ERC Consolidator Grant for an innovative cure for spina bifida
Alessandro Pellegata receives funding from the European Research Council for the 3D.FETOPRINT project
Revolutionising the treatment of Spina Bifida Aperta through the application of a new method based on tissue engineering, a branch of biomedical engineering that aims to reconstruct or regenerate damaged or pathological tissues and organs: this is the aim of the 3D.FETOPRINT project of Professor Alessandro Pellegata, lecturer at Politecnico di Milano, who received a Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council (ERC).
Spina Bifida is a congenital disorder characterised by the failure of the spine to close properly during the development of the foetus, that causese significant disabilities throughout the child's life. The innovative approach of 3D.FETOPRINT involves the development of a gel containing stem cells, designed to be printed in real time during fetoscopic surgery through 3D bioprinting technology. The objective is to promote healing and proper formation of fetal tissue. This revolutionary approach will allow surgeons to customise the procedure, tailoring it to the patient's specific needs.
This project, which combines biomedical engineering, tissue engineering and fetal surgery, aims to maximise the benefits for both the newborn and the mother.
ERC Consolidator Grants are intended for researchers, with at least 7 years of experience since obtaining their PhD and with a very promising scientific profile, who aim to consolidate their independence in research, strengthening their research group and continuing to develop a career in Europe.