Bio-printed fiber-reinforced spinal cord tissue models for the study of neurodegenerative diseases (B10[A07])

• Subject Area: Biomaterials ; Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 326998133

Project combines soft HA-SH-based hydrogels with bioactive micro- and nanofibers to develop an anisotropic, functional 3D spinal cord model. By integrating ECM molecules, releasable growth factors, and aligned fiber architectures, the project investigates microenvironment-dependent effects on neuronal maturation and network formation. The aim is to establish a standardized in vitro model to study spinal pathomechanisms such as hyperekplexia, addressing the limitations of conventional 2D cultures, including ethical and translational concerns of animal models, in line with the 3R principle.

• 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: Dr.-Ing. Gregor Lang, since 1/2026; Dr. Natascha Schäfer, since 1/2026