The research project “A mechanically active biomimetic bone marrow-on-chip as in vitro model of the bone marrow niches”, led by Elia Pennati, PhD student in Bioengineering at the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering – Politecnico di Milano, received the Best Poster Award at the 4th Microphysiological Systems World Summit, held in Brussels from June 9 to 13, 2025.
The study, conducted within the framework of the European project BuonMarrow, is coordinated by Prof. Marco Rasponi and Prof. Paola Occhetta from the MiMic Lab at Politecnico di Milano.
The awarded research focuses on the development of an innovative laboratory model of bone marrow, known as a bone marrow-on-a-chip. This organ plays a key role in the production of blood cells and in the proper functioning of the immune system. Understanding how it works is crucial to studying serious diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
However, current laboratory models often lack many essential features of real bone marrow. To address this, the researchers designed a chip that replicates the three main functional zones of human bone marrow and allows the culture of various cell types, including hematopoietic stem cells. The system also includes mechanical stimuli to mimic the physical environment cells experience within the body.
Initial results are promising: the chip was able to preserve the functionality and viability of stem cells—a key milestone for medical research. This advanced model could become a valuable tool for studying bone marrow physiology, understanding the role of the immune system in disease progression, and testing new therapeutic approaches in a more realistic and controlled setting.
