Development of NanoBiomaterials for 3D/4D Bioprinting

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Millions of people are on the waiting list for organ transplantation worldwide. Even people fortunate to receive organ transplants risk severe complications. For decades, researchers have been trying to develop alternative solutions. It is our dream that grafts, organ patches, and even full replacement organs can be fabricated using a patient's own cells. 3D bioprinting, an emerging branch of additive manufacturing, may make this dream come true. Furthermore, 3D bioprinted tissue models using human-derived cells can make drug testing faster, cheaper, and with better biological relevance to humans than animal testing, reducing the time and cost of developing life-saving medicine. The potential social and economic impacts of 3D bioprinting are enormous. 3D bioprinting uses biomaterials and cells as "bioink" to print 3D tissue-like structures. The past few years saw a rapid rise in research on bioink materials, printing tools and methods. However, significant technological hurdles remain. This proposed research program aims to leverage our expertise and experience in chemistry and nanomaterial to develop novel bioink materials. The novel bioink is designed for a 3D bioprinting method called microextrusion, a commonly used method that builds structure by dispensing viscous bioink through a nozzle. Although suited for printing with high cell density, the extrusion method is not ideal for precision printing and the high pressure applied during printing can adversely affect cells. To address the limitations and realize the full potential of microextrusion printing, we propose composites of carbon-based nanomaterials, polymers, and their chemical derivatives and a robust cross-linking strategy, enabling printing in cellular resolution and with a print speed 2 orders higher than the state-of-the-art. We will showcase the "printability" of the bioink by 3D printing of human blood vessels and gels encapsulating nerve cells. In the grand scheme of things, our research will enrich the library of ink materials for high-throughput 3D bioprinting, filling a major gap in biomanufacturing and thrusting translational research on 3D bioprinting. The knowledge gained will also greatly benefit future material development and be of interest to chemists and material scientists. The proposed program enable us to continue in training and retaining Canada's brightest minds, as well as attracting foreign talents. The requested grant will support three trainees at any point during the funding period to gain comprehensive research skills. The multidisciplinary nature of the proposed research will provide trainees with a unique opportunity in work revolving fundamental and applied science, nurturing for the next-generation well-rounded scientists. It is also our goal to train highly qualified personnel who will contribute to the Canadian scientific excellence and supply highly skilled workers for the fast-growing biomanufacturing industry in Canada.