The Center's research team collaborates with researchers from Rambam, academia and leading industries to answer clinically unmet needs across the hospital's departments. Leveraging advanced technologies in the fields of stem cells, tissue engineering, 3D bioprinting, and organ-on-chip devices, the Center focuses on the following areas:
Cellular Level
Rambam researchers have been among the first in the world to create human pluripotent stem cells (embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells) and develop differentiation protocols for a variety of cell types. In collaboration with Rambam's Biobank, the Center uses the following cell sources for tissue formation:
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iPSCs from patients with hereditary diseases
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iPSCs with a heterogeneous genetic background
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Adult stem cells
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Cancer cells
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Primary cells from biopsies
3D Bioprinting
3D printing drives significant innovations in many areas, such as engineering, manufacturing, and medicine. Recent advances have enabled 3D printing of biocompatible materials, cells, and supporting components for use as complex 3D functional living tissues. 3D bioprinting is being applied to address the need for tissues suitable for transplantation, such as multi-layered skin, bone, vascular grafts, heart tissue, and cartilaginous structures. Other applications include developing bioprinted tissue models for research, drug discovery, and toxicology.
Organs-On-Chips
Organs-on-chips are engineered physiological organ biomimetic systems. They simulate the organ's microenvironment in terms of tissue interfaces and mechanical stimulation, thus reflecting human tissue's structural and functional characteristics. Organ-on-chip models can help predict the response to various stimuli, including drug responses, environmental effects and molecular techniques such as CRISPR genetic editing and mRNA/siRNA-based treatments. A particularly intriguing aspect of organs-on-chips, which is of particular interest to researchers at MATRiC, is that they are a patient-specific tool and can be used for precision treatments.
3D Anatomic Modeling
3D printing advances the medical field by enabling various applications, including printing anatomical models, developing Patient-Specific Instruments (PSIs), and facilitating surgical planning. Printing anatomical model is a hands-on approach that enhances spatial understanding, allowing for careful preoperative analysis and strategy development. Such detailed models enable surgeons to visualize complex structures, identify potential challenges, and optimize surgical approaches, ultimately improving results and patient outcomes. Our 3D Lab serves as a comprehensive hub for the entire process, leveraging expertise to produce PSIs/jigs/guides, tailored to individual anatomical variations.
The Center offers services in the fields mentioned above, from iPSC manufacturing to establishing an organ-on-chip platform. Its researchers support all the research stages, from designing experiments to operating instruments and data analysis and interpretation.
At MATRiC, we translate academic research into medical applications. We value all input and encourage inquiries for collaborations.
Meet the MATRiC Team
About Dr. Arbel Artzy-Schnirman