Humanitas University launches 3D Innovation Lab

Humanitas University has unveiled its latest facility – the 3D Innovation Lab – designed to foster collaboration between clinical practice, scientific research, and education while promoting strategic partnerships with biotech companies and industry leaders. Its mission is to transform laboratory discoveries into tangible solutions that improve patient care. Spearheaded by Eng. Paolo Oliva, Head of Research Technology at Humanitas, the lab’s team comprises experts in biomedical engineering, materials science, tissue engineering, and biomedical research.

The lab is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a 3D scanner capable of capturing high-definition images of anatomical structures and a fleet of advanced 3D printers. These printers produce life-sized organ models using various resins that mimic the elasticity, resistance, and porosity of real tissues – enhancing medical training and enabling device testing and drug delivery research. Among the standout technologies is the Electrospider 3D cell bioprinter, a product of collaboration between Bio3DModel and the University of Pisa, which fabricates three-dimensional cell cultures that closely replicate the microenvironment of tissues and tumors. Additionally, a bioindenter analyzes the biomechanical properties of tissues – allowing for the faithful reproduction of tissue characteristics via 3D printing. This tool has already been instrumental in studying the complexities of pancreatic tissue in partnership with the Politecnico di Milano and the Fondazione Humanitas per la Ricerca.

Humanitas University 3D Innovation Lab’s patient-specific anatomical models are pivotal in surgical planning – enabling surgeons to visualize and prepare for complex procedures with unparalleled precision. The team is also pursuing certification to produce customized cutting guides for use during surgeries – aiming to improve accuracy, reduce operating times, and enhance clinical outcomes. Units specializing in liver, vascular, cardiac, and breast surgeries have already adopted these innovations.

Training healthcare professionals is another cornerstone of the lab’s mission. Leveraging the latest 3D printing technology, it produces hyper-realistic models that replicate the texture, anatomy, and morphology of healthy and diseased tissues. These models provide trainees with hands-on experience in realistic scenarios – bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Through collaboration with the Mario Luzzatto Simulation Centre, which boasts over 2,000 square meters of medical simulation space, the lab is revolutionizing how healthcare professionals learn and refine their skills.