SHINY STEPPING INTO A NEW FIELD
Over the past months, I have had the exciting opportunity to cautiously step into a new research field, on tiptoe, but eager to learn and broaden my experience.
I was warmly welcomed by the COMPMECH group, led by Prof. Ferdinando Auricchio, under the supervision of Prof. Michele Conti. During this time, they introduced me to the world of heart valves and cardiovascular biomechanics, sharing knowledge with remarkable generosity.
Together, we wrote a review entitled “From Clinic to Computation: Multiscale Bioengineering Strategies for Durable Biological Aortic Valve Replacements.” In my view, the paper represents a perfect fusion of our very different backgrounds: mine deeply experimental, theirs predominantly theoretical. Our goal was to offer a fresh perspective on a major challenge in cardiovascular surgery: improving the long-term durability of biological aortic valves.
We focused on material science and bioengineering approaches, connecting molecular-scale mechanics to the hydraulic performance of bioprosthetic valves. I was particularly struck by how many challenges familiar from the silk field also emerge in this context (and no, I am not abandoning silk research… do not worry!).
Over these months, I read roughly 300 papers, discovering the extraordinary efforts scientists are making to advance cardiovascular devices. It has been both rewarding and deeply enriching. Once one develops the skill of critical reading, engaging with the literature becomes one of the most important activities a researcher can undertake. This is something that, in my opinion, still cannot be fully replaced by AI in its current forms.
I am especially grateful that this work has been accepted by Advanced Functional Materials. My sincere thanks go to the reviewers for their patience in reading such a substantial manuscript and for providing thoughtful and insightful comments.
Link to the work: https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202529555
This work was possible because of the project MATERIAL, led by Prof. Conti, under European Union—Next Generation EU, PRIN2022Program, Project2022Z24WLR)
It has been great to work with several brilliant people:
Pierfrancesco Gavino, Simone Morganti, Serena Anglese, Ferdinando Auricchio, Carlo de Vincentiis, Michele Marino, and Michele Conti.
