Marinha Grande, 16th – 17th July 2024
CDRSP Hosted PREDICTOS Scientific Collaboration Event to Advance Osteosarcoma Research
The Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development (CDRSP) of the Polytechnic University of Leiria (IPL) recently hosted a dynamic two-day event, bringing together researchers, experts, and stakeholders involved in the PREDICTOS project. The gathering provided an immersive environment to explore the complex interplay between cells and biomaterials—an essential focus area for developing predictive in vitro and in silico models aimed at revolutionizing osteosarcoma therapies and bone tissue engineering strategies, which is the aim of the project.
- About CDRSP:
Based in Marinha Grande, CDRSP is a research unit of the Polytechnic University of Leiria, recognized for its excellence in Mechanical and Systems Engineering and focus on scientific and technological innovation. CDRSP´s modern laboratories are equipped for additive manufacturing and materials development, supporting a wide range of applications in the biomedical, automotive, aeronautical, and civil engineering fields. Beyond research, CDRSP is involved in educational and consultancy initiatives, acting as a bridge between academia, industry, and healthcare sectors. By promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration, CDRSP provides solutions that address real-world challenges in sustainability, health, and technology.
- About the event:
This two-day initiative was part of the objectives of the PREDICTOS project—an international collaboration aiming to reduce reliance on animal testing by developing accurate, human-relevant models of osteosarcoma and to strengthen communication, collaboration, and mentorship among project partners. Event highlights included interactive laboratory training, oral presentations, and mentoring sessions, all wrapped up with an open roundtable discussion.
- About the first day:
The event opened with CDRSP-IPL´s welcome meeting and lab tours for the visiting PREDICTOS members, followed by a laboratory training session on cell handling and seeding, led by Dr. Mónica Montesi of the Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for Ceramics from the National Research Council of Italy (ISSMC-CNR). Participants received in-depth instruction on essential cell culture techniques, focusing on the handling and seeding of cells onto biomaterials—foundational steps in creating physiologically relevant in vitro models.
This was followed by Dr. Montesi’s oral presentation titled “Engineering 3D Osteosarcoma Models with Enriched Cancer Stem Cells: Advancing Insights into Tumor Biology and Therapeutics.” This talk addressed the role of cancer stem cells in osteosarcoma, emphasizing how 3D biomimetic models can offer insight into tumor initiation, progression, and drug resistance. The presentation not only highlighted the biological complexity of osteosarcoma but also underscored the potential of engineered microenvironments to support personalized medicine.
The day concluded with a mentoring session by Dr. Carlos Mota from the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine at Maastricht University, who shared his experience in biofabrication, bioprinting and additive manufacturing techniques for the development of tissue engineered constructs.
- About the second day:
The second day shifted the focus to advanced imaging techniques, with a morning laboratory session on cell screening using confocal microscopy. This session provided participants with a technical foundation in imaging cellular structures in 3D, an essential skill for evaluating cell behavior and material interactions in tissue-engineered constructs.
This was followed by a second mentoring session with Dr. Montesi, who shared her knowledge in the design and study of in vitro 2D and 3D cellular models for the understanding of cellular and molecular events involved in cell/biomaterial interactions.
The event closed with a roundtable discussion aimed at promoting scientific and innovation-based collaboration. Researchers exchanged ideas, discussed ongoing projects, and identified opportunities for future joint initiatives.
Closing remark:
At its core, the event embodied the spirit of collaboration and knowledge exchange, key tenets of the PREDICTOS project. It reinforced the consortium’s commitment to advancing osteosarcoma research and laid the groundwork for new innovations in bone tissue engineering and cancer therapy.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement n. 101079372.