Rodrigo Valdoleiros e Silva is a DMD, MDS (2014-2019), MD Candidate at University of Minho (2021-ongoing) and he is enrolled in a MD/PhD at the ICBAS/FFUP Doctoral Programme on Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Applied to Health Sciences, at University of Porto (Porto, Portugal). Rodrigo is a Researcher at the I3S (Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto), where Rodrigo is dedicated to research in the areas of regenerative medicine and tissue bioengineering, to create new solutions for tissue regeneration. Rodrigo also explores actively the role of the Translational Research & Industry Partnerships. Rodrigo’s work involves engaging and promoting industry-academic-clinic R&D cooperative strategies and translational research studies. These endeavors are critical in addressing patient clinical and healthcare needs, facilitating the birth of new companies that contribute to economic growth and social impact.
Rodrigo is enrolled in differentiated research projects to explore both fundamental and applied science. Rodrigo is dedicated to research in the areas of regenerative medicine and tissue bioengineering, to create new solutions for tissue regeneration. The main objectives are to (1) Disclose how extracellular microenvironment affects unique self-organizing properties and recapitulate tissue-specific morphogenesis and differentiation. A comprehensive approach, including investigation of the changing ECM and the dynamics of proliferating cellular populations of the embryonic and adult tissues microenvironment in regenerative vs. development conditions, (2) explore the potential of the development of human tissue decellularized hydrogels that closely resembles the natural ECM, for minimally invasive tissue regenerative therapies providing a supportive and biologically relevant microenvironment for the growth and differentiation of various cell types, (3) comprehensive exploration of decellularization and recellularization strategies to the advancement of regenerative medicine solutions, by the development of tools and methodologies to guide cellular behavior and organ morphogenesis within decellularized organs, transforming theoretical concepts into tangible medical solutions, (4) Delving into the essence of human ontogeny, the investigative pursuit of human embryonic development extends well beyond the scope of mere regenerative applications, to elucidate the enigmas of early human development.
Rodrigo aims to elucidate the crucial aspect of this endeavor to definitively ascertain whether the sustenance and renewal of the tissues in question are reliant upon a reservoir of stem or ancestor cells, thereby classifying the organ as one sustained through stem cell-mediated regenerative processes. The results will serve up some tantalizing clues “how humans are put together” aiming to explore the hallmark of ageing and tissue development.
As a result, two projects are being explored, implemented allowing the establishment of a new backgrounds, namely: (1) Unveiling the Potential of Human Organ Regeneration through Decellularization and Recellularization Methods, (2) Unraveling the Mysteries of Human Embryogenesis through Tissue Bioengineered & Stem Cell-Based Models.
Rodrigo is the Representative of the Research and Innovation and Member of Governing Board of The European University Alliance for Global Health Grant agreement ID: 101017572, maintaining the same position into the Graduation in entrepreneurship and Technology by Stanford University and U.C. Berkeley (2019). CEO & Founder (2020-ongoing) of Orgavalue a start-up focused on innovative tissue bioengineering therapies, with a mission to eliminate the organ transplant waiting list, by bioengineering new personalized human organs. Among several awards is the Young Entrepreneur Award 2022 by ANJE with a representation of the Minister of Culture and the Portugal Presidency, Forbes 30 Under 30 in HealthCare, the Catalyst Award by the Health Longevity Global Competition - U.S. National Academy of Medicine, Santander X Portugal Award, Born from Knowledge Award from ANI, and the EIT Health Jumpstarter and Innostars.