1F: Microfluidics and Biomaterials for Engineering 3D In Vitro Models

This session aims to explore the cutting-edge intersection of microfluidic technologies and biomaterials in the development of advanced three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models. As traditional 2D cultures fail to accurately mimic the complexity of tissues, organs, and their in vivo microenvironment, this session will explore how emerging techniques including microfluidics and organoids can be integrated with biomaterials to recreate the dynamic physiological conditions essential for accurate disease modeling, drug testing, and overall phenomena understanding. Topics will include innovations in 3D biomaterial design, the role of microfluidics in both manipulating materials for biofabrication as well as interconnecting complex on-chip cellular microenvironments, organoids, and the application of these systems in tissue engineering, cancer research, and organ-on-chip platforms. A discussion on the challenges and future directions in scaling these models for high-throughput screening and personalized medicine is to be expected.

Moderators:

Carlos Ferreira Guimaraes, University of Minho