We were pleased to host A/Prof. Lana McClements from the University of Technology Sydney for our March webinar, where she presented on:

3D Modelling of Tissues Relevant to Reproductive Health

Presentation Highlights

  • 3D Bioprinted Placental Organoids – Used to model placental development and pregnancy complications.

  • Placenta-on-a-Chip – A microfluidic system replicating placental function and preeclampsia.

  • 3D Cardiac Spheroids – Investigating cardiovascular disease in pregnancy and women’s heart health.

  • Vasculature-on-a-Chip – Simulating endothelial dysfunction and vascular diseases.

Research Applications

  • Identifying disease mechanisms in cardio-obstetrics disorders.

  • Biomarker discovery for early diagnosis and risk prediction.

  • Testing new therapeutic approaches for reproductive and cardiovascular diseases.

Full Abstract

We have developed robust, low-cost and reproducible 3D in vitro models of placental, vascular and cardiac tissues. 3D bioprinted placental organoids, placenta-on-a-chip, vasculature-on-a-chip, and 3D cardiac spheroid models were utilized to identify key pathogenic mechanisms, biomarkers, and test new therapies for a range of cardio-obstetrics disorders.

This talk will present the development, validation, and characterization of the first-trimester trophoblast 3D bioprinted organoid models of placental tissue and 3D cardiac spheroid models of women’s heart health, using various extracellular matrices and 3D modeling approaches.

Furthermore, 3D microfluidic models of placenta-on-a-chip and vasculature-on-a-chip will also be described, modeling placental development and endothelial dysfunction, respectively.

Finally, the translation of results related to novel molecular insights, biomarker identification, and treatment strategies for reproductive and cardiovascular diseases will be presented.

About A/Prof Lana McClements
Lana is a Senior Lecturer and Principal Investigator at the University of Technology Sydney, where she leads research into pregnancy-related cardiovascular diseases and biomarker discovery. Her research focuses on stem cell biology, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress, using bioprinted models to investigate placental and cardiovascular health.

Visit her lab website for more details on her research: Dr. Lana McClements Lab

What’s Next?
Stay tuned for updates on our next Smart MCs Webinar coming this April. We look forward to seeing you at our next session.
 
Missed the Live Session?
If you missed the live session or would like to revisit the discussion, the full recording is now available.

Watch the webinar recording below or on YouTube: Watch the webinar

Interested in 3D Cell Culture and Bioprinting Hydrogels?
We offer a range of hydrogels for 3D bioprinting, perfect for various applications in tissue engineering:

  • GelMA: Ideal for tissue-like structures and organoid models.

  • HAMA: Great for cell culture, regenerative medicine, and bioinks.

  • AlgMA: Best for cartilage and bone regeneration.

  • SilkMA: Suitable for wound healing, bone regeneration, and drug delivery.

For more information, visit our product page or contact us at info@smartmcs.com.au.

Thank you for joining the Smart MCs Webinar Series, where we share insights into tools and technologies shaping bioprocessing, cell biology, and biomedical research.