Medical Biotecnology Area

Biomedical Applications of Multiscale Engineering Technologies (BIAMET)

Prof. Elisa Cimetta

Principal Investigator

Research Activity

The laboratory’s main research interests focus on the application of engineering principles to biological studies. In particular, the BIAMET laboratory (Biomedical Applications of Multiscale Engineering Technologies) specializes in the design and development of advanced microscale technologies, microbioreactor platforms, and organ-on-chip devices for the in vitro culture of cells. The goal of the research is the optimization of biological models for their application in clinical settings for a better understanding of the mechanisms of the diseases and develop and test novel drugs and therapeutic strategies.

Team Members

Prof. Elisa Cimetta – Principal Investigator
Dr. Sara Micheli – Research Fellow
Dr. Pina Fusco – Research Fellow
Dr. Veronica Zingales – Research Fellow
Dr. Anna Fietta – PhD Student
Dr. Eleonora Zanre – PhD Student
Dr. Federico Maggiotto – PhD Student
Dr. Eva Dalla Valle – PhD Student

Selected Publications

• Piunti C, Micheli S, Giancaterino S, Fusco P, Boi C, Cimetta E. “Microfluidic Loading of Verteporfin into Extracellular Vesicles for Neuroblastoma Therapy”. Lab on a Chip. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4LC01103A
• Maggiotto F*, Bova L*, Micheli S, Pozzer C, Fusco P, Sgarbossa P, Billi F, Cimetta E. “3D bioprinting for the production of a perfusable vascularized model of a cancer niche”. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 13:1484738 *co-first authors https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1484738 
• Micheli S, Piunti C, Varaschin E, Peditto M, Suarez ML, Sorgato M, Cimetta E, “Micro-channels array device fabricated via two photon lithography for cell migration studies in Neuroblastoma metastatic dissemination”. OpenNano 22: 100233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onano.2025.100233
• Zingales V*, Piunti C, Micheli S, Cimetta E, Ruiz MJ. “Development of an easy-to use microfluidic system to assess dynamic exposure to mycotoxins: evaluation of ochratoxin A and patulin cytotoxicity”. Foods 2024, 13(24), 4167; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13244167 
• Fietta A, Fusco P, Germano G, Micheli S, Sorgato M, Lucchetta G, Cimetta E. “Neuroblastoma-derived hypoxic extracellular vesicles promote metastatic dissemination in a Zebrafish model”. PLoS ONE 19(12): e0316103. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0316103