Research

Research projects

01/12/2026 – 01/12/2029

Developing the next generation of endobronchial valves: Identifying the optimal design for one-way air flow and decreased immune response

This project aims to design the next generation of endobronchial valves by integrating computational modeling, experimental validation, and advanced 3D printing technologies, with a focus on mechanical performance, biocompatibility, and functional enhancement for clinical application. The newly developed valve should have superior properties compared to currently used valves, which often induce clinical problems such as […]

INNOSkin · 01/10/2025 – 30/09/2029

INNOSkin – Bioprinted Vascularized Three-Layer Skin Models as Advanced In Vitro Testing Platforms

Project tasks The project will focus on the development of new materials for fused polymer printing as well as hydrogel materials for volumetric bioprinting. A novel volumetric bioprinting method will be designed with particular emphasis on cell viability in the presence of MEW (Melt Electrospinning Writing) meshes. Perfusion systems will be created, and microchips will […]

01/04/2022 – 30/04/2023

More Science than Fiction: growing spare parts ex vivo

Implanting biocompatible materials is nothing new, 3D printing of cells and extracellular matrix is well underway so growing replacement tissues in a lab is within reach. However, certain obstacles remain: How to culture functional tissues with robust and reproducible 3D architecture? Application of support structures can aid, but what if such scaffolds obstruct functionality of […]

01/03/2021 – 31/07/2025

3D printing of gradient hybrid scaffolds for interface tissue engineering

As a consequence of increasing average life expectancies and increasing physical activity, such as high-impact sports, our bodies constantly experience high loads, which may lead to contusions. The number of musculoskeletal injuries causing dysfunction and chronic pain, and requiring medical intervention, is constantly growing. Especially vulnerable are zones where different tissue types are in contact, […]

01/02/2024 – 31/01/2027

Additive manufacturing of a novel class of implants with heterogeneous structures, combining different biomaterials and printing methods

Injuries and degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal system — sports-related tendon or ligament ruptures, damage to articular and osteochondral cartilage, and age-related osteoarthritis — are a common and pressing problem in all modern societies, and particularly in Europe given its ageing population. Because such injuries are painful and heal poorly, they frequently require surgical treatment. […]

JAM2PRINT · 01/01/2025 – 31/12/2029

Jam with the flow: Microgel-based (bio)inks that assemble during printing

In tissue engineering, extrusion-based 3D printing (EBP) offers precise material deposition at a cost-effective price. However, current EBP methods often rely on homogeneous inks, limiting their application in fields that require controlled inhomogeneities, like biomedical engineering. The challenge lies in achieving precise control over material structure and composition during printing. In this context, the ERC-funded […]

01/01/2021 – 31/12/2022

Melt electrowriting of human trabecular meshwork

Open-angle glaucoma is an eye condition where the trabecular meshwork (TM) loses its ability to properly maintain a healthy intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye, as it is no longer able to evacuate aqueous humour from it. This results in a high IOP which damages the optic nerve and causes blindness. The exact mechanism behind […]

01/01/2020 – 31/12/2024

Fibrous scaffolds for musculoskeletal tissue engineering

Musculoskeletal degeneration and complications from injuries have become more prevalent as people live longer and increasingly participate in rigorous athletic and recreational activities. Especially prone to damage are so-called hard-soft tissue interfaces, such as tendon-bone interfaces. These natural interfaces are hierarchical structures with gradually changing physicochemical and biological properties. Until now, most of the clinically available regenerative […]

3D printed scaffolds for osteoporosis treatment

Osteoporosis is a serious silent bone disease characterized by a great loss in bone mass with a higher prevalence in women than men. The most frequently occurring hip fractures are responsible for decreasing life quality, including mortality. The treatment of osteoporosis is a challenge; therefore, novel solutions based on advanced tissue engineering are urgently needed. […]

3D printed tissue models for determining biocompatibility of metallic coatings

Metallic biomaterials are broadly used in orthopedics and dentistry. They can be utilized as bulk scaffolds or coatings, in both cases resulting in the contact of metal ions with surrounding tissues. Here, we propose printed in vitro models to study the influence of the bound and released metal ions on cell and tissue performance.  In this work, […]

Diamond magnetometry for drug delivery

The aim of this project is to apply diamond magnetometry for drug delivery applications. An overview of the planned actions is given in the scheme. The first question that is important to answer here is how the polymer is degrading at the nanoscale. The second interesting issue is to see where the particles go within […]

Hydrogel Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Post-Operative Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is an aggressive and incurable type of brain tumor diagnosed to 250.000 patients worldwide. Although a humongous quantity of research and technologies have been tested to fight against this deadly disease, nothing has considerably changed in the last decades, where 90% of the patients face tumor relapse after complex neurosurgery. With our project, we […]

Novel Blood-Brain-Barrier in vitro models

We are working on Melt electrowriting (MEW) of scaffolds for recapitulation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in dynamic on-chip cancer models. This project aims to design a thin polymeric membrane on which relevant for BBB cells to form confluent layers with tight junctions. The membrane will serve as a minimalistic supporting scaffold, favoring cell-cell interactions […]