From 3D bioprinting to functional and adaptive vascular tissue constructs (B04)

• Subject Area: Biomaterials
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 326998133

A key challenge in regenerative medicine is the insufficient vascularization of large tissue constructs. This project aims to bioprint functional, hierarchically organized vascular networks composed of micro- and macrovessels using multipotent human vascular stem cells. These vascular systems will serve as a foundation for constructing complex, perfusable tissues, enabling novel approaches in tissue replacement therapy. Furthermore, such biofabricated human vascular models could also serve as platforms for researching vascular diseases. The integration of patient-derived vascular stem and progenitor cells supports long-term translation into clinical applications.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 225: From the Fundamentals of Biofabrication towards Functional Tissue Models
• Applicant Institution: Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Süleyman Ergün, until 12/2025; Professor Dr. Jürgen Groll; Professor Dr. Florian Kleefeldt, since 1/2026