovation and research: the 3DCardio project
We are proud to present the preliminary results of the 3DCardio project, developed in collaboration with our scientific partner ICGEB (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology) and supported by theUniversity of Padua, as part of the iNEST - Interconnected Northeast Innovation Ecosystem research program, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRP).
The project aims to develop an innovative digital platform for 3D cardiac tissue engineering,combining advanced technologies for monitoring and controlling cell growth.
An integrated and advanced system
The designed platform consists of four main components:
- Sample conditioning system: ensures the right atmospheric composition for the fabric.
- Inverted microscope with environmental temperature control system: monitors bioengineered heart tissues (EHT).
- Built-in incubator: controls sample temperature.
- Dedicated PC: for image acquisition and analysis and sample position control.
Through collaboration with ICGEB, the project also integrates advanced expertise in tissue engineering and the use of decellularized matrices tested with induced pluripotent stem cells.
Preliminary tests were performed on murine cardiac tissue, using images acquired at 100 Hz and analyzed by edge detection algorithms implemented in the Vision library of LabVIEW (National Instruments). The collected data allowed calculation of contraction parameters in real time, with precise measurements of force, rate, and tissue deformation.
3DCardio at the center of the Spoke 2 event
The 3DCardio project was one of the main themes of the Plenary Meeting - Spoke 2, held at the School of Innovation in Trento, Italy on January 14, 2025. The event, sponsored by prestigious institutions such as UNITN, FBK, UNIVR, UNITS and HIT, provided an important opportunity to share research progress and discuss issues related to Health, Food and Lifestyle.
Learn more about the event here: https://www.consorzioinest.it/health-food-and-lifestyles
IRS, in partnership with ICGEB, continues to be at the forefront of technological innovation, combining research and practical applications to meet the challenges of the future.
