3D-L-INKED – – Novel visible light-degradable hydrogels embedded with cell-laden proteinosomes for the 3D bioprinting of diaphragm-like muscle tissues – PRIN (Progetti di Ricerca di Interesse Nazionale) PNRR 2022, Italian Ministry of University and Research
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare birth defect that implies an incomplete development of the diaphragmatic muscle involving the herniation of abdominal organs in the chest. This research project aims to introduce a disruptive new strategy for the fabrication of 3D printed, myoblast-laden, patient-specific patches for the potential treatment of postnatal CDH. Although attempts have been reported to 3D bioprint constructs that mimic muscular tissue, their clinical translation has not been achieved yet. In order to solve this key issue, 3D-L-INKED will introduce a novel chemically crosslinked hydrogel acting as the support for bioprinting and tissue growth that can be gradually degraded using visible light and, ultimately, removed completely upon tissue maturation. Another important challenge of bioprinting is to reduce the high shear and compressive stress that is exerted on the cells during their extrusion through the printer nozzles. To address this challenge, we will pioneer the encapsulation of cells inside soft, semipermeable and biocompatible microcompartments called “proteinosomes” that will function as protective “shells” against mechanical stress resulting from bioprinting.
Start date: 29 November 2023
End date: 28 November 2025
Role: Scientific coordinator
Partners: University of Padova (Padua, Italy)
More Info:
Research outputs
| Team members | Type of divulgation activity | Description | Audience (type&number) |
| All | Workshop | Kick-off meeting and industry outreach, with Enphos S.R.L. (Verona) and Nanophoenix (Trieste) | Industry, <50 |
The Gobbo Group 