Revolutionising tissue reconstruction with bioprinting

The new STRONG-UR bioprinting solution for regenerative medicine combines manufacturing technologies and biomaterials. It aims to create preclinical viable tissue constructs, particularly for the fabrication of tubular organs. The project focuses on the treatment of male urethral strictures which affect a significant proportion of the male population. With specifically designed 3D bioprinter components and biomaterials, it seeks to make personalised, engineered tissue available for medical use.

A significant healthcare challenge

Approximately 0.6% of the male population experiences urethral strictures, obstructing urine flow. This condition often leads to debilitating physical and psychological effects and, in severe cases, results in urinary retention, sexual dysfunction, bladder damage, and kidney failure. The male urethra’s delicate and unique anatomy, surrounded by highly vascularised spongious tissue, presents distinct challenges for treatment.

Current approaches to male urethral repair have limitations, including lack of sufficient autologous tissue (tissue taken from the part of the patient body and used to repair the stricture), donor site morbidity, mechanical and biological mismatch, lack of standardisation, and high treatment costs.

A new horizon for tissue engineering

This EU-funded initiative is pioneering advancements in medical research through cutting-edge bioprinting technology, which allows the creation of customisable tissue constructs with precise cell composition, structure, and mechanical properties. At the core of STRONG-UR’s innovation lies dynamic hydrogel-based biomaterials. These hydrogels provide unparalleled control over the mechanical and biological properties of tissue constructs. This biomaterial combined with living cells forms bioinks which are transformed into intricate biological structures using advanced 3D techniques.