Digital Biomarkers for AI-Supported Monitoring from Disease Management to Health Preservation
PIs: Francesco Moscato/Noemi Pavo
This project aims to make blood-contacting heart implants safer by engineering micro- and nanoscale surface patterns that reduce platelet adhesion and clot formation. Using advanced fabrication techniques and dynamic flow experiments, the team tests how these surfaces perform under realistic blood flow conditions and how they interact with immune cells. By combining experimental results with computational modeling, the project identifies surface designs and coatings that consistently minimize thrombosis risk. These insights will guide the development of next-generation hemocompatible devices, improving patient safety and long-term outcomes.
Next-Generation Cardiovascular Implants: Safer Surfaces for Blood
PIs: Marjan Enayati/Francesco Moscato
The safety of blood-contacting cardiovascular implants used in the heart and blood vessels depends on how their surfaces interact with blood. This project explores innovative micro- and nanoscale surface designs that reduce clot formation, limit platelet activation, and modulate immune responses. Using advanced manufacturing and dynamic flow experiments, researchers test how these engineered surfaces perform under realistic blood flow conditions. By combining experimental results with computational modeling, the team aims to identify surface patterns and coatings that consistently minimize blood-related complications. These insights will guide the design of safer, more hemocompatible cardiovascular implants and could support rapid testing tools for evaluating new devices before clinical use.
Biographical Sketches
Francesco Moscato, PhD, is full professor at the Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering at the Medical University of Vienna, where he is internationally recognized for his work in cardiovascular engineering and medical additive manufacturing.
Originally, trained as a mechanical engineer with a PhD in industrial bioengineering from the University of Calabria, Dr. Moscato joined the Medical University of Vienna in 2009. He has since played a key role in research, teaching, and technology development, leading numerous national and European projects. His research spans smart cardiovascular implants, patient-specific 3D-printed medical devices, and AI-based monitoring solutions, with a strong focus on translating engineering innovation into improved patient care.
His work has been widely honored, including the Paul Dudley White International Scholar Award of the American Heart Association and the Medical University of Vienna Inventor of the Year Award in 2024.
Marjan Enayati, PhD, is a habilitated senior researcher at the Center for Biomedical Research and Translational Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, specializing in biomaterials and advanced biofabrication for tissue engineering and drug delivery. She holds a PhD from University College London (UCL) and completed postdoctoral research at King’s College London (KCL). Her research focuses on tuning hydrogel mechanics to direct stem cell fate and on functionalizing biomaterial surfaces to control cell–surface interactions, hemocompatibility, and immunomodulatory responses. She has published in high-impact journals, secured competitive funding as PI and co-investigator, and supervised and currently supervises PhD, Master’s, and Bachelor’s students. Her excellence has been recognized with awards including the UCL Overseas Research Scholarship, The Armourers & Brasiers’ Grant, and the Brian Mercer Healthcare Award.