We are proud to highlight the remarkable work of UNU‑BIOLAC Fellow Julieta Leticia Merlo, whose 2025 research stay in Montevideo serves as a powerful example of scientific collaboration across Latin America. Her project brought together the strengths of INTEMA and the Physics Institute of Rosario (IFIR) in Argentina, where a novel biodegradable iron‑based alloy had been developed and thoroughly characterized; on the other hand, the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo in Uruguay, whose researchers had designed an innovative biomaterial coating enriched with an anti‑inflammatory molecule to improve the alloy’s interaction with vascular tissue.
At the intersection of these two scientific efforts stood Julieta, tasked with evaluating how this combined biomaterial behaves when it comes into contact with the cells that line our blood vessels through in vitro endothelial models, to understand how the new material interacts with living cells. She tested how endothelial cells adhered, survived, formed tubes, triggered inflammation, and migrated when exposed to the biodegradable alloy and its coating, offering a clear picture of its safety and potential for future stent applications.
This work is anchored in a shared vision: the creation of biodegradable cardiovascular stents that the human body can safely break down over time. Unlike permanent stents—often associated with long‑term complications, chronic inflammation, and the need for secondary procedures—these innovative materials aim to support healing only as long as necessary, gradually dissolving once their job is done. Julieta’s findings mark an encouraging step toward safer, next‑generation cardiovascular interventions.
We extend our sincere thanks to Julieta’s mentors: Dr. Silvia Marcela Ceré at INTEMA, and Dr. Santiago Ruiz and Dr. Carlos Escande at the Institut Pasteur, whose guidance, expertise, and dedication were fundamental to the success of the project.
