Thesis title: Engineering microfluidic-assisted 3D bioprinting platforms for skeletal tissue engineering and disease modelling
Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field focused on developing tissue constructs to replace damaged tissues and creating biological models that simulate physiological behaviour. Central to this field is the design of scaffolds that support cellular proliferation, differentiation, and tissue regeneration. Scaffold properties are categorized as microscopic (surface topography, biomolecular composition) and macroscopic (overall shape, size, porosity), both crucial for effective tissue regeneration. Although microscopic features have received considerable attention, replicating the macroscopic, irregular geometries essential for successful implantation remains challenging. Current technologies often fail to achieve both high microscopic fidelity and complex macroscopic shapes, or are prohibitively expensive, limiting accessibility for research institutions. This thesis addresses these challenges by developing affordable, custom-made bioprinting tools and strategies to fabricate non-standard, complex scaffolds with integrated microscopic and macroscopic properties. Key innovations include a bioprinting platform for bone tissue applications, capable of spatial patterning and controlled drug release; advanced methods for producing vascular constructs with mechanical and biological integrity; and non-planar bioprinting with robotic assistance to replicate irregular tissue shapes.