Collagen-based composite bioink development

The continuous world innovation in the manifacturing techniques led to the development of highly precise technologies such as 3D printing. This technique has been then further improved in such a way to print biomaterials and cells, with extreme precision. It constitute a significant innovation for tissue engineering research. Collagen, the most abundant protein of the human body, is one of the most used and promising biomaterials in tissue engineering, since it provides a favorable environment for cell activities. However, it is mechanically weak, suitable for soft matrix, and for this reason 3D printing is highly challenging. The targeted strategy to overcome this drawback is to combine collagen with other biomaterials, which should act as mechanical reinforcement for the matrix, thus providing the required properties for bioprinting. The hybrid matrix must represent a favorable biological environment for embedded cells. This brings to the choice of natural-derived biomaterials as support to collagen. In this project, we propose a combination of hyaluronic acid and collagen to obtain a printable formulation. The hybrid matrix will be prepared and fully characterized for the printability, and the biological outcome.

Faculty Supervisor:

Diego Mantovani

Student:

Partner:

AO Research Institute Davos

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Advanced Manufacturing; Biotechnology; Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Université Laval

Program: