3D bioprinter for fundamental and applied biomaterials research

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This application seeks funding for a 3D bioprinter for fundamental and applied research in the field of biomaterials science. It will be used for developing fundamental knowledge about biomaterials' function and performance in vivo. It will be also used for fabricating biomaterials with a broad range of applications, including wound dressings, anisotropic scaffolds for cell culture, skin grafts, models for the eye, artificial bone marrow tissue, and scaffolds for growth of cancer organoids.*** The requested extrusion-based 3D bioprinter will enable fabrication of biomaterials from polymer solutions, melts, suspensions, and hydrogels, including cell-laden inks. Regular and timely access of the applicants' groups to the 3D bioprinter will provide feedback information on ink properties and compositions. This feedback will be used for the development of new and optimization of existing ink formulations. Furthermore, with 3D printed in vitro models of different tissues, the proposed research will help to significantly reduce animal testing. *** The requested equipment is urgently needed by five collaborators that perform innovative research at the interface of polymer and materials chemistry, nanoscience, biophysics, bioengineering, and pharmaceutical sciences. No instrumentation exists in the applicants' departments, which would enable biomaterials synthesis and fabrication that are guided by the feedback provided by 3D printing process. The absence of such equipment delays the decision-making process in materials synthesis and fabrication and hampers progress in NSERC-funded projects.*** The requested equipment is a state of the art 3D bioprinter, CellInk BIO X. It will be used multiple times daily by >20 postdocs and students from 5 research groups. Trainees will use the acquired knowledge and skills in their future careers to develop new products or perform fundamental research. Multidisciplinary training will prepare future scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs. The applicants will make every effort to ensure the diversity of their research teams and inclusivity of their training programs.*** With regular and timely access to 3D bioprinter, the ability of the applicants to make significant advances in the biomaterials science field will be strongly enhanced. *****