3D bioprinting

3D bioprinting is a booming fabrication technique allowing the production of complex structures with unprecedented precision. Biomaterials, bioactive molecules, and living cells can be patterned into highly organized architectures, reproducing the original 3D structure and function of living tissues and organs. The multicomponent scaffolds with flexible, application- and patient-specific designs, can be obtained with high reproducibility. It is therefore especially promising for biomedical applications, giving the possibility of the reconstruction of native tissue morphology, properties, and functions.

High-performance printable materials, that flow easily from a reservoir onto the printing stage and then solidify immediately to maintain the designed shape and function, are in high demand. The available advanced formulations are often complex, require external cues, and/or special pre- or post-printing treatment to adjust viscosity and induce gelation. Therefore, there is a need to explore and develop simple methods for producing hydrogel-based inks, going beyond the approaches that currently exist.

In our projects we are employing 3D bioprinting approaches to construct biomimetic, high shape-fidelity scaffolds with gradients in physical and (bio)chemical features. We are also working on the development of novel printable formulations.