Abstract
Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary field that aims to create living biological substitutes with the purpose of partially or totally improve or replace tissues or organs that have been affected by some disease or injury. In addition, there is a part of the discipline that develops in vitro models as an alternative to the use of animals in safety assessment trials. Seeking to mimic reality on the nano, micro, and macro scales of tissues and organs, technologies such as 3D bioprinting and electrospinning can change the way many diseases are treated by replacing damaged tissues with newly created live bioconstructs. With 3D bioprinting it is possible to generate precise and complex multicellular constructions. In addition, it allows precise deposition of individual cells, growth factors and biochemical signals to better meet the specificities of a vascular graft, for example. As is known, vascular networks play an important role in the transport of nutrients, oxygen, metabolic residues and maintenance of homeostasis. The manufacture of vascularized and tubular constructions has remained a challenge so far, but is considered crucial as a starting point for bringing organ engineering to a higher level. With the advancement of bioprinting technology and the knowledge of biomaterials, it is expected that bioprinting can be a viable solution to this problem. Combining bioimpression technology with microextrusion of tubular structures validated during the PIPE Phase I, by using bioprinting and electrospinning techniques, this proposal aims to develop two vascular grafts, A) one acellular and B) one cell-ladden vascular graft, performing the stage of pre-clinical tests in animal model. In addition, validate the bioinks used to be available to the market. Regarding the cell culture stages, the proposal foresees the construction of our own Clean Room lab and for the pre clinical tests in an animal model, we have the collaboration of Prof. Dr. Nivaldo Alonso and PhD. Sonja Ellen Lobo of the Laboratory of Surgery of the Faculty of Medicine of USP. From a market perspective, it is worth mentioning that the few prototypes of bioprinters available in the market are manufactured abroad and that to date, 3DBS is the only national startup developing technology in this field and providing bioprinting products. Participation in PIPE Phase II project will allow us to continue the consolidation of competences aimed at biofabrication and also the consolidation of an own infrastructure adequate to the biosafety requirements to scale the production of biomaterials and biofabricates. This will allow us to enter the market for bio-manufacturing products, specifically therapeutic applications, offering vascular vessels capable of benefiting a number of patients with different vascular diseases, such as stenosis and occlusion of blood vessels. In addition, it will allow us to expand our portfolio of projects by offering specific and customized bioprinter services and courses and theoretical-practical training in the field of bioprinting. (AU)