Bioprinted Vascularized Three-Layer Skin Models as Advanced In Vitro Testing Platforms"
Project Leader: Prof. Małgorzata Włodarczyk-Biegun, DSc, Eng., Silesian University of Technology
Implementation period: 01.10.2025 – 30.09.2029
Funding allocated to SUT: 3,999,985.00 PLN
European Funds contribution: 3,999,985.00 PLN
Funding institution: Foundation for Polish Science (First TEAM FENG programme)
Project number: FENG.02.02-IP.05-0263/24
Project tasks
The project will focus on the development of new materials for fused polymer printing as well as hydrogel materials for volumetric bioprinting. A novel volumetric bioprinting method will be designed with particular emphasis on cell viability in the presence of MEW (Melt Electrospinning Writing) meshes. Perfusion systems will be created, and microchips will be fabricated. The project also includes the purchase of a unique volumetric 3D printer (only the second of its kind in Poland), a laminar flow chamber, a cell culture incubator, and a perfusion system.
Target groups
The application of artificial skin models in research on new therapies for skin diseases and wound healing may significantly improve prospects for effective treatment. In addition, the proposed artificial skin models, based on non-animal-derived materials, will substantially reduce the need for animal use in preclinical and pharmaceutical research. The outcomes of the project will also be valuable for companies in the cosmetics industry, enabling them to test the safety and effectiveness of their products.
Project objectives
The project aims to develop comprehensive, dynamic, vascularized three-layer skin models that can operate under both static conditions (culture without medium flow) and dynamic conditions (with medium flow). Skin is a highly hierarchical, composite tissue with a complex structure and diverse fiber arrangements. Our goal is to reproduce this architecture using biomimetic fibrous structures and various skin cell types to obtain models that closely mimic natural tissues. The developed models will provide the most faithful representation of native tissue structure to date. To achieve this, we will employ cutting-edge 3D printing technologies such as Melt Electrospinning Writing (MEW), Volumetric Bioprinting (VBP), and microfluidic systems.
Expected results
Development of comprehensive, dynamic, vascularized three-layer skin models using innovative technologies, confirmed by scientific publications and patent applications.
