We use in-vitro cell culture techniques in our biofabrication research. Our aim is to develop and test bioinks and other biomaterials that can be used in additive manufacturing (or 3D bioprinting).
Our research into photo-polymerisable hydrogels offers exciting possibilities as a print medium which, when made into useful geometries and light-cured, provides structurally stable but biodegradable superstructures for hosting live cells and delivering growth and cell signaling factors.
Co-culture models are a growing area of research for us. Our combined technologies can produce complex three-dimensional living tissues, offering us better options for high-volume drug and therapies testing.
Current projects
Developing smart and adaptable bioinks to bridge the gap between native and engineered cartilage tissues
Dr Gabriella Lindberg researches the design of cell-instructive photo-polymerisable hydrogels used as bioinks and bioresins in 3D bioprinting.
Her aim is to develop sophisticated print media to help engineered structures mimic the architectural organisation and biological niche of living tissues that have been lost to trauma or disease.
As new tissue is formed the microenvironments constantly change and so bioinks need to be adaptable and cued to the changing needs of the surrounding living tissues.
Understanding the interactions between materials, cells, and the extra cellular matrix, is key to developing bioresponsive biomaterials that can adapt to the spatial-temporal changes of healing tissues.
Developing a more physiologically relevant 3D breast cancer model
Incorporating breast cancer cells and adipocytes with a visible-light-cured hydrogel system (Gel-MA) is Jessika Wise's research strategy for developing a more physiologically relevant three-dimensional breast cancer model.
This 3D co-culture model is useful for investigating interactions between breast cancer cells and adipocytes which make up a large proportion of the tumour microenvironment, as well as for testing novel therapeutics.
Mimicking native osteochondral tissue generation
Vital to facilitating tissue regeneration is a dynamic, tissue-specific cell environment, including exposure to a range of biological and physical cues that regulate cell behaviour at the microscale (within the cellular microenvironment) and at the macroscale (across the developing tissues).
Bram Soliman aims to mimic native osteochondral tissue generation by combining novel biofabrication strategies with smart bioinks, fashioning them into 3D tissue substitutes and using them to pattern the delivery of growth and organising cues in a spatial-temporal manner.
This project offers hope for expanded treatment options in the field of personalised medical implants. The approach can also be applied to other types of tissues.