FCT Funding Projects
Coordination of project funded by Portuguese Foundation
O2Cells
Hybrid living bioengineered hierarchical constructs with self-oxygenating capability
Period: 01-02-2023 – 31-01-2026
Funding Scheme: FCT – 2022.04237.PTDC
Coordination: Prof. João F. Mano – University of Aveiro
Description: O2Cells intends to be the cutting-edge of a new generation of advanced devices by: (i) exploring natural-based biomaterials for this bottom-up bioengineering process that will combine self-oxygenating microalgae and tissue progenitor cells in original multiscale structural arrangements tuned to stimulate the regeneration of high-quality vascularised microtissue in a symbiotic system; (ii) combine these ingredients in well designed multi-scale devices with precisely tune macro-architectures where cells could freely assemble under the effect of adequate mechanical and biochemical signals.
Bioengineering of Immune Living Materials for Pancreatic Cancer Immunotherapy.
Period: 01-07-2025 – 29-06-2028
Funding Scheme: FCT – COMPETE2030-FEDER-00914800
Coordination: Prof. Vítor Gaspar – University of Aveiro
Description: ALIVE aims at developing cutting edge immunotherapies for pancreatic cancer by: (i) developing natural killer cell-based immunotherapeutic living materials based on Cellgels technology and (ii) bioengineer pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma 3D models containing tumor-stromal components for high-throughput screening of candidate immunotherapeutics and their combinations with other adjuvant therapies.
Metastasis Exploration in the Bone Microenvironment – Breast Cancer Edition
Period: 01-09-2025 – 30-08-2028
Funding Scheme: FCT – COMPETE2030-FEDER-00784100
Coordination: Dr. Maria Clara Gomes – University of Aveiro
Webpage: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metabone/
Description: METABONE is a collaborative research project that is all about creating a 3D model in a lab to explore how breast cancer spreads to the bones. To do this, we are using robots to automate tiny tasks and clever liquid capsules that act like mini-labs. The goal is to get an accurate picture of the complex bone environment. This platform is not only better than animals but also makes drug testing quicker and more reliable. In the end, the project aims to give us a better understanding of how metastasis works and help make treatments better for patients who have problems with their bones.
Revolutionising Disease Models and Drug Screening with a Fully Human 3D-Printed Cardiac Microphysiological System
Period: 01-07-2025 – 29-06-2028
Funding Scheme: FCT – COMPETE2030-FEDER-00836800
Coordination: Dr. Catarina Custódio – University of Aveiro
Description: CardioChip proposes to transform preclinical cardiovascular drug testing by developing a human-relevant heart-on-a-chip platform that overcomes the poor predictivity of animal models and the low physiological relevance of standard cell cultures. It combines advanced biomaterials, 3D bioprinting, and microfluidics to create a bioactive, viscoelastic bioink derived from human placenta and platelet lysates, enabling the fabrication of 3D cardiac tissues that model both healthy and fibrotic states. Integrated into a microfluidic system that reproduces the dynamic environment of the beating heart, these tissues allow more accurate and time-resolved assessment of drug responses, offering a scalable and ethically sound alternative that improves the safety, efficiency, and human predictivity of cardiovascular drug development while reducing reliance on animal testing
High-tech sustainable biofabrication for advancing personalized healthcare
Period: 28-05-2025 – 23-08-2028
Funding Scheme: FCT – COMPETE2030-FEDER-00827000
Coordination: Dr. Rita Sobreiro Almeida – University of Aveiro
Description: This research aims to engineer and validate, for the first time, a simple, sustainable, and highly translational methodology for obtaining extracellular matrix-rich tissue-specific bioinks. Patient’s own cells will be the main building blocks for the development of realistic microtissues, which will be used to engineer a human capillary network in vitro by combining advanced tools such as 3D bioprinting and artificial intelligence.
Chemically Programmable and Dynamic Supramolecular Multicomponent Biomaterials for Neuronal Tissue Regeneration
Period: 01-09-2025 – 31-08-2028
Funding Scheme: FCT – COMPETE2030-FEDER-00874400
Coordination: Dr. João Borges – University of Aveiro
Description: SUPRANEURO aims to develop a new generation of bioactive, chemically programmable and dynamic supramolecular polymeric biomaterials and 3D hydrogel constructs to be used either as patches or injectable systems for promoting axonal repair, regrowth and triggering neuronal regeneration in chronic and acute lesions inflicted in the spinal cord, respectively.
Supramolecular design of multitactic 3D polymeric biomaterials for spinal cord repair
Period: 01-01-2026 – 30-06-2027
Funding Scheme: FCT – 2024.16793.PEX
Coordination: Dr. João Borges – University of Aveiro
Description: The exploratory research project proposes a fully integrated and innovative therapeutic approach targeting spinal cord injury by developing a biomimetic, supramolecular biomaterial-based neural guidance conduit. Such an approach relies on the combination of bottom-up and top-down nano/microfabrication technologies, natural and synthetic building blocks, and leverages topographical, mechanical and biochemical signaling cues.