Research
3D-bioprinted airways: A new breath to replace animal models for lung disease research
This research project focuses on generating a novel model of the human airway wall using 3D bioprinting. To this end we develop bioinks/hydrogels derived from nondiseased and diseased human lung extracellular matrix (ECM). By developing this model we hope to reduce the need for animal experiments in lung research and a better platform in discovering and testing new treatments. Furthermore, with this model we hope to answer some questions on the involvement of the ECM in the pathophysiology of chronic lung diseases such as COPD.
Keywords: 3D, 3D (bio)printing, Extra Cellular Matrix
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