MITHEMAS Project

Microwave Imaging and Magnetic Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration Monitoring (MiTheMaS). The MiTheMaS project develops a cutting-edge microwave imaging (MWI) system to monitor bone regeneration in tissue engineering applications. MWI is a safe, cost-effective technique capable of detecting changes in the electromagnetic properties of biological tissues, thus providing functional insight into the regeneration process.
The project leverages magnetic scaffolds (MaS) loaded with magnetic nanoparticles that stimulate bone growth when exposed to electromagnetic fields. The goal is to optimize scaffold design and transform them into theranostic devices, capable of supporting both therapy and real-time monitoring. The ability of MWI to detect new tissue growth and scaffold degradation will be assessed through the contrast generated by the embedded magnetic materials.
The system will be validated via in vitro experiments and laboratory tests on dedicated biological models.

Project portal: [to be activated]
Budget:  Eur 260,357
Funding: Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca – PRIN PNRR

Duration: September 2023 –  February 2026
Research Area: Biomedical Engineering, Imaging Technologies, Nanomaterials
Principal Investigator: Prof.ssa Rosa Scapaticci; Prof. Alessandro Fanti