C3DLab is equipped with facilities specifically devoted to cardiovascular computational simulation, 3D modeling and printing, in vitro testing and benchmarking and bioprinting.

Dedicated workstations are available for pre- and post-processing and applications based on both augmented and virtual reality, using HoloLens 2 (Microsoft) and Oculus Quest 2 (Oculus) visors.

Simulations are run on high performance computing blade servers:

• 2 IntelXeon E5-2690 (28 cores, 2.6GHz, 35M Cache, 9.60 GT/s);
• 1 IntelXeon Gold 6148 (40 cores, 2.4GHz, 27.5M Cache, 8 GT/s).

C3DLab offers a comprehensive workflow for 3D modeling and printing of several anatomic structures, specifically designed for clinical needs. Experienced bioengineers can assist you in exploiting the 3D cutting-edge technology to design a great variety of medical applications, such as patient-tailored planning for complex interventions and guidance to interventional procedures, thus paving the way towards the novel paradigm of personalized medicine.

To create customized and patient-tailored solutions for a wide range of applications, the following equipment is available at C3DLab:

• Artec Micro 3D (Artec 3D) scanner achieves ultra-high resolution of up to 10 microns, making it ideal for reverse engineering across various biomedical applications. It excels at creating high-fidelity digital models of small, complex objects, including implantable devices such as prosthetic valves and stents.

• ProJet® MJP2500 Plus (3D Systems): a state-of-the-art 3D printer utilizing MultiJet Printing (MJP) technology, offering Ultra High Definition (UHD) printing capabilities. It supports a wide range of materials, including rigid plastics, elastomeric compounds, and suturable materials, providing exceptional versatility for product design and development. Engineered for speed, precision, and reliability, this printer excels in producing complex geometries with intricate details and smooth surfaces, making it ideal for several medical use cases.
• Prusa 3D MK3S+ and Prusa 3D MMU2S (Prusa 3D): advanced 3D printing systems designed for precision and reliability. The MK3S+ uses Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) to produce high-resolution parts, supporting various plastics for research and development needs. When paired with the MMU2S (Multi-Material Upgrade), it enables multi-material printing, including soluble support structures.
• Mars 2 Pro and Mercury Plus 2.0 (ELEEGO): a high-resolution resin 3D printing solution designed for precision and efficiency. The Mars 2 Pro, equipped with a monochrome LCD, delivers rapid, high-accuracy printing, ideal for creating intricate biomedical prototypes and research-grade components. Complemented by the Mercury Plus 2.0 all-in-one washing and curing station, the system ensures superior post-processing, enhancing print durability and detail retention.

C3DLab is equipped with an in vitro pulsatile mock loop, specifically designed in collaboration with the Biomechanics Group (Politecnico di Milano), for in vitro testing and benchmarking of cardiovascular devices.

C3DLab has a bioprinting facility for fabricating tissue-like structures (e.g., functional tissues, organ models, and scaffolds) by precisely depositing bioinks, which are mixtures of living cells and biomaterials. The facility can support research in regenerative medicine, drug testing, and tissue engineering with the following equipment:

• Bioprinting System: the Cellink Inkredible+ bioprinter features pneumatic extrusion technology with two printheads, HEPA filters, and UV light for sterilization. This system enables the creation of complex 3D tissue models with precise cell placement and scaffold fabrication, essential for engineering functional biological constructs and optimizing the printing process for tissue models.
• Biological Safety Cabinet: the biological safety cabinet is essential for maintaining a sterile environment during cell culture and for preparing bioinks and hydrogels. It ensures that all steps in handling cells and biomaterials before bioprinting are free from contamination.
• Incubator: the incubator maintains the optimal environment for cell growth and the culture of bioprinted samples by providing controlled temperature, humidity, and CO₂ levels. This allows the maturation and functionalization of the bioprinted constructs under ideal conditions.
• Inverted Fluorescence Microscope: the microscope is used to monitor cell cultures and observe the distribution and viability of cells within bioprinted structures during incubation. It allows the visualization of cellular structures and processes using various fluorescent markers.
• Thermostatic Water Bath: the water bath is essential for preparing hydrogels at precise temperatures to achieve the required viscosity and consistency before bioprinting. It also supports the pasteurization process to ensure the sterility of hydrogels, which is crucial for avoiding contamination during bioprinting and subsequent cell culture.
• Vortex Mixer: the vortex mixer is necessary for the thorough mixing of components to prepare hydrogels and create homogeneous bioinks.
• Balances: precision balances are used to accurately measure reagents and materials needed for the preparation of hydrogels and bioinks. Accurate measurements are crucial for maintaining the correct composition and properties of bioinksused in 3D bioprinting.