RESEARCH
Bioprinting technology makes it possible to fabricate a computer designed 3D micro-architecture composed of mulitple types of living cell and biomaterial so that it can produce real organ/tissue-like cellular construct. Numerous researchers have been reported that the biomimetic design is highly beneficial in not only cell culturing but also the regeneration of artificial tissue or organ. Our team will explore about 3D printing process with various types of living cell/biomaterial. And, based on the printing technology, various bioapplications will be studied. Our studies will include following items;
1. 3D bioprinting process to produce biomimetic cellular construct
2. Artificial tissue or organ regeneration
3. Regenerative medicine
4. Body-on-a-chip
5. Drug delivery system
6. Design and development of functional prosthesis
On-going Topics
3D Bio-printing of adipose tissue derived bio-ink
Adipose tissue is one of the most widely implanted tissue for therapeutics and reconstruction. The tissue contains complex extracellular matrix (ECM), adipocyte, stromal vascular fraction (SVF) and etc. However, clinical outcomes of implantation demonstrate prognosis that caused sclerosis and immune-related disease. Our research aims to develop adipose tissue with heterogeneous tissue composition and enhanced survival rate for successful implantation.
3D Bioprinting of designed micro-vascular network
Vasculature is an essential element in artificial tissues and disease model designs. To fabricate desired microvasculature, we designed the multi-cellular construct with 3D bioprinting technology. Two vascular channels were formed with directly printing an endothelial cells-laden bioink. And the capillary network was induced by gradient of angiogenic factors(ex. VEGF) by co-printing the supporting cells. To control the capillary network pattern, different concentrations of hydrogel were patterned to differentiate the diffusion rate of angiogenic factors and matrix stiffness within the structure. Using our strategy, micro-vascular network can be induced in desired pattern modulating the construct design. We demonstrated the feasibility of our vascular patterning technique by engineering various patterns of micro-vascular network. Also, the functionality of induced capillary network was confirmed with dextran infiltration test and observation of the lumen structure. Our bioprinting technique has a great potential to construct bio-mimetic vascular networks within 3D artificial tissues.
3D Bio-printing of Liver decellularized ECM bio-ink
Decellularization is a process that selectively removes cellular components but remains extracellular matrix (ECM). Decellularized ECM (dECM) contains tissue-specific biochemical components. Our group had developed dECM bio-ink which has high mechanical stability and 3D printability. Ongoing researches have focused on a enhancement of hepatocyte functionality and development of drug screening platform by using dECM based bio-ink and 3D bioprinting
3D Bio-printing for xenotransplantation
Xenotransplantation is promising for replacement of lack of human organ. However, success of xenotransplantation in clinics remains a great challenge due to immune response resulting in death of xeno-cells. In this background, co-transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells(MSC) has potential to overcome immune-response through immunomodulatory function. Currently, we are studying to develop xeno-transplant with MSC by using bioprinting technology. In the future, we hope xenotransplantation replace human organ transplantation without using immunosuppressant
3D Bio-printing of breast tumor progression model
Breast tumor is the second highest incidence cancer in the world. Since each patient has a breast tumor with a different progression level for each patient, it is necessary to develop a technology for manufacturing a patient-specific breast tumor model for precision medicine. Therefore, this research team intends to develop a technology for making a breast tumor model that simulates each progression stage of breast tumor by using 3D bio-printing
3D Printing of Drug Delivery System
According to the needs of precision medicine, the development of a patient-specific drug delivery system (DDS) is becoming essential. In the pharmaceutical industry, 3D printing is a useful manufacturing technique to fabricate tailored controlled drug release systems based on digital control. This automated technique can also produce a printed structure on a micro-scale and use multiple printing materials. Moreover, the 3D printed DDS's release characteristics are programmable by controlling capsule geometrical characteristics and material properties. This system consists of biodegradable polymers. Thus, the implant does not need extra surgery to remove. Besides, this system will also be used for effective disease treatment and regeneration, which mimic the biological pathway by controlling multiple drug and proteins release individually.
