Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The principal goal in the field of biofabrication is to produce three-dimensional (3D) constructs to support living cells - a basis for study in tissue engineering and biomedicine. The bioprinting of such 3D structures consists of layer-by-layer deposition of living cells and biocompatible materials ("bioinks") onto a printing stage using a positioning system and a material deposition mechanism. Despite recent progress, few biofabrication methods can create tissue constructs embedded with cells that can accurately mimic a tissue's naturally porous structure and also successfully implement its crucial viscoelastic properties. Pores with dimensions comparable to cell sizes of approximately 10 microns are essential for cellular activity and motility. However, the majority of viscoelastic bioinks are not inherently supermacroporous (SMP) (i.e. pores larger than 1 micron), and the additional processing needed to produce these sizes of pores is not suitable for cell encapsulation. To address the limitations of current methods, the proposed research program will focus on the comprehensive fundamental investigation of SMP viscoelastic bioinks for various biofabrication methods. Particularly, the use of mechanical foaming in combination with mist-based crosslinking will be investigated at the fundamental and applied level to develop highly printable and biocompatible SMP viscoelastic bioinks. At the fundamental level, the proposed research program will contribute to obtaining a better understanding of SMP viscoelastic bioinks, and that the findings of the proposed research program can lead to a paradigm shift in biofabrication. At the applied level, the proposed research program will contribute to the development of next generation bioprinting technologies that can successfully biofabricate personalized living tissue constructs, biologically active implants and ultimately organs that mimic the functionality of their in vivo counterparts. The proposed program will contribute to the training of many HQP to join the private and public sectors and achieve success in their respective careers. Detailed strategies are planned to establish a diverse and inclusive research environment by reducing unconscious bias, addressing gender and diversity biases, removing barriers to underrepresented groups, and providing a flexible and welcoming workspace for all team members. The technologies that will arise as a result of the research program can lead to spin-off companies and commercial development partnerships. The proposed research program is expected to build upon the research excellence achieved by the research team and will ultimately help to strengthen Canada's place as one of the leading countries in the field of biotechnology and biomedical engineering.