Exclusive conversation

Getting to Know Federica Macrì: Our Newest Team Member.

What are your specific tasks in the Nano-to-Heart team?
My specific tasks in the Nano-to-Heart team include performing characterization and biological assays, analyzing experimental results, contributing to the optimization of protocols. I also help to organize the data reports within the team and discuss various points in order to plan future experimental strategies.

What is your research focus in Nano-to-Heart?
My research focuses on developing innovative mechano-targeted nanotherapeutic strategies to treat myocardial fibrosis in heart failure. In particular, I investigate how inflammatory cells, cardiac fibroblasts, and cardiomyocytes respond to changes in extracellular matrix mechanics and how these responses drive inflammation, fibrosis, and adverse cardiac remodeling. By targeting key mechanotransduction pathways, I aim to selectively modulate profibrotic and inflammatory responses using hyaluronic acid coated theranostic nanoparticles.

What expertise you bring into the project? Why is this field of research so exciting?
I am part of the experimental research, data analysis and scientific problem solving. My background allows me to support the protocols optimization, conduct reliable laboratory work and contribute to the interpretation and communication of results within the team. I'm very excited to have the opportunity to work on this topic, especially in such a stimulating context.

Is this your first experience working on an EU-funded project? What is your opinion about this programme?
I am involved in an EU-funded project for the first time and in my opinion they play a crucial role in advancing research and innovation, bringing together different teams, resources and expertise from across Europe, enabling progress that would be difficult to achieve at a national level alone. EU-funded projects, also, encourage knowledge
exchange and strengthen Europe’s scientific and technological competitiveness, developing solutions that have real societal impact.