Abstract

Biomaterials for Biofabrication

Ferry Melchels, Assistant Professor, Heriot-Watt University

Over the years, requirements for biomaterials have changed substantially. Desired specifications have evolved from (bio)inert, non-degradable and non-immunogenic to biointeractive, degradable and immunomodulatory. The application with biofabrication techniques imposes an extra set of requirements. These depend on the technique employed, and may include rheological properties (e.g. for extrusion or dispensing), gelation/solidification kinetics (influencing shape fidelity) and mechanical properties (determining stability). Materials used with biofabrication techniques can generally be classified as either: A) scaffolding or substrate materials B) bio-ink or artificial extracellular matrix materials C) processing aids or support materials. The lack of suitable biomaterials has been identified as a major hurdle for a more rapid progress of the field. This talk will give an overview of the biomaterials used in the area of biofabrication, and provide insight in the opportunities, limitations and challenges associated with specific biomaterials and biofabrication techniques.