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03 December 2024

Carlos Mota Receives an ERC Consolidator Grant

Carlos Mota, assistant professor at the MERLN Institute, will receive an ERC Consolidator Grant. He has been developing new in vitro models to study kidney diseases. The ERC-funded project, titled NEPHRON, aims to create a mature in vitro kidney model using advanced bioprinting technologies combined with organoid knowledge. “I am excited to give continuity to my research where I combine engineering and biology to achieve advanced functional and physiological kidney models. In this project I will combine different bioprinting techniques that will enable the development of key structures such as vasculature, which are crucial for promoting the maturation of kidney organoids as an advanced in vitro model. The integration of these modules on a microfluidic platform will allow precise control of organoid perfusion and long-term cultures. With the NEPHRON project I expect to significantly advance our understanding of bioprinting functional kidney units. The envisioned improved in vitro model will be essential to study kidney development, disease, and regeneration. Ultimately, this research could lead in the future to alternative therapies and pave the way for the future possibility of bioprinting fully functional organs.”