Raffaella Libardo

Cell Therapy Department

• Daily work with iPSC-derived retinal organoids for translational research.
• Applied MACS sorting for enrichment of retinal cell populations prior to characterization.
• Performed QC assays, including Flow Cytometry, qPCR, immunostaining, to characterize developmental stages and assess the success of differentiation.
• Actively involved in transitioning laboratory protocols toward GMP compliance to enable future clinical-grade manufacturing.
• Developed disease models by generating retinal organoids from AMD patient-derived iPSC lines.
• Analyzed data using analytical software and prepared reports for presentation to the team.
• Independently plan and execute experiments, including literature review to guide protocol adaptation.
• Responsible for laboratory management, including daily operations, equipment maintenance, and workflow organization.

Experimental Neurology Department

• Performed electrophysiological techniques, focusing on extracellular recordings using the field potential method in mouse hippocampal brain slices to study AMPA receptor modulation in models of cerebral amyloidosis.
• Completed animal handling training, enabling execution of procedures on mice in compliance with ethical guidelines.
• Prepared experimental solutions, assisted with data collection, and supported daily lab operations.

Gene Delivery

• Supported generation of mammalian models of human disease using Embryo Electroporation and Microinjection. Perfrmed embryo harvesting, handling, sorting and cryopreservation.
• Completed Home Office E1/L + PILA + PILB certification for regulated animal procedures.

Biochemical and Molecular Biology Department

• Performed cell culture of mammalian cell lines (HeLA and SH-SY5Y) and conducted MTT assay to evaluate Everolimus stabilization as a potential strategy for Alzheimer's disease and Tuberous Sclerosis.
• Learned and applied additional molecular biology techniques, including western blot, qPCR and transfection.