Simona Villata

Simona Villata's picture

Research Assistant
Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT)

Profile

Research interests

3d bioprinting
Bacterial infection
Biomedical engineering
In vitro models
Skin

Biography

Throughout my career, I have specialized in the development of 3D in vitro skin models, contributing to innovation in the preclinical testing of drugs, therapies, and regenerative medicine approaches. My research focuses on biofabricating, characterizing, and applying three-dimensional human tissue models that integrate advanced expertise in tissue engineering, cell biology, and complex culture systems. I have collaborated with international research institutions to develop in vitro models for studying bacterial and viral infections, an experience that has broadened my perspective in translational research and in the assessment of treatment safety and efficacy. I actively contribute to projects requiring advanced tissue modeling, preclinical validation, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams on a global scale.

Research topics

  • 3D in vitro models biofabrication for drugs and therapies testing

Skills

ERC sectors

LS9_3 - Bioengineering of cells, tissues, organs and organisms
PE5_7 - Biomaterials synthesis
PE11_1 - Engineering of biomaterials, biomimetic, bioinspired and bio-enabled materials
PE5_18 - Medicinal chemistry

SDG

Goal 3: Good health and well-being
Goal 5: Gender equality

Research

Supervised PhD students

  • Federica Marchetti. Programme in Bioingegneria E Scienze Medico-chirurgiche (41st cycle, 2025-in progress)

Publications

Latest publications View all publications in Porto@Iris