Biofabrication, an emerging field that combines biology, engineering, and material science, is revolutionizing healthcare by creating artificial tissues and organs using bioprinting technologies. Dr. Paulina Bernal, a biofabrication researcher at the University Medical Center Utrecht, is at the forefront of developing advanced bioprinting techniques for tissue engineering. Her work focuses on improving scalability and functionality for regenerative medicine.
Bernal’s research on volumetric bioprinting, a technique developed in 2019, has shown promising results in creating large, architecturally intricate living structures in seconds, without subjecting cells to stress. This technique offers stress-free printing using light-based approaches, enabling the rapid production of complex tissues with unprecedented speed and precision.
The potential applications of bioprinted tissues are significant, offering personalized approaches in regenerative medicine by incorporating patient-derived cells for in vitro modeling and disease research. The design freedom provided by volumetric printing allows researchers to mimic the functions of specific tissues or organs by tweaking architectural properties, as demonstrated in the development of functional “mini-livers” for waste metabolism.
Challenges in scaling up bioprinting for medical use include demonstrating tissue functionality matching native organs and ensuring regulatory compliance. However, Bernal is optimistic about the future of biofabrication, with potential clinical translations within the next decade. While the road to fully functional bioprinted tissues may be long, advancements in technology and research are promising.
Bernal’s ongoing research focuses on exploring the possibilities of volumetric bioprinting in various tissues and organs, aiming to contribute to the translational pipeline for regenerative solutions. As a young technique, volumetric bioprinting holds immense potential for revolutionizing healthcare, and researchers like Bernal are dedicated to advancing this transformative field.
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