Title: 3D Bioprinted vascularized full-thickness skin models as advanced platforms for in vitro testing (INNOSkin)
Main investigator: Małgorzata Włodarczyk-Biegun
Implementation period: 01.10.2025 – 30.09.2029
Amount of funding for SUT: PLN 3,999,985.00
Amount of contribution from European Funds for SUT: PLN 3,999,985.00
Financing institution: Foundation for Polish Science (First Team FENG program)
Project number: FENG.02.02-IP.05-0263/24
Tasks and activities that will be implemented as part of the Project (description of what will be done or purchased): Within the project, new materials for Melt Electrowriting printing and hydrogel materials for volumetric bioprinting will be developed. The volumetric printing method itself will be developed, with a focus on cell viability, in the presence of MEW meshes. Perfusion systems will be created, and microchips will be printed. As part of the Project, a unique volumetric 3D printer (the second of its kind in Poland), a laminar flow cabinet, a cell culture incubator, and a perfusion system will be purchased.
Target groups: The use of artificial skin models in research on new therapies for skin diseases and wounds can improve the chances of effective treatment. Furthermore, the proposed artificial skin models based on non-animal materials could significantly reduce the need for animal use in preclinical and pharmaceutical research. Cosmetics companies will also benefit from the project’s results, enabling them to test the safety and efficacy of their products.
Project objectives: The project’s goal is to create comprehensive, dynamic, three-layer skin models with vascularisation, operating in both static (cultured without media flow) and dynamic (with media flow) modes. Skin is hierarchical, composite, and highly complex, with a significant proportion of different fibre arrangements. We aim to replicate this structure using biomimetic fibrous structures and various skin cell types to obtain models that behave similarly to natural tissues. The models created will faithfully reproduce the structure of natural tissues. To achieve this goal, we will utilise the latest 3D printing technologies, such as Melt Electrowriting (MEW) and volumetric bioprinting (VBP), as well as microfluidic systems.
Project effects and results: Development of comprehensive, dynamic, three-layer skin models with vascularisation, supported by scientific publications and filed patent applications, using innovative technologies.
