Sol to scaffold: Novel hybrid formulations for 3D biofabrication of in vitro tissue models

Project aims are to develop a platform of novel organic-inorganic hybrid formulations that could be 3D bio-printed and matured, in vitro, into musculoskeletal tissue models to study complex diseases. At present, hydrogels from natural biopolymers are predominantly used for 3D bioprinting. These have several limitations, in particular; batch-to-batch variation, low shape fidelity, limited strength and uncontrolled degradation [3] representing a significant bottle-neck in this research topic. This project will test the hypothesis that novel hybrid materials synthesised here will lead to step changes in 3D bioprinting of in vitro tissue mimics to study and better understand complex diseases.