INL Researchers Contribute to Advancing Tendon Science at the 3rd TENET COST Action General Meeting and Conference

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) proudly participated in the 3rd TENET COST Action General Meeting and Conference, held in Porto and online, under the theme “Innovative Tools and Developments in Tendon Regeneration.” The event brought together leading experts to share progress in tendon biology, regenerative medicine, and emerging medical technologies.

INL Research Group Leader Dr. Lorena Diéguez was invited as a plenary speaker, presenting her work on “Using Microfluidics and Nanotechnology to Develop Novel Medical Devices.” Her talk highlighted how microfluidic lab-on-chip platforms are shaping the future of personalised medicine by enabling rapid diagnostics and innovative healthcare solutions.

Under the scope of FORTIFy, two additional INL researchers presented pioneering work in bioengineering:

+ Dr. Rui Domingues, Research Group Leader, delivered a keynote lecture titled “Miniaturised Human Tendons: A Bioengineering Perspective on On-Chip Models.” His talk introduced biofabricated microtendon systems that mimic native tissue properties, offering a valuable platform for disease modeling and therapeutic development.

+ And Postdoctoral Researcher, in the Domingues Research Group, Simão Teixeira, presented an oral contribution on “Guiding Stem Cell Mechanosensing Responses with PIEZO-Imprinted Nanoswitches.” His research—developed through the ERC FORTIFy and FCT Wi-Pi projects—demonstrates how nanoscale biomaterials can actively steer stem cell responses through mechanical cues.

The FORTIFy project, funded by the European Research Council (ERC), aims to merge molecular imprinting technologies with magnetic actuation systems to create a wireless platform of programmable abiotic nanoswitches targeting PIEZO mechanoreceptors. This innovative approach is designed to open new pathways in the study and control of cellular mechanotransduction, key to advancing therapies in regenerative medicine, including tendon repair.

Throughout the conference, discussions highlighted the importance of collaborative, cross-disciplinary approaches in addressing the complex challenges of tendon regeneration. INL’s contributions underscored the growing impact of nanotechnology and bioengineering at the interface of biology and medicine.

INL extends its appreciation to the conference organizers, session chairs, and participants for fostering a productive and forward-looking environment for scientific exchange. The insights and connections generated at this meeting will serve as a strong foundation for upcoming projects, international partnerships, and outreach activities.