Novel 3D-Bioprintable and Injectable Tissue-Adhesive Biomaterials for Stimuli-Responsive Controlled Release of Therapeutic Agents (TIAD)

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has become the state-of-the-art biofabrication technology to manufacture artificial tissues with the cellular architecture and spatial organization mimicking the native tissues. In 3D bioprinting, a bioink composing of cells and biomaterials is printed layer-by-layer on a pre-designed 3D model in automated and repeatable manner. Despite the promising potential of 3D bioprinting there is still lot to do before it can be applied in medical treatment. In this project we will develop new hyaluronic acid based biomaterials which can be used both as tissue adhesives and as bioinks. The biomaterials will be embedded with therapeutic agents for controlled stimuli responsive drug release and combined with extracellular matrix proteins. Injectability and bioprintability of the adhesive will be evaluated in the presence and absence of cells. The emphasis is on developing fully biocompatible and biodegradable systems which are ready for pre-clinical testing.