Platform for the personalization of xenogeneic and 3D printed tissue scaffolds

Purpose and goal:

There is a significant lack of organs for patients awaiting transplantation. With tissue engineering, there is a great opportunity to get access to organs without having to use living donors. The purpose and goal of the project is to dramatically advance the field of individualized tissue engineering by developing a production platform based on new xenogeneic (from other species) and 3D-printed materials.

Expected results and effects:

The expected effects are that, based on the production platform that the project will develop, the supply of transplantable materials and organs will increase. These organs will have the advantages of not becoming dependent on living (brain-dead) donors and that through their individualization will be recognized by the body as their own and thus not require lifelong immunosuppressive treatment to counteract rejection.

Approach and implementation:

The project will have four work packages. WP1 will develop materials for 3D printing of blood vessels and urethra. In WP2, protocols for individualization of the various materials will be developed. In WP3, the materials will be validated preclinically for evaluation of functionality and security. WP4 is responsible for overall coordination and project management including project agreements, budget follow-up, reporting, meetings and dissemination of project results.